@ BMW Group Press
@ Subaru Corporation
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BMW X3 vs Subaru Outback – Which car suits you better?

Everyday use, family trips or long-distance drives – here’s where the differences show.
Discover whether BMW X3 or Subaru Outback fits your lifestyle better.

BMW X3

4.6 (1 Reviews)
rate

Subaru Outback

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

X3 @ BMW Group Press

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 Outback has a noticeable advantage in terms of price – it starts at 37200 £, while the BMW X3 costs 51300 £. That’s a price difference of around 14023 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: BMW X3 manages with 2.80 L and is therefore significantly more efficient than the Subaru Outback with 8.60 L. The difference is about 5.80 L per 100 km.

Outback @ Subaru Corporation

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration are the classic benchmarks for car enthusiasts – and here, some clear differences start to show.

When it comes to engine power, the BMW X3 has a convincingly edge – offering 398 HP compared to 169 HP. That’s roughly 229 HP more horsepower.

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the BMW X3 is decisively quicker – completing the sprint in 4.60 s, while the Subaru Outback takes 10.20 s. That’s about 5.60 s faster.

In terms of top speed, the BMW X3 performs distinct better – reaching 250 km/h, while the Subaru Outback tops out at 193 km/h. The difference is around 57 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: BMW X3 pulls significantly stronger with 670 Nm compared to 252 Nm. That’s about 418 Nm difference.

X3 @ BMW Group Press

Space and Everyday Use:

Beyond pure performance, interior space and usability matter most in daily life. This is where you see which car is more practical and versatile.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In curb weight, Subaru Outback is slightly lighter – 1643 kg compared to 1930 kg. The difference is around 287 kg.

In terms of boot space, the BMW X3 offers hardly perceptible more room – 570 L compared to 561 L. That’s a difference of about 9 L.

In maximum load capacity, the Subaru Outback performs minimal better – up to 1822 L, which is about 122 L more than the BMW X3.

When it comes to payload, BMW X3 hardly perceptible takes the win – 570 kg compared to 557 kg. That’s a difference of about 13 kg.

Who comes out on top?

Overall, the BMW X3 shows itself to be wins the duel decisively and secures the title of DriveDuel Champion.
It convinces with the more balanced overall package and proves to be the more versatile choice for everyday use.

BMW X3
Subaru Outback

Costs and Consumption

View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance

View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body

View detailed analysis
from about £51,300
X3 @ BMW Group Press

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
  • Electric Range : 88 km

BMW X3

4.6 (1 Reviews)
rate

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.

details

Subaru Outback

The Subaru Outback is the do-it-all wagon for buyers who want SUV capability without the SUV bulk, blending rugged confidence with everyday civility. It's practical, dependable, and built to shrug off rough gravel tracks or rainy commutes with a grin — ideal for buyers who actually use their vehicles, not just park them for show.

details
BMW X3
Subaru Outback
X3 @ BMW Group Press
Outback @ Subaru Corporation

Costs and Consumption

Price
51300 - 72400 £
Price
37200 - 41600 £
Consumption L/100km
2.8 - 7.7 L
Consumption L/100km
8.60 L
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
88 km
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
19.70 kWh
Battery Capacity
-
co2
64 - 175 g/km
co2
193 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
50 - 65 L
Fuel tank capacity
63 L

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
SUV
Body Type
Estate
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
5
Doors
5
Curb weight
1930 - 2140 kg
Curb weight
1643 - 1676 kg
Trunk capacity
460 - 570 L
Trunk capacity
561 L
Length
4755 mm
Length
4870 mm
Width
1920 mm
Width
1875 mm
Height
1660 mm
Height
1670 - 1675 mm
Max trunk capacity
1600 - 1700 L
Max trunk capacity
1822 L
Payload
570 kg
Payload
524 - 557 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Diesel MHEV, Plugin Hybrid
Engine Type
Petrol
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
169 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.6 - 7.8 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
10.20 s
Max Speed
215 - 250 km/h
Max Speed
193 km/h
Torque
330 - 670 Nm
Torque
252 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4 - 6
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
145 - 293 kW
Power kW
124 kW
Engine capacity
1995 - 2998 cm3
Engine capacity
2498 cm3

General

Model Year
2024 - 2025
Model Year
2024
CO2 Efficiency Class
F, E, B
CO2 Efficiency Class
G
Brand
BMW
Brand
Subaru
What drive types are available for the BMW X3?

The BMW X3 is offered with All-Wheel Drive.

The prices and data displayed are estimates based on German list prices and may vary by country. This information is not legally binding.

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