2026 BMW X1 vs BMW X3: We Compared the Data
By the CarWhere Vehicle Data Team · Updated November 8, 2026 · how we score
Our pick: the X3 — it leads our weighted scorecard 1–0.5 across 4 categories, winning on more available power (393 hp vs 312 hp). Choose the X1 if a shorter recent recall list matters to you (8 vs 14).
Scorecard: X1 0.5 pts · X3 1 pts across 4 scored categories.
The scorecard
| Category (weight) | 2026 X1 | 2026 X3 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP (2) | — | $49,500 | No data |
| 5-year value retained (1.5) | 41.5% | 40.1% | Tie |
| Best EPA combined (1.5) | 28 mpg | 29 mpg | Tie |
| Most horsepower available (1) | 312 hp | 393 hp | X3 |
| Max towing (1) | — | 4,850 lb | No data |
| Standard seats (1) | 5 | — | No data |
| Recalls, 2023–2025 model years (0.5) | 8 | 14 | X1 |
| Weighted points | 0.5 | 1 | X3 |
Which one we'd buy, and for whom
- Commuter. Commuters: it's a wash — X1 28 mpg vs X3 29 mpg (best EPA combined).
- Resale. Resale-minded buyers: it's a wash — X1 41.5% vs X3 40.1% (5-year value retained).
Price: sticker and what buyers paid
A current starting MSRP isn't on file for both models.
Reliability: NHTSA complaints and recalls
- X1: a complaint rate per 1,000 sold isn't available yet.
- X3: a complaint rate per 1,000 sold isn't available yet.
- Recall campaigns touching the 2023–2025 model years: X1 8, X3 14.
Latest rated model years on our years-to-avoid pages: X1 2023 (avoid), 2024 (caution), 2025 (solid).
Complaint rates are owner complaints filed with NHTSA divided by vehicles sold — a federal-data signal, not a survey score.
Specs side by side
| 2026 X1 | 2026 X3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP (base trim) | — | $49,500 |
| Top-trim MSRP | — | $64,100 |
| Horsepower | 241–312 hp | 255–393 hp |
| Max torque | 295 lb-ft | 428 lb-ft |
| EPA combined | 27–28 mpg | 27–29 mpg (hybrid avail.) |
| Max towing | — | 4,850 lb |
| Seats (standard / max) | 5 / 5 | — / 5 |
Automaker-published figures; EPA ratings from fueleconomy.gov. "—" = not published.
Resale: 5-year value retained
A 5-year-old (2021) X1 lists for a median $20,669 — 41.5% of today's median new price of $49,830. A 5-year-old (2021) X3 lists for a median $23,995 — 40.1% of today's median new price of $59,822.
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More on the BMW X1
More on the BMW X3
Related head-to-heads
FAQ
Is the X1 better than the X3?
On our data, no — the X3 comes out ahead. Our pick: the X3 — it leads our weighted scorecard 1–0.5 across 4 categories, winning on more available power (393 hp vs 312 hp). Choose the X1 if a shorter recent recall list matters to you (8 vs 14).
Which is more reliable, the X1 or the X3?
We only rank reliability by NHTSA complaints per 1,000 vehicles sold, and that rate isn't available for both models yet. NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns touching the 2023–2025 X1 and 14 for the X3.
Which holds its value better, the X1 or the X3?
About the same — 41.5% vs 40.1% retained after five years (within 2 points).
Which is cheaper, the X1 or the X3?
We don't have a current starting MSRP for both models.
Which has better gas mileage, the X1 or the X3?
It's a wash: 28 mpg vs 29 mpg best EPA combined.
How we score
Each category compares one published number per model and counts only when both models have it. The winner earns the category weight; results inside the tie band earn nothing. Our pick has more weighted points; level points fall back to more category wins, then the reliability winner, then the price winner.
- Starting MSRP: lower wins; tie within 3%.
- NHTSA complaints per 1,000 sold: lower wins; tie within 15%.
- 5-year value retained: higher wins; tie within 2 points.
- Best EPA combined: higher wins; tie within 1 mpg (3 MPGe).
- Most horsepower available: higher wins; tie within 5%.
- Max towing: higher wins; tie within 5%.
- Cargo behind rear seats: higher wins; tie within 5%.
- Standard seats: higher wins; tie same count.
- Median discount verified buyers got: higher wins; tie within 0.5 points.
- Recalls, 2023–2025 model years: lower wins; tie within 1.
Towing weighs 2 for pickups and 1 otherwise; seating is only scored between SUVs and minivans, using standard (never optional) seats. Sources: automaker spec pages and order guides; EPA ratings (fueleconomy.gov); NHTSA owner complaints and recall campaigns against published US sales; median used asking prices across active US dealer listings from licensed vehicle-data providers; verified buyer-submitted deal sheets for discounts.
Cite this page: CarWhere, "2026 BMW X1 vs BMW X3: We Compared the Data," carwhere.com/compare-cars/bmw-x1-vs-bmw-x3, updated November 8, 2026.