Against 344 other Hybrid cars rated 2024–2026, the X3 beats their 28 mpg average by 1 mpg, about $47 a year. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 2004, the 2L 4-cyl Hybrid (2020–2026), does 26.5 mpg and the thirstiest, the 2.5L 6-cyl (2004–2005), 18: $684 a year apart.
Every BMW X3 engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2L 4-cyl Hybrid | 24 / 30 | 2020–2026 | $1,449 | |
| 2L 4-cyl | 23.4 / 29.5 | 2013–2024 | $1,477 | |
| 3L 6-cyl Hybrid | 21 / 26 | 2022–2024 | $1,670 | |
| 3L 6-cyl | 18.1 / 24.6 | 2006–2024 | $1,882 | |
| 2.5L 6-cyl | 15 / 22 | 2004–2005 | $2,133 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Toyota RAV4 gets 37.5 mpg, the Jeep Wrangler 18.8 mpg and the Honda CR-V 35 mpg, next to 29 mpg for the 2026 X3.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2026) | $0.110 |
| Fuel per year | $1,324 |
| Fuel over five years | $6,620 |
| Against other Hybrid cars, 2024–2026 | −$47 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $3,463 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2026 BMW X3 gives up 6 mpg in town: 33 on the highway against 27 in the city, $258 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2026) | 27 mpg | $1,422 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 33 mpg | $1,164 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +6 mpg (22%) | Typical for its type |
How the X3 changed over the years
The X3 peaked in 2026 at 29 mpg (27 city, 33 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2006 at 18 — 11 mpg apart, or $809 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The biggest single-year change came in 2025: 21.7 to 29 mpg.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 27 / 33 | 1 | $1,324 | |
| 2025 | 27 / 33 | 1 | $1,324 | |
| 2024 | 19.7 / 25 | 3 | $1,770 | |
| 2023 | 19.7 / 25 | 3 | $1,770 | |
| 2022 | 19.7 / 25 | 3 | $1,770 | |
| 2021 | 22.3 / 27.7 | 3 | $1,555 | |
| 2020 | 22.3 / 27.7 | 3 | $1,555 | |
| 2019 | 21.5 / 28.5 | 2 | $1,567 | |
| 2018 | 21 / 28 | 2 | $1,600 | |
| 2017 | 20 / 27 | 2 | $1,707 | |
| 2016 | 23 / 29.5 | 2 | $1,506 | |
| 2015 | 23 / 29.5 | 2 | $1,506 | |
| 2014 | 20 / 27 | 2 | $1,707 | |
| 2013 | 20 / 27 | 2 | $1,707 | |
| 2012 | 19 / 25 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 2011 | 19 / 25 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 2010 | 17 / 24 | 1 | $1,920 | |
| 2009 | 17 / 24 | 1 | $1,920 | |
| 2008 | 17 / 24 | 1 | $1,920 | |
| 2007 | 17 / 24 | 1 | $1,920 | |
| 2006 | 15 / 23 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 2005 | 15 / 22 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 2004 | 15 / 22 | 1 | $2,133 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 40 EPA ratings of the BMW X3 — 5 engines across 2004–2026. The mileage is EPA's laboratory figure, unchanged; the yearly bill is ours, at 12,000 miles and $3.20 a gallon, against EPA's own estimate of $3,463. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2026 BMW X3 get?
29 mpg combined, 27 city and 33 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 2004 the X3 has averaged 22.8 mpg.
Is the 2026 X3 more efficient than the 2025?
About the same: 29 against 29 mpg combined.
Which X3 year has the best gas mileage?
The 2026, at 29 mpg combined (27 city, 33 highway), which is also the latest model year we hold.
Does the X3 get better gas mileage than the Toyota RAV4?
No: 29 mpg for the 2026 X3 against 37.5 for the 2026 Toyota RAV4, about $300 a year more to run.
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