Toyota RAV4 vs BMW X3
The Toyota RAV4 is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 43 mpg combined versus 30 mpg for the BMW X3, a 13 mpg advantage and costs about $1,150 less per year to fuel.
Across 5 measured categories, the Toyota RAV4 leads in 5. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.
2015–2026
Toyota RAV4
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 72 configurations
2015–2026
BMW X3
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 47 configurations
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Toyota RAV4 | BMW X3 |
|---|---|---|
| Best combined MPG | 43 mpg ✓ | 30 mpg |
| Best city MPG | 47 mpg ✓ | 27 mpg |
| Best highway MPG | 40 mpg ✓ | 33 mpg |
| Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year | $1,450 ✓ | $2,600 |
| Lowest CO2 output | 72 g/mi ✓ | 204 g/mi |
| Engines offered | SIDI & PFI; Hybrid, SIDI & PFI, SIDI & PFI; with Stop-Start, SIDI & PFI; PHEV | SIDI & PFI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI, SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI; PHEV |
| Transmissions | Automatic (AV-S6), Automatic (variable gear ratios), Automatic (S8) | Automatic (S8) |
| Drivetrains | Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive | All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel types | Regular, Regular Gas and Electricity | Premium, Premium and Electricity, Diesel |
| EPA class | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD |
| Years covered | 2015–2026 | 2015–2026 |
| Configurations on record | 72 | 47 |
Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.
RAV4 vs X3: common questions
Which is better on gas, the Toyota RAV4 or the BMW X3?
The Toyota RAV4 is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 43 mpg combined versus 30 mpg for the BMW X3, a 13 mpg advantage and costs about $1,150 less per year to fuel.
Which costs less to run per year?
By EPA estimates at 15,000 miles a year, the Toyota RAV4 runs about $1,450 a year in fuel at its most efficient configuration, versus about $2,600 for the BMW X3 — a difference of roughly $1,150 per year.
What engines do the RAV4 and X3 offer?
Toyota RAV4: SIDI & PFI; Hybrid, SIDI & PFI, SIDI & PFI; with Stop-Start, SIDI & PFI; PHEV. 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 Toyota RAV4 and the BMW X3 as Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD, so they compete directly.
More RAV4 comparisons
Comparison id: toyota-rav4-vs-bmw-x3