Makes›BMW›X3›2023

2023 BMW X3

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2023 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
Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Premium Gasoline, Hybrid
MPG (best)
25 combined · 23 city / 29 hwy
Length
185.4 in
Curb weight
4,151–4,630 lb
NHTSA rating
★★★★★
Recalls
4 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Strong performanceUp to 473 hp, versus about 362 hp for similar 2023 models.
  • Hybrid version availableOffered as a 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.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 37 similar 2023 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2023 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 25 MPG combined (23 city / 29 highway), 9% worse than the 2023 small SUV average of 27.4 MPG, for an estimated $3,300 a year in fuel.

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

It has 4 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 15 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.

What changed for 2023

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2022 X3 — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2022; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2022 X3 →

Trims, performance & features

Engine248 hp2.0L 4-cyl
Engine382–473 hp3.0L 6-cyl
DriveAWD/4WD

Trims

sDrive30iM40ixDrive30ixDrive30i SAX3 M/M Competition

Safety & driver-assist features

Automatic emergency brakingStandard
Forward collision warningStandard
Blind-spot monitoringStandard
Rear cross-traffic alertStandard
Lane departure warningStandard
Lane keeping assistOptional
Adaptive cruise controlOptional
Parking assistOptional
Backup cameraStandard
Automatic high beamsStandard
Keyless startStandard
LED headlightsYes

Built in: Greer, South Carolina · Rosslyn, South Africa

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2023 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 Drive23 / 29 / 25-9%$3,300352
X3 xDrive30i2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S8)All-Wheel Drive21 / 28 / 24-4%$3,400369
X3 M40i Hybrid3.0L 6-cyl turboAutomatic (S8)All-Wheel Drive21 / 26 / 23-8%$3,550378
X3 M3.0L 6-cyl turboAutomatic (S8)All-Wheel Drive15 / 20 / 17-32%$4,850519
X3 M Competition3.0L 6-cyl turboAutomatic (S8)All-Wheel Drive15 / 20 / 17-32%$4,850519
5/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
5/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $4,500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
27.4 MPG2023 Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2023 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

VersionOverallFrontalDriver / passengerSideSide poleRolloverRollover risk
2023 BMW X3 SUV AWD★★★★★★★★★★5★ / 5★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★17.1%
2023 BMW X3 SUV RWD★★★★★★★★★★5★ / 5★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★17.2%
StandardElectronic stability control
Not availableForward collision warning
Not availableLane departure warning
Frontal crash test — 2023 BMW X3 SUV AWD
Frontal crash test — 2023 BMW X3 SUV AWD. Photo: NHTSA.
Side crash test — 2023 BMW X3 SUV AWD
Side crash test — 2023 BMW X3 SUV AWD. Photo: NHTSA.

Similar 2023 small SUVs

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2023 BMW X3 (this car)25 MPG★★★★★4
2023 Mercedes-Benz G-Class14 MPGNot rated0
2023 Tesla Model Y330 miNot rated17
2023 Porsche Cayenne19 MPGNot rated2
2023 BMW X523 MPG★★★★★4
2023 Land Rover Defender20 MPGNot rated9
2023 Lexus RX36 MPGNot rated4

Recalls (4)

Electrical System › Starter Assembly · Jan 30, 2026

NHTSA campaign 26V056000 · 87,394 vehicles

Problem
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Toyota Supra, 2022-2023 2 Series Coupe, 2021-2024 5 Series (xDrive), 2021-2022 Z4, 2022-2024 4 Series (Gran Coupe), 2021-2024 4 Series (Convertible and xDrive Convertible), 2021-2023 4 Series (Coupe), 2021-2024 3 Series, 2021-2023 X4, 2021-2024 X3 vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of all models. The engine starter may overheat and catch fire due to wear on an internal component.
Risk
Fire increases the risk of injury.
Fix
Dealers will replace the engine starter, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 21, 2026. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning March 24, 2026.
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Lock · Feb 20, 2025

NHTSA campaign 25V106000 · 40,736 vehicles

Problem
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2022-2024 X3 sDrive30i and X3 xDrive30i vehicles. The second-row seat side door locking modules may not function properly and allow the doors to be unlocked with a single motion. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 206, "Door Locks and Door Retention Components."
Risk
Doors that can be inadvertently unlocked and unlatched may open unexpectedly, increasing the risk of injury to rear seat occupants.
Fix
Dealers will replace the second-row seat side door locking modules, free of charge. A letter informing owners of the safety risk was mailed on April 21, 2025. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 800-525-7417.
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.
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Control Module (Tcm/Pcm/Tecm) · Dec 6, 2023

NHTSA campaign 23V821000 · 552 vehicles

Problem
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2023 Toyota GR Supra, 3 Series Sedan (330i xDrive, M340i xDrive, M3), 5 Series Sedan (530i, 530i xDrive, M5), 4 Series Gran Coupe (430i, 430i xDrive), 4 Series Coupe (430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive), 4 Series Convertible (430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive), 8 Series Coupe (840i, M850i xDrive, M8), 8 Series Convertible (840i, M850i xDrive, M8), 8 Series Gran Coupe (850i xDrive, M8), X3 SAV (X3 xDrive30i, X3M), X4 SAV (X4 xDrive30i), X5 SAV (X5 xDrive40i, X5 M50i, X5M), X6 SAV (X6 xDrive40i, X6 M50i, X6M), and Z4 sDrive30i, Z4 M40i vehicles. The weld seam of the integrated transmission control unit's cover may not have been manufactured properly, which could allow automatic transmission oil to leak into the transmission control unit.
Risk
Transmission oil that leaks into the control unit can lead to a seizure of the transmission gears, causing a sudden loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will replace the transmission mechatronics module and the automatic transmission fluid, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 26, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2023 BMW X3 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

15Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
1Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
1Injuries reported
20 miTypical mileage at failure
Engine4
Structure › Body3
Electrical System3
Unknown Or Other1
Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking1
Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings1
Power Train1
Exterior Lighting1
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
23/04: 123/05: 123/07: 223/10: 124/02: 124/10: 125/02: 125/03: 126/05: 126/07: 126/09: 423/0423/0724/0225/0226/0526/09max 4

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2023 BMW X3 buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Engine — 4 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  3. Structure › Body — 3 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
  4. Electrical System — 3 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 20 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
  7. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2023 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
2022 X325185.4 in★★★★★786
2021 X327185.4 in★★★★★10113
2020 X327185.4 in★★★★★16110
2019 X326185.4 in★★★★★10171
2018 X325185.4 inNot rated1176
2017 X324183.1 in★★★★★692
2016 X330183.1 in★★★★★582
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 →