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BMW X3 vs Audi Q3

2026 BMW X3
2026 BMW X3
$51,300MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2026 Audi Q3
2026 Audi Q3
$43,700MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2026 BMW X3
$51,300MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2026 Audi Q3
$43,700MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP

$51,300

MSRP

$43,700

Listings

226

Listings

299

Ratings & Reviews

User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

6.7 out of 10

Expert reviews

7.5 out of 10

Pros

  • Fun to drive

  • Comfortable

  • Good value for money

Cons

  • Potentially polarizing design

  • Interior materials feel cheap

  • Quirky technology

Pros

  • Powerful engine

  • Standard all-wheel drive

  • Excellent value for money

Cons

  • Fairly pedestrian performance

  • Irritating transmission

Reviews Summary

BMW offers the 2026 X3 in two flavors: 30 xDrive and M50. The latter is tuned for performance, but the base X3 30 xDrive is so good that you might be happy trading the M50’s outright speed and sheer capability for significant savings. BMW redesigned this compact luxury crossover in 2025, and the only tweaks for 2026 make the base model look and feel a little more upscale inside.

Verdict: For this review, we evaluated the BMW X3 M50. It was terrific, but with a sticker price more than $15,000 higher than the rewarding X3 30 xDrive, it’s hard to justify the extra money.

Reviews Summary

The entry-level model in Audi’s SUV lineup, the Q3 has been redesigned for the 2026 model year. While it rides on the same Volkswagen Group MQB platform as before, the new Q3 boasts more interior space, more power, and more tech features. That combination keeps competitors—including the Acura ADX, the BMW X1, the Lexus UX, the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class, and the Volvo XC40—honest.

Verdict: While not a thrill to drive or to look at, the redesigned Q3 delivers impressive utility, technology, and convenience features for its price.

No video found
No video found

Popular Features & Specs

Engine

2.0L 255 hp I4

Engine

2.0L 255 hp I4

Drive Train

AWD

Drive Train

AWD

Seating Capacity

5

Seating Capacity

5

Horsepower

255 hp @ 4700 rpm

Horsepower

255 hp @ 5250 rpm

MPG City

27

MPG City

22

MPG Highway

33

MPG Highway

29
2026 BMW X3
2026 BMW X3
$51,300MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2026 Audi Q3
2026 Audi Q3
$43,700MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2026 BMW X3
$51,300MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2026 Audi Q3
$43,700MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP
$51,300
$43,700
Listings

Ratings & Reviews

User reviews

4.5

4.7

Expert reviews

6.7 out of 10

Read full review

7.5 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons

Pros

  • Fun to drive

  • Comfortable

  • Good value for money

Cons

  • Potentially polarizing design

  • Interior materials feel cheap

  • Quirky technology

Pros

  • Powerful engine

  • Standard all-wheel drive

  • Excellent value for money

Cons

  • Fairly pedestrian performance

  • Irritating transmission

Summary

BMW offers the 2026 X3 in two flavors: 30 xDrive and M50. The latter is tuned for performance, but the base X3 30 xDrive is so good that you might be happy trading the M50’s outright speed and sheer capability for significant savings. BMW redesigned this compact luxury crossover in 2025, and the only tweaks for 2026 make the base model look and feel a little more upscale inside.

Verdict: For this review, we evaluated the BMW X3 M50. It was terrific, but with a sticker price more than $15,000 higher than the rewarding X3 30 xDrive, it’s hard to justify the extra money.

The entry-level model in Audi’s SUV lineup, the Q3 has been redesigned for the 2026 model year. While it rides on the same Volkswagen Group MQB platform as before, the new Q3 boasts more interior space, more power, and more tech features. That combination keeps competitors—including the Acura ADX, the BMW X1, the Lexus UX, the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class, and the Volvo XC40—honest.

Verdict: While not a thrill to drive or to look at, the redesigned Q3 delivers impressive utility, technology, and convenience features for its price.

Video
No video found
No video found

Popular Features & Specs

Engine
2.0L 255 hp I4
2.0L 255 hp I4
Drive Train
AWD
AWD
Seating Capacity
5
5
Horsepower
255 hp @ 4700 rpm
255 hp @ 5250 rpm
MPG City
27
22
MPG Highway
33
29
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