Jeep Cherokee vs BMW X3

The Jeep Cherokee is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 37 mpg combined versus 30 mpg for the BMW X3, a 7 mpg advantage and costs about $950 less per year to fuel.

Across 5 measured categories, the Jeep Cherokee leads in 4. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.

2015–2026

Jeep Cherokee

Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 79 configurations

37mpg combined (best)
All Jeep Cherokee specs

2015–2026

BMW X3

Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 47 configurations

30mpg combined (best)
All BMW X3 specs

Head-to-head specifications

MetricJeep CherokeeBMW X3
Best combined MPG37 mpg30 mpg
Best city MPG39 mpg27 mpg
Best highway MPG35 mpg33 mpg
Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year$1,650$2,600
Lowest CO2 output241 g/mi204 g/mi
Engines offeredHybrid, 2.4, SIDI, 3.2SIDI & PFI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI, SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI; PHEV
TransmissionsAutomatic (variable gear ratios), Automatic 9-spdAutomatic (S8)
DrivetrainsAll-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel DriveAll-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive
Fuel typesRegular, Gasoline or E85, MidgradePremium, Premium and Electricity, Diesel
EPA classSmall Sport Utility Vehicle 4WDSmall Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Years covered2015–20262015–2026
Configurations on record7947

Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.

Cherokee vs X3: common questions

Which is better on gas, the Jeep Cherokee or the BMW X3?

The Jeep Cherokee is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 37 mpg combined versus 30 mpg for the BMW X3, a 7 mpg advantage and costs about $950 less per year to fuel.

Which costs less to run per year?

By EPA estimates at 15,000 miles a year, the Jeep Cherokee runs about $1,650 a year in fuel at its most efficient configuration, versus about $2,600 for the BMW X3 — a difference of roughly $950 per year.

What engines do the Cherokee and X3 offer?

Jeep Cherokee: Hybrid, 2.4, SIDI, 3.2. BMW X3: SIDI & PFI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI, SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI; PHEV.

Are they in the same vehicle class?

Yes — the EPA classifies both the Jeep Cherokee and the BMW X3 as Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD, so they compete directly.

More Cherokee comparisons

Comparison id: jeep-cherokee-vs-bmw-x3