Volvo XC60 vs BMW X3
Figures updated
The Volvo XC60 and BMW X3 are two of the UK's most popular large SUVs. We compare the Mk2 (2017–) XC60 and the G45 (2024–) X3 on price, size, boot space, performance, safety and running costs, plus how reliable each has been across 208,898 real MOT tests.
The short answer
Pick the Volvo XC60 for the lower price and more performance, or the BMW X3 for the bigger boot and lower fuel costs.
- The Volvo XC60 is the cheapest to buy new: from £49,860, £3,760 less than the BMW X3.
- The BMW X3 has the biggest boot: 570 litres, 87 more than the Volvo XC60.
- Their MOT records are close: once age and mileage are taken into account, they fail about as often as each other.
- The BMW X3 is the cheapest to fuel: comparing petrol versions, about £165 a year less than the Volvo XC60 at 7,500 miles a year.
| Figure | Volvo XC60Mk2 (2017–), 5-door SUV | BMW X3G45 (2024–), 5-door SUV |
|---|---|---|
| Price and practicality | ||
| Price newUK list prices, across the range | £49,860 to £71,865July 2026 price list (best) | £53,620 to £64,640July 2026 price list |
| Body | 5-door SUV | 5-door SUV |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| BootSeats up / folded | 483 litres / 1,543 | 570 litres / 1,700 (best) |
| Length | 4,708mm | 4,755mm |
| WidthWithout mirrors | 1,999mm | 1,920mm |
| Height | 1,660mm | 1,660mm |
| Performance | ||
| Power | 250–406 PS (best) | 197–299 PS |
| 0–62mph | 4.9–6.9 sec (best) | 6.2–7.8 sec |
| Safety | ||
| Euro NCAP ratingTests get tougher each year | ★★★★★ (2017) | ★★★★★ (2025) |
| Economy and emissions | ||
| Fuel types | Diesel, Hybrid, Petrol, Plug-in hybrid | Diesel, Petrol, Plug-in hybrid |
| Official economyVersions of this generation | 31.7–47.0 mpg | 35.3–46.3 mpg |
| CO2 | 22–202 g/km | 64–175 g/km |
| Running costs at 7,500 miles a year | ||
| Petrol or hybrid171.7p a litre, today's UK average | £1,658 (35.3 mpg) | £1,493 (39.2 mpg) (best) |
| Diesel198.4p a litre | £1,439 (47 mpg) | £1,461 (46.3 mpg) |
| Cheapest version to fuelWhichever fuel costs least | £1,439 (diesel) | £1,461 (diesel) |
| Car tax a yearCars registered from April 2017 | £200£640 in years 2–6 for versions listed over £40,000 | £200£640 in years 2–6 for versions listed over £40,000 |
| Reliability from real MOT tests | ||
| Reliability score | 130Well above average | 130Well above average |
| Failed MOT first time (ages 3–20) | 20.0% | 20.5% |
| Failed at 3 years old | 9.5% (best) | 11.0% |
| Failed at 5 years old | 12.1% | 12.2% |
| Failed at 10 years old | 26.1% | 26.7% |
| Most common MOT fault | Coil spring (3.6% of tests) | Coil spring (2.3% of tests) |
| Fails more than average on | Nothing stands out | Nothing stands out |
| MOT tests analysed | 107,901 | 100,997 |
| About the cars | ||
| Type | Large SUV | Large SUV |
| Owners' average miles a year | 10,100 | 9,100 |
| On sale | 2017 on | 2024 on |
Green marks the better figure where the difference is more than 3%. Reliability figures cover every version of each model tested in the year. Running costs use the typical official economy of recent versions (WLTP where available); real-world economy is usually a little worse for every car.
More comparisons
Frequently asked questions
›Is the Volvo XC60 or the BMW X3 more reliable?
There's little in it. Once age and mileage are taken into account, both fail their MOT about as often as each other (reliability scores 130 and 130, where 100 is average).
›Which is bigger, the Volvo XC60 or the BMW X3?
The BMW X3 is 47mm longer (4,755mm against 4,708mm). The BMW X3 has the bigger boot: 570 litres against 483.
›Which is cheaper to buy, the Volvo XC60 or the BMW X3?
The Volvo XC60: new prices start at £49,860, £3,760 less than the BMW X3 (from £53,620). These are manufacturer list prices; dealers and brokers often sell for less.
›Which is cheaper to run, the Volvo XC60 or the BMW X3?
Comparing petrol versions, the BMW X3 costs about £165 a year less to fuel at 7,500 miles (£1,493 against £1,658), using typical official economy and current UK average fuel prices.
›Which is safer, the Volvo XC60 or the BMW X3?
Euro NCAP gave the Volvo XC60 5 stars (2017) and the BMW X3 5 stars (2025). Euro NCAP makes its tests tougher every few years, so ratings from different years aren't directly comparable.
›Should I buy the Volvo XC60 or the BMW X3?
Pick the Volvo XC60 for the lower price and more performance, or the BMW X3 for the bigger boot and lower fuel costs. The comparison above sets out price, space, performance, safety, running costs and reliability side by side.
Sources: manufacturers' UK specifications and price lists and Euro NCAP (listed on each model's page); DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2024 (Open Government Licence v3.0); Vehicle Certification Agency car fuel data, © Crown copyright, VCA cannot accept liability for its accuracy; fuel prices from the GOV.UK Fuel Finder scheme. Photos from Wikimedia Commons, credited under each picture.