[Hispeed4fun]

Whats the best and cheapest alternative to the X3? Im going to start looking for another car and what a similar sized car but on the cheap. I know there are a ton of cars out there but wanted this crowd to narrow it down if possible. TIA

[Fuzz3D]

Early in my crossover shopping days I was comparing the BMW X3 xDrive30i to the Mazda CX-5 (2019 with turbo). The Mazda cuts above a lot of the other recreational crossovers in its class.

Ultimately I went with the X3 M40i and haven't looked back, except at my depreciated bank account.

[pritchd]

+1 on the CX-5 as a less expensive comparably sized vehicle.

[weez]

I don't know what you consider cheap, but the Jeep Grand Cherokee can be had much cheaper than an X3 and I think they look nice and present great value. There are easy to get waaay below MSRP.

[Bob in IL]

Originally Posted by pritchd

+1 on the CX-5 as a less expensive comparably sized vehicle.

+2 on the CX-5. Check out the interior especially on upper trim levels. Very nice.

[chassis]

Similar sized, on the cheap? New or preowned?

How about a 2002 Toyota RAV4? Or a 2018 Honda CR-V? Need to narrow it down.

[MechX3M40i]

I bought a 2017 Rav 4 Hybrid for my teenage daughter a couple of years ago. Got almost the same level of safety features (including the 360 camera) as my M40i, at half the price. 33 mpg mixed city and highway driving. Toyota level reliability and nothing broke in the last 2+ years. Size wise, very comparable to the X3.

By the way, are you looking for new or used? As precious post suggested, it make a huge difference in options.

[Hispeed4fun]

I would want a new car. Im liking the new rav4 and the cx5 is very nice as well. What about an outback or forester? I definitely want all the safety features which it seems like most cars come with these days. The car is for my wife shes gonna be driving 10 miles a day and never had a car for herself before. They only reason im asking about suv style cars is she likes the higher driving position. otherwise i would just get a civic and call it a day.

[The Dutch Joe]

Skoda Kodiaq
Volvo XC60 (bit cheaper, at least here in the NL)
Audi Q3 (bit smaller though)
VW Tiguan Allspace (much longer, more truckspace, but not as wide..)

[Alias1431]

Acura RDX is about as good for much less money. M40i drives a lot better though. RDX is still like 80% as good driving, but no folding mirrors or black headliner on Advance rule it out for me.

[Crassus]

Get a FWD BMW X1 18/20i. I had one as a loner.

It's pretty much has the same interior space as an X3.

[eurobear]

CX-5 - better than most for quality and reliability and I'd say probably even better than an X3. In the UK they don't have a great range of powerful engines, so I opted for the X3, but if I didn't have the X3 budget I'd definitely choose the CX-5

[nvestr]

I would say if you want to stay in a premium or quasi-premium car, the RDX would be your best bang for buck by far.

[cgroves]

Originally Posted by Hispeed4fun

I would want a new car. Im liking the new rav4 and the cx5 is very nice as well. What about an outback or forester?

Outback is a very different vehicle than an X3. 10 more cubic feet of trunk space than the X3, gobs of ground clearance, softer suspension with relatively long throw for a car and a CVT that is good but makes for a slow launch off the line. The Outback with the right tires (Yok G015 summer and Hakka R3s in winter) will beat all when it comes to hauling a lot of stuff over any bad gravel road or bad snow conditions. It won't do true off roading well due to its approach angles and the lack of a low transfer case. But is a great all-road vehicle.

Interior finish on the Outback is a class below that of the X3 but it is spacious and comfortable.

[chassis]

If you like the RAV4 and CX5, also take a look at the latest Honda CR-V. Very respectable in this class. My wife drove a 2018 CR-V EX-L for a few months, then got the X3. My daughter is driving the CR-V, great car.

Fuel economy is good, all the safety features, Honda reliability, not much to dislike.

[popopine]

Originally Posted by cgroves

Outback is a very different vehicle than an X3. 10 more cubic feet of trunk space than the X3, gobs of ground clearance, softer suspension with relatively long throw for a car and a CVT that is good but makes for a slow launch off the line. The Outback with the right tires (Yok G015 summer and Hakka R3s in winter) will beat all when it comes to hauling a lot of stuff over any bad gravel road or bad snow conditions. It won't do true off roading well due to its approach angles and the lack of a low transfer case. But is a great all-road vehicle.

Interior finish on the Outback is a class below that of the X3 but it is spacious and comfortable.

+1

[Saejin]

Ok, I’ll say it. Hyundai Santa Fe or Tucson...Ultimate trim only. Go check them out. Pretty nice for the price you pay. I would get a Santa Fe over the CR-V. I drove both before getting my X3. CR-Vs engine is smaller, transmission shifter is clunky, nav/infotainment is slow, doesn’t have front parking sensors or 360 camera, and to be honest it’s boring.

CX-5 is due for a refresh in 2020...I think. Check out the 2019 Mazda 3 if you want to get an idea of what will be upgraded.

Volvo XC40 or XC60, but make sure you’re happy with everything being controlled by a single touch screen.

New RAV4 is pretty sweet. But has some pretty polarizing style.

Well, not sure how cheap you want to go, but if it were me I’d get the Volvo XC60 T5 Inscription. You’ll still get luxury but at a cheaper price that the X3.
If you need cheaper that that then I’d go with the Hyundai Santa Fe Ultimate 2.0 turbo.

[BobsM3Coupe]

Originally Posted by chassis

Fuel economy is good, all the safety features, Honda reliability, not much to dislike.

IF you can get used to the CVT trans in the CRV.

[Douggie]

Originally Posted by Crassus

Get a FWD BMW X1 18/20i. I had one as a loner.

It's pretty much has the same interior space as an X3.

+1

[bmwx3805]

Volkswagen Tiguan all the way ! Sel premium.

[FCBayernFTW]

I have an '18 X3 and 17 CX-5 (current body style)

Get the signature model loaded and you will be pretty similar to an X3 as far as features go. I enjoy the CX-5 as much as the X3 in that department.

[The Dutch Joe]

Originally Posted by Saejin

Volvo XC40 or XC60, but make sure you’re happy with everything being controlled by a single touch screen.

I really disliked it..
Like, everything is done via that stick-on tablet on the dash...