BMW X3 vs Ford Bronco
The BMW X3 is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 30 mpg combined versus 21 mpg for the Ford Bronco, a 9 mpg advantage and costs about $350 less per year to fuel.
Across 5 measured categories, the BMW X3 leads in 5. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.
2015–2026
BMW X3
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 47 configurations
2021–2026
Ford Bronco
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 66 configurations
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | BMW X3 | Ford Bronco |
|---|---|---|
| Best combined MPG | 30 mpg ✓ | 21 mpg |
| Best city MPG | 27 mpg ✓ | 20 mpg |
| Best highway MPG | 33 mpg ✓ | 22 mpg |
| Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year | $2,600 ✓ | $2,950 |
| Lowest CO2 output | 204 g/mi ✓ | 424 g/mi |
| Engines offered | SIDI & PFI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI, SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI; PHEV | SIDI & PFI, SIDI |
| Transmissions | Automatic (S8) | Automatic (S10), Manual 7-spd |
| Drivetrains | All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel types | Premium, Premium and Electricity, Diesel | Regular |
| EPA class | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD |
| Years covered | 2015–2026 | 2021–2026 |
| Configurations on record | 47 | 66 |
Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.
X3 vs Bronco: common questions
Which is better on gas, the BMW X3 or the Ford Bronco?
The BMW X3 is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 30 mpg combined versus 21 mpg for the Ford Bronco, a 9 mpg advantage and costs about $350 less per year to fuel.
Which costs less to run per year?
By EPA estimates at 15,000 miles a year, the BMW X3 runs about $2,600 a year in fuel at its most efficient configuration, versus about $2,950 for the Ford Bronco — a difference of roughly $350 per year.
What engines do the X3 and Bronco offer?
BMW X3: SIDI & PFI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI, SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI; PHEV. Ford Bronco: SIDI & PFI, SIDI.
Are they in the same vehicle class?
Yes — the EPA classifies both the BMW X3 and the Ford Bronco as Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD, so they compete directly.
More X3 comparisons
Comparison id: bmw-x3-vs-ford-bronco