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BMW X3 vs Subaru Forester comparison

Compare performance (398 HP vs 136 HP), boot space and price (51,300 £ vs 34,700 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – BMW X3 or Subaru Forester?

BMW X3 vs Subaru Forester: Key differences

BMW X3

4.6 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • considerably more power
  • significantly more efficient
  • considerably quicker 0–100 km/h
  • moderately more trunk space

Subaru Forester

4 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • significantly cheaper
  • slightly lighter

All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

X3

Costs and Efficiency:

When it comes to price and running costs, the biggest differences usually appear. This is often where you see which car fits your budget better in the long run.

Subaru Forester is significantly cheaper – starting at 34,700 £ , while the BMW X3 costs 51,300 £ . That’s a price difference of around 16,552 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the BMW X3 uses 2.8 L/100km and is significantly more efficient than the Subaru Forester with 8.1 L/100km. The difference is about 5.3 L/100km.

Forester

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration say a lot about how a car feels on the road. This is where you see which model delivers more driving dynamics.

When it comes to engine power, the BMW X3 offers considerably more power – delivering 398 HP compared to 136 HP. That’s roughly 262 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the BMW X3 is considerably quicker – completing the sprint in 4.6 s, while the Subaru Forester takes 12.2 s. That’s about 7.6 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the BMW X3 delivers considerably more torque with 670 Nm compared to 182 Nm. That’s about 488 Nm more.

X3

Space and Everyday Use:

Whether family car or daily driver – which one offers more room, flexibility and comfort?

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, Subaru Forester is slightly lighter – 1,693 kg compared to 1,930 kg. The difference is around 237 kg.

Looking at boot space, the BMW X3 offers moderately more boot space – 570 L compared to 508 L. That’s a difference of about 62 L.

When it comes to payload, the BMW X3 carries slightly more – 570 kg compared to 492 kg. That’s a difference of about 78 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The BMW X3 stands well ahead of its rival in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from £51,300
X3

BMW X3

  • Engine Type : Petrol MHEV, Diesel MHEV, Plugin Hybrid
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 197 - 398 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 2.8 - 7.7 L/100km
  • Electric Range : 88 km
details

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Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

BMW X3

The BMW X3 mixes Bavarian poise with everyday practicality, delivering a composed ride and a cabin that feels both premium and lived-in. It’s the sort of SUV that lets you enjoy sporty handling without sacrificing family-friendly space, so you get fun and sense in one neat package.

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Reviews BMW X3

4.6 (1 Reviews)
rate

No reviews yet. Share your experience and help others decide.

Subaru Forester

The Subaru Forester is a practical all-rounder that quietly does everything right, with roomy comfort, excellent visibility and a real fondness for weekend adventures off the beaten path. It won't set your pulse racing like a sports car, but for buyers who prize reliability, safety and sensible charm, it's a brilliantly steady companion with a cheeky streak.

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Reviews Subaru Forester

4 (1 Reviews)
rate
Dirk
8 Dec 2025, 17:00:06

It's indeed much more expensive, but it drives brilliantly. I have the automatic — fantastic. It's a bit noisy for such an expensive car, and servicing at a Subaru dealer isn't cheap. It's certainly not economical.

On the other hand, very little breaks and it will never leave you stranded. And that space... 500 litres more is really about a 40% increase.

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Costs and Consumption
Price
51,300 - 72,400 £
Price
34,700 - 42,200 £
Consumption L/100km
2.8 - 7.7 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
8.1 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
88 km
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
64 - 175 g/km
co2
183 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
60 - 65 L
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
SUV
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
5
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,930 - 2,140 kg
Curb weight
1,693 - 1,739 kg
Trunk capacity
460 - 570 L
Trunk capacity
508 L
Length
4,755 mm
Length
-
Width
1,920 mm
Width
1,830 mm
Height
1,660 mm
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
1,700 L
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
570 kg
Payload
446 - 492 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Diesel MHEV, Plugin Hybrid
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
Transmission Detail
CVT
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
197 - 398 HP
Power HP
136 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.6 - 7.8 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
12.2 s
Max Speed
215 - 250 km/h
Max Speed
-
Torque
330 - 670 Nm
Torque
182 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4 - 6
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
145 - 293 kW
Power kW
100 kW
Engine capacity
1,995 - 2,998 cm3
Engine capacity
1,995 cm3

General
Model Year
2,024 - 2,025
Model Year
2,025
CO2 Efficiency Class
F, E, B
CO2 Efficiency Class
G
Brand
BMW
Brand
Subaru
Is the BMW X3 offered with different drivetrains?

The BMW X3 is offered with All-Wheel Drive.

DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.