2023 BMW X3
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2023 models.

- 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
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
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
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M40i 4dr SUV | 185.4 in | 74.4 in | 66.1 in | 112.6 in | 63 / 63.8 in | 4,229 lb | 50/50 |
| Xdrive30e PHEV 4dr SUV | 185.4 in | 74.4 in | 66.1 in | 112.6 in | 63.8 / 64.6 in | 4,597 lb | 48/52 |
| Xdrive30i 4dr SUV | 185.4 in | 74.4 in | 66.1 in | 112.6 in | 63.8 / 64.6 in | 4,151 lb | 50/50 |
| M 4dr SUV | 185.4 in | 74.4 in | 66.1 in | 112.6 in | 63.8 / 64.6 in | 4,630 lb | 50/50 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| X3 sDrive30i | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 23 / 29 / 25 | -9% | $3,300 | 352 |
| X3 xDrive30i | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 21 / 28 / 24 | -4% | $3,400 | 369 |
| X3 M40i Hybrid | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 21 / 26 / 23 | -8% | $3,550 | 378 |
| X3 M | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 15 / 20 / 17 | -32% | $4,850 | 519 |
| X3 M Competition | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 15 / 20 / 17 | -32% | $4,850 | 519 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2023 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 BMW X3 SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 17.1% |
| 2023 BMW X3 SUV RWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 17.2% |


Similar 2023 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 BMW X3 (this car) | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2023 Mercedes-Benz G-Class | 14 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y | 330 mi | Not rated | 17 |
| 2023 Porsche Cayenne | 19 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2023 BMW X5 | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2023 Land Rover Defender | 20 MPG | Not rated | 9 |
| 2023 Lexus RX | 36 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
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.
Not every 2023 BMW X3 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2023 BMW X3 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 4 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Structure › Body — 3 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
- Electrical System — 3 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 20 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- 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 →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 X3 | 29 | 187.4 in | Not rated | 2 | 22 |
| 2025 X3 | 29 | 187.4 in | ★★★★★ | 9 | 38 |
| 2024 X3 | 25 | 185.4 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 42 |
| 2022 X3 | 25 | 185.4 in | ★★★★★ | 7 | 86 |
| 2021 X3 | 27 | 185.4 in | ★★★★★ | 10 | 113 |
| 2020 X3 | 27 | 185.4 in | ★★★★★ | 16 | 110 |
| 2019 X3 | 26 | 185.4 in | ★★★★★ | 10 | 171 |
| 2018 X3 | 25 | 185.4 in | Not rated | 11 | 76 |
| 2017 X3 | 24 | 183.1 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 92 |
| 2016 X3 | 30 | 183.1 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 82 |
| 2015 X3 | 30 | 183.1 in | Not rated | 7 | 104 |
| 2014 X3 | 24 | 183.1 in | Not rated | 6 | 83 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or BMW. How we calculate this →