Makes›BMW›X3›2020

2020 BMW X3

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2020 models.

BMW X3
Pictured: BMW X3 M (G01) FL IAA 2021 1X7A0001. Photo: Alexander Migl, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Body styles
M40i 4dr SUV, Xdrive30e PHEV 4dr SUV, Xdrive30i 4dr SUV, M 4dr SUV
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo
Horsepower
248–473 hp
Transmission
8-speed automatic
Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Seats
5
Fuel
Premium Gasoline, Plug-in Hybrid
MPG (best)
27 combined · 25 city / 29 hwy
Length
185.4 in
Curb weight
4,151–4,630 lb
NHTSA rating
★★★★★
Recalls
16 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Plug-in hybrid version availableOffered as a plug-in hybrid as well as gas.
  • AWD / 4WD available
  • 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.

Watch out for

  • Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
  • Many owner complaints110 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 25 for similar models — most often about the electrical system.
  • "Do not drive" recallCheck that the recall repair was done before buying or driving.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 29 similar 2020 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2020 BMW X3 is a small SUV offered with 2 engines (2.0L 4-cyl turbo and 3.0L 6-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version and rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.

It measures about 185 inches long and 74 inches wide on a 113-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,229 lb (M40i 4dr SUV).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 27 MPG combined (25 city / 29 highway), 5% better than the 2020 small SUV average of 25.6 MPG, for an estimated $3,050 a year in fuel.

In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.

It has 16 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 110 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.

What changed for 2020

  • New plug-in hybrid version

Compared with 2019; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2019 X3 →

Trims, performance & features

Engine248 hp2.0L 4-cyl
Engine355–473 hp3.0L 6-cyl
Transmission8-speed automatic
DriveAWD/4WD
Seating5 seats · 2 rows

Trims

xDrive30isDrive30iM40iX3 M

Safety & driver-assist features

Automatic emergency brakingStandard
Pedestrian emergency brakingStandard
Forward collision warningStandard
Adaptive cruise controlStandard
Backup cameraStandard
Automatic high beamsStandard
Adaptive driving beamStandard
Keyless startStandard
LED headlightsYes

Built in: Greer, South Carolina

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2020 X3 configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
M40i 4dr SUV185.4 in74.4 in66.1 in112.6 in63 / 63.8 in4,229 lb50/50
Xdrive30e PHEV 4dr SUV185.4 in74.4 in66.1 in112.6 in63.8 / 64.6 in4,597 lb48/52
Xdrive30i 4dr SUV185.4 in74.4 in66.1 in112.6 in63.8 / 64.6 in4,151 lb50/50
M 4dr SUV185.4 in74.4 in66.1 in112.6 in63.8 / 64.6 in4,630 lb50/50

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
X3 sDrive30i2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S8)Rear-Wheel Drive25 / 29 / 27+5%$3,050332
X3 xDrive30i2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S8)All-Wheel Drive24 / 29 / 26+11%$3,150345
X3 xDrive30e Plug-in Hybrid2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S8)All-Wheel Drive21 / 27 / 24+2%$3,400204
X3 M40i3.0L 6-cyl turboAutomatic (S8)All-Wheel Drive21 / 27 / 23-2%$3,550379
X3 M3.0L 6-cyl turboAutomatic (S8)All-Wheel Drive14 / 19 / 16-32%$5,150546
X3 M Competition3.0L 6-cyl turboAutomatic (S8)All-Wheel Drive14 / 19 / 16-32%$5,150546
7/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
9/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $1,000Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
25.6 MPG2020 Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2020 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

VersionOverallFrontalDriver / passengerSideSide poleRolloverRollover risk
2020 BMW X3 SUV RWD★★★★★★★★★★5★ / 5★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★17.2%
2020 BMW X3 SUV AWD★★★★★★★★★★5★ / 5★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★17.1%
StandardElectronic stability control
StandardForward collision warning
OptionalLane departure warning
Frontal crash test — 2020 BMW X3 SUV RWD
Frontal crash test — 2020 BMW X3 SUV RWD. Photo: NHTSA.
Side crash test — 2020 BMW X3 SUV RWD
Side crash test — 2020 BMW X3 SUV RWD. Photo: NHTSA.

Similar 2020 small SUVs

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2020 BMW X3 (this car)27 MPG★★★★★16
2020 Mercedes-Benz G-Class14 MPGNot rated0
2020 Tesla Model Y316 mi★★★★★24
2020 Porsche Cayenne21 MPGNot rated6
2020 BMW X523 MPG★★★★★11
2020 Land Rover Defender19 MPGNot rated7
2020 Lexus RX30 MPGNot rated2

Recalls (16)

Safety advisory: 2 recalls for this model year carry a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Check your VIN now.
Electrical System › Starter Assembly › Relay · Sep 23, 2025 Park outside

NHTSA campaign 25V636000 · 199,674 vehicles

Problem
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2021 BMW 330i, 2019-2022 BMW Z4, 2020-2022 BMW 530i, X3, X4, Toyota Supra, 2021-2022 BMW 430i, 430i Convertible, and 2022 BMW 230i vehicles. The engine starter relay may corrode, causing the relay to overheat and short circuit.
Risk
A short circuit in the starter relay may increase the risk of a fire.
Fix
Owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures until the remedy is complete. Dealers will replace the engine starter, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 6, 2026. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov November 14, 2025.
Structure · Oct 15, 2024

NHTSA campaign 24V764000 · 8,725 vehicles

Problem
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018-2022 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, and X3 M vehicles. The attachment for the rear cargo rail may become damaged in a rear crash and result in the cargo rail detaching.
Risk
Interior rear cargo rail detachment during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
Fix
Dealers will replace the rear cargo rail attachment bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 12, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Vehicles in this recall were previously remedied for this issue under recall number 24V-534 and will need to have the new repair completed.
Structure · Jul 17, 2024

NHTSA campaign 24V534000 · 282,387 vehicles

Problem
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018-2023 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, and X3 M vehicles. The attachment for the interior cargo rail may become damaged in a rear crash and result in the cargo rail detaching.
Risk
Interior cargo rail detachment during a rear crash can increase the risk of injury.
Fix
Dealers will replace the rear cargo rail attachment bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 2, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Seats · Mar 29, 2023

NHTSA campaign 23V211000 · 51 vehicles

Problem
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2021 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i xDrive, 2020-2021 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, X3M, 2021 X3 xDrive30e, X4 xDrive30i, and X4M vehicles. The seat frame may not have been welded properly to the seat rails.
Risk
An improperly welded seat frame may not properly restrain the occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix
Dealers will replace the seat frame and back rest, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 22, 2023. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Engine · Aug 2, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V598000 · 50,024 vehicles

Problem
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 M340i, M340i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, X3 M40i, 2020-2021 X4 M40i, 745Le xDrive, 2019-2021 Z4 M40i, and 2020-2021 Toyota Supra vehicles. During engine start, the engine management software may cause loss of braking assist. Full mechanical braking (without assist) remains available.
Risk
Loss of braking assist can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will update the engine management software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 17, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Back Over Prevention › Software · Feb 19, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V096000 · 13,858 vehicles

Problem
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2021 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, X3M, X4 xDrive30i, X4 M40i, M550i, X4M, X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 xDrive50i, X5M, X5 M50i, X7 xDrive40i, X7 xDrive50i, X7 M50i, Alpina XB7, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, and 8 Series Coupe, Convertible and Grand Coupe, 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, M8, 2020-2021 530e, 530e xDrive, 330e, 330e xDrive, 745Le, 745Le xDrive, X5 xDrive45e, X3 xDrive30e, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, X6 xDrive50i, X6 M50i, X6M, 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 740i, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, M760i Drive, M760Li xDrive, 750Li xDrive Alpina, Alpina B7 xDrive, and 2021 4 Series Coupe 430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive vehicles. When shifting into Reverse, a small portion of the rearview image may be obscured, or the screen may not illuminate. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Risk
If the driver relies on only the rearview camera image, the missing or reduced rearview image view can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Fix
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rearview camera software and update it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 16, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Electrical System › Propulsion System › Traction Battery · Sep 30, 2020

NHTSA campaign 20V601000 · 4,509 vehicles

Problem
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 530e, 530e xDrive, 530e iPerformance and X3 xDrive30e and MINI Cooper Countryman All4 SE, 2020 BMW i8, and 2021 330e, 330e xDrive, 745Le xDrive and X5 xDrive45e vehicles. Debris may have entered one or more of the hybrid battery cells during their production.
Risk
The debris could result in a short-circuit, increasing the risk of fire or injury.
Fix
BMW will inspect and, if necessary, replace the battery module free of charge. The remedy is currently being developed. Until the remedy is completed, drivers are instructed to not charge their vehicles. Drivers are instructed to not drive in manual mode, sport mode, and to not use the shift paddles. Owners were notified of the safety risk October 23, 2020. The recall began November 24, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera · Sep 30, 2020

NHTSA campaign 20V598000 · 312 vehicles

Problem
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 X3 sDrive 30i, X3 xDrive 30i, X3M 40i, X3 xDrive 30e, X4 xDrive 30i, X4M 40i, 530i, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 550e, 550e xDrive, and 550e iPerformance vehicles. A small portion of the rearview image may be slightly obscured. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Risk
If the driver relies on only the rearview camera image, the reduced rearview image view can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Fix
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, program the rearview camera with updated software. The recall began November 18, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Electrical System › Propulsion System › Traction Battery · Aug 18, 2020

NHTSA campaign 20V490000 · 713 vehicles

Problem
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 330e and X5 xDrive45e, 2020-2021 X3 xDrive30e, and 2020 MINI Countryman SE ALL4 vehicles. Loose welding beads may form a conductive path between the hybrid battery cells which could lead to a short-circuit.
Risk
A short-circuited hybrid battery may increase the risk of a fire.
Fix
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the battery modules, free of charge. BMW issued owners an interim notification on October 16, 2020. Although potentially affected BMW owners received interim owner notification letters, all potentially affected BMW owner vehicles have been remedied; therefore, BMW Final owner notification letters will not be necessary. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera · Jul 29, 2020

NHTSA campaign 20V443000 · 5 vehicles

Problem
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 X3 sDrive40i, X3 xDrive40i and X3M40i vehicles. These vehicles were not programmed with rearview camera software during assembly, therefore, when the transmission is shifted to reverse, a rearview image is not displayed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."
Risk
An inoperative rearview camera display can increase the risk of a crash when reversing.
Fix
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will program the affected vehicles with rearview camera software, free of charge. The recall began August 14, 2020. All vehicles have been remedied as of November 9, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Steering › Linkages › Tie Rod Assembly · Jun 15, 2020

NHTSA campaign 20V355000 · 2,779 vehicles

Problem
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019 Z4 sDrive30i, 2019-2020 330i xDrive, M340i and M340i xDrive, 2020 X3M and X4M, and Toyota Supra vehicles. In certain driving conditions, such as high temperatures and rough road surfaces, a steering gear tie rod may become damaged, possibly resulting in a fractured tie rod.
Risk
A damaged or fractured tie rod may affect vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
BMW and Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering gear tie rods, free of charge. The recall began August 14, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371.
Seat Belts › Pretensioner · Mar 19, 2020

NHTSA campaign 20V164000 · 3,316 vehicles

Problem
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 X3 xDrive30e, X4 xDrive30i, X4 M40i, X4M, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, 840i Gran Coupe, 840i xDrive Gran Coupe, M850i xDrive Gran Coupe, M8 Gran Coupe, X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, X3M, and 840i xDrive Convertible vehicles. The sensors in the front seat belt buckles may inaccurately detect a belted occupant as unbelted, possibly causing the air bag and seat belt pretensioners to deploy improperly in the event of a crash.
Risk
If the air bag and/or seat belt pretensioners deploy improperly in the event of a crash, there is an increased risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.
Fix
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the front seat belt buckles, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 18, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel · Mar 18, 2020

NHTSA campaign 20V152000 · 15 vehicles

Problem
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2020 X4 xDrive30i and X4 M40i, and 2018-2020 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, and X3M vehicles. The instrument panel casing may not have been tightened properly to the passenger air bag.
Risk
In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, the air bag could damage the instrument panel and cause small pieces of the panel to strike the driver or other occupants, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the instrument panel casing, free of charge. The recall began May 15, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Steering › Rack And Pinion › Pinion Shaft · Oct 16, 2019

NHTSA campaign 19V738000 · 20 vehicles

Problem
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 BMW X3 M40i and X4 M40i vehicles. The steering rack pinion teeth may break under load, resulting in a loss of steering control.
Risk
A loss of steering control increases risk of a crash.
Fix
BMW has notified owners, and dealers will replace the steering gear, free of charge. The recall began October 9, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera · Sep 27, 2019

NHTSA campaign 19V684000 · 257,473 vehicles

Problem
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 540d, 2018-2020 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 530e, 530e xDrive, X3 sDrive, X3 xDrive, X3 M40i, X3 M, and 2019-2020 X4 xDrive, X4 M40i, X4 M, X7 xDrive, X7 M50i, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, 750Li, 750Li xDrive, 8 Series Convertible and Coupe 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, X5 sDrive, X5 xDrive, X5 M50i, X6 xDrive, X6 M50i, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, Z4 sDrive, Z4 M40i, 740Le xDrive and 745Le xDrive, 2018-2019 640i xDrive Gran Turismo and Rolls-Royce Phantom, 2019 M850i xDrive Gran Coupe and Rolls-Royce Cullinan and 2020 Toyota Supra vehicles. The back-up camera and display settings can be adjusted such that the rear view image is no longer visible and the system will retain that setting the next time the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."
Risk
The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
Fix
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will update the back-up camera software, free of charge. The recall began November 8, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or Rolls-Royce at 1-877-877-3735. Toyota owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371.
Suspension › Front · Sep 25, 2019 Do not drive

NHTSA campaign 19V678000 · 368 vehicles

Problem
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, and X3 M40i vehicles, X4 xDrive30i, and X4 M40i vehicles. The front axle swivel bearings may not have been properly heat treated during manufacturing, reducing their strength and possibly causing them to break.
Risk
Broken swivel bearings can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
BMW has notified owners and instructed them to not drive their vehicles. Dealers will replace the front axle swivel bearings, free of charge. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2020 BMW X3 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

110Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
2Involved a crash
6Involved a fire
0Injuries reported
21,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Electrical System35
Engine26
Unknown Or Other17
Power Train10
Air Bags7
Fuel/Propulsion System6
Structure › Body4
Exterior Lighting4
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
24/04: 124/06: 124/08: 124/09: 124/10: 224/11: 324/12: 125/01: 125/03: 125/05: 125/06: 225/08: 225/10: 325/11: 125/12: 626/01: 726/02: 726/03: 626/04: 626/05: 326/06: 426/07: 126/08: 226/10: 124/0424/0924/1225/0525/1026/0126/0426/07max 7

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2020 BMW X3 buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 16 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Safety-critical recall. At least one recall carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Do not buy until the VIN shows it was repaired.
  3. Electrical System — 35 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  4. Engine — 26 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  5. Power Train — 10 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  6. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 21,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  7. Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
  8. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2020 BMW X3. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other X3 years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2026 X329187.4 inNot rated222
2025 X329187.4 in★★★★★938
2024 X325185.4 in★★★★★342
2023 X325185.4 in★★★★★415
2022 X325185.4 in★★★★★784
2021 X327185.4 in★★★★★10113
2019 X326185.4 in★★★★★10171
2018 X325185.4 inNot rated1176
2017 X324183.1 inNot rated692
2016 X330183.1 inNot rated582
2015 X330183.1 inNot rated7104
2014 X324183.1 inNot rated683

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or BMW. How we calculate this →