BMW X3 vs Mitsubishi Outlander
The BMW X3 is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 30 mpg combined versus 28 mpg for the Mitsubishi Outlander, a 2 mpg advantage and costs about $400 less per year to fuel.
Across 4 measured categories, the BMW X3 leads in 2. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.
2015–2026
BMW X3
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 47 configurations
2015–2027
Mitsubishi Outlander
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 88 configurations
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | BMW X3 | Mitsubishi Outlander |
|---|---|---|
| Best combined MPG | 30 mpg ✓ | 28 mpg |
| Best city MPG | 27 mpg | 27 mpg |
| Best highway MPG | 33 mpg ✓ | 32 mpg |
| Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year | $2,600 | $2,200 ✓ |
| Lowest CO2 output | 204 g/mi | 97 g/mi ✓ |
| Engines offered | SIDI & PFI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI, SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI; PHEV | 2.4, 2.0, PHEV, SIDI & PFI; Mild Hybrid |
| Transmissions | Automatic (S8) | Automatic (AV-S6), Automatic (A1), Automatic (AV-S8) |
| Drivetrains | All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive | 4-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel types | Premium, Premium and Electricity, Diesel | Regular, Regular Gas and Electricity, Premium |
| EPA class | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD |
| Years covered | 2015–2026 | 2015–2027 |
| Configurations on record | 47 | 88 |
Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.
X3 vs Outlander: common questions
Which is better on gas, the BMW X3 or the Mitsubishi Outlander?
The BMW X3 is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 30 mpg combined versus 28 mpg for the Mitsubishi Outlander, a 2 mpg advantage and costs about $400 less per year to fuel.
Which costs less to run per year?
By EPA estimates at 15,000 miles a year, the Mitsubishi Outlander runs about $2,200 a year in fuel at its most efficient configuration, versus about $2,600 for the BMW X3 — a difference of roughly $400 per year.
What engines do the X3 and Outlander offer?
BMW X3: SIDI & PFI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI, SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI; PHEV. Mitsubishi Outlander: 2.4, 2.0, PHEV, SIDI & PFI; Mild Hybrid.
Are they in the same vehicle class?
Yes — the EPA classifies both the BMW X3 and the Mitsubishi Outlander as Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD, so they compete directly.
More X3 comparisons
Comparison id: bmw-x3-vs-mitsubishi-outlander