Comparing The Volvo XC60 And BMW X3: Performance, Style, And Features
The compact luxury SUV segment is hotly contested in terms of top contenders, and the debate over the Volvo XC60 vs. BMW X3 has long been one of the most prominent. If comparing the 2025 Volvo XC60 vs. BMW X3 will help you make your final decision, this detailed review is for you. Join the Weaver Brothers Volvo Cars team as we pull back the curtain to compare the Volvo XC60 vs. BMW X3 trims. We think you'll prefer the new Volvo sport-ute, but let's take a closer look at Volvo XC60 vs. BMW X3 specs and performance, design, dimensions, and safety, just to make sure.
Volvo XC60 vs. BMW X3: Specs & Performance
When it comes to the Volvo XC60 vs. BMW X3, you'll find that every trim of both models comes with mild-hybrid capability, meaning that they maximize your fuel efficiency. In fact, these SUVs can also be purchased or leased with plug-in-hybrid powertrains, though we'll discuss those specs on a separate page. Sticking with regenerative braking BMW X3 vs. Volvo XC60 variants, these models are quite evenly matched.
Both house a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, use AWD for optimized control, and have near-identical horsepower. While the BMW SUV claims to get four additional MPG in the city and three extra MPG on the highway,1, 2 the truth about fuel economy is that it's more affected by driving style and weather conditions than anything else. Long story short, you'll probably get nearly the same BMW X3 vs. Volvo XC60 MPG, so your decision will likely boil down to the interior design, technology, and safety features you want most.
2025 Volvo XC60 vs. 2025 BMW X3 Specs | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Volvo XC60 | 2025 BMW X3 | |
| Main Trims |
| xDrive30 |
| Engine | 2.0L 4-cyl w/ 48V mild-hybrid system | 2.0L 4-cyl w/ 48V mild-hybrid system |
| Horsepower | 247 | 255 |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD |
| EPA-Est. MPG (City / Hwy / Comb) | 23 / 30 / 261 | 27 / 33 / 292 |
| 0-60 Rate | 6.5 sec | 6 sec |
| Towing Capacity | 3,500 lbs3 | 4,001 lbs3 |
Volvo XC60 vs. BMW X3: Interior & Features
The Volvo XC60 vs. BMW X3 rivalry is long-standing, even among auto authorities. These vehicles have each claimed top-five spots in Car and Driver's Best Compact Luxury SUVs list,4 primarily thanks to their interior design and features. Both have cabins that come in stunning shades of brown and black for a regal driving experience, and both utilize a minimalistic design aesthetic that's just as comfortable as it is contemporary. However, there are glaring differences worth noting in this Volvo XC60 vs. BMW X3 comparison.
First, the new Volvo XC60 for sale comes in three primary trim levels and an exclusive top-spec trim package, so you can customize your SUV with the interior fabrics and features you want most. Here's a snapshot of the three Volvo XC60 trims, plus the available Black Edition package that can layer on top of the flagship Ultra variant.
- Volvo XC60 Core: This entry-level trim is thoughtfully equipped with a 12-inch, two-mode digital instrument panel, an intuitive 9-inch vertical center touchscreen, built-in Google services, including Google Mapsâ„¢, a panoramic roof with power-operated sunshade and tinted glass, and heated front seats in supple leatherette upholstery that's durable and easy to clean.
- Volvo XC60 Plus: Move up to this mid-level variant to pair the incredible amenities of the previous trim with a 360-Degree Camera, a HomeLink® external device controller, power child safety locks, and additional driver-assistance features which we'll discuss in more detail below.
- Volvo XC60 Ultra: Increase your cabin comfort in this top-tier trim, which uses a four-zone climate system to maintain temperature, introduces a Head-Up Display for more focused driving, bumps your wheel size up to 20 inches for a smoother ride, and decks every seat in ventilated Nappa leather upholstery.
- Volvo XC60 Black Edition: Available in conjunction with the top-spec Ultra trim and bringing its best cabin amenities with it, this package adds blacked-out exterior detailing to your build, including a glossy black grille, wheels, and rank marks.
If you enjoy having a choice of multiple trim options, the 2025 BMW X3 will sadly disappoint. This SUV comes in only one primary variant, the BMW X3 xDrive30, a trim whose best features are similar to the Volvo XC60 with perforated Veganza upholstery, heated front seats, wireless device charging, and a BMW touchscreen display. Choosing an M Sport package for your BMW X3 xDrive30 trim doesn't add any interior features to your build outside of an M-style steering wheel.
Volvo XC60 vs. BMW X3: Size & Dimensions
The new BMW X3 is longer yet narrower than the 2025 Volvo XC60. These slight variations in size mean that the BMW model gives you a bit more standard and maximum cargo storage, but the Volvo XC60 feels roomier thanks to its larger shoulder space. Both SUVs seat five passengers, have the exact same height of 65.4 inches, and sport the same wheelbase and ride height measurements, too. Unfortunately, BMW engineers have not published their model's headroom specs, but we do know that the Volvo XC60 gives you more front and rear legroom, which is crucial for driving comfort and loading car seats in the back.
2025 Volvo XC60 vs. 2025 BMW X3 Dimensions | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Volvo XC60 | 2025 BMW X3 | |
| Passenger Seating | 5 | 5 |
| Headroom (1st / 2nd Row) | 38 / 38 in | Not specified by OEM |
| Legroom (1st / 2nd Row) | 41.5 / 38 in | 40.2 / 36.3 in |
| Standard Cargo Capacity | 22.4 cu ft | 31.5 cu ft |
| Length | 185.4 in | 187.2 in |
| Body Width | 78.7 in | 75.6 in |
| Height | 65.4 in | 65.4 in |
| Wheelbase | 112.8 in | 112.8 in |
| Ride Height | 8.5 in | 8.5 in |
Volvo XC60 vs. BMW X3: Safety & Price
The Volvo SUV already has a better starting price than the BMW X3, and you can lease a 2025 Volvo XC60 through our dealership to save even more! A 2025 comparison of the Volvo XC60 vs. BMW X3 also highlights the fact that the Volvo XC60 is the SUV with the most standard safety systems, no matter which trim or price point you prefer.
Take home any Volvo XC60 edition, and you'll be surrounded by the high-level security of these systems:
- Whiplash Injury Protection System
- BLISâ„¢ (Blind Spot Information System) with Cross Traffic Alert
- Lane Keeping Aid
- Park Assist and Park Assist Camera
- Rear Collision Mitigation
- Oncoming Lane Mitigation
- Slippery Road Alert
Sadly, the BMW X3 hides many of these features, including its Lane Change Assist, Distance Control, and Parking Assistance, in add-on packages that increase your final cost by thousands.
Unlock Greatness in a New Volvo XC60 at Weaver Brothers Volvo Cars
Volvo XC60 or BMW X3: Have you made your final decision? If a tour and test-drive of your favorite Volvo XC60 model – or any option from our new Volvo inventory – is the next step in your car shopping journey, visit Weaver Brothers Volvo Cars or contact our team using the form below for premium service and care.
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1EPA estimated range is 23 MPG city/30 MPG highway/26 MPG combined (B5 AWD). Your actual range will vary for many reasons, including but not limited to, driving conditions, how and where you drive, how you maintain your vehicle, battery-package/condition, and other factors. See https://www.fueleconomy.gov/
2Preliminary EPA-estimated figures are for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary, depending on speed, driving habits, trip length and driving conditions; actual mileage may be lower.
3When properly equipped.
4Reference to this third-party review/claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For more details, please visit https://www.caranddriver.com/rankings/best-suvs/luxury/compact