Compare the2024 BMW X3VS 2024 Volvo XC40

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Transmission
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Chassis
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Towing
Servicing Ease
Ergonomics
Model Availability
Recommendations

Safety

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The BMW X3 has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags helps prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The XC40 doesn’t offer a front passenger side knee airbag.

Both the X3 and the XC40 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, plastic fuel tanks, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, post-collision automatic braking systems, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, driver alert monitors, available all wheel drive and around view monitors.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the BMW X3 is safer than the Volvo XC40:

	X3	XC40
	Driver
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	102	200
Neck Injury Risk	21%	30%
Neck Stress	202 lbs.	209 lbs.
Leg Forces (l/r)	116/280 lbs.	361/380 lbs.
	Passenger
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	176	343
Neck Stress	139 lbs.	156 lbs.
Leg Forces (l/r)	183/114 lbs.	397/411 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the BMW X3 is safer than the Volvo XC40:

	X3	XC40
	Front Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	64	78
Chest Movement	.5 inches	.9 inches
Abdominal Force	153 lbs.	156 lbs.
Hip Force	275 lbs.	320 lbs.
	Rear Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Spine Acceleration	45 G’s	48 G’s
	Into Pole
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Max Damage Depth	13 inches	13 inches

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

Side impacts caused 23% of all road fatalities in 2018, down from 29% in 2003, when the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety introduced its side barrier test. In order to continue improving vehicle safety, the IIHS has started using a more severe side impact test: 37 MPH (up from 31 MPH), with a 4180-pound barrier (up from 3300 pounds). The results of this newly developed test demonstrates that the BMW X3 is safer than the XC40:

	X3	XC40
Overall Evaluation	GOOD	ACCEPTABLE
Structure	GOOD	MARGINAL
	Driver Injury Measures
Head/Neck	GOOD	GOOD
Head Injury Criterion	45	129
Neck Tension	178 lbs.	312 lbs.
Torso	GOOD	ACCEPTABLE
Shoulder Deflection	.59 in	1.46 in
Shoulder Force	201 lbs.	290 lbs.
Torso Max Deflection	.98 in	1.65 in
Torso Deflection Rate	7 MPH	9 MPH
Pelvis	ACCEPTABLE	MARGINAL
Pelvis Force	1049 lbs.	1182 lbs.
Head Protection	GOOD	GOOD
	Passenger Injury Measures
Head/Neck	GOOD	GOOD
Head Injury Criterion	156	387
Neck Tension	67 lbs.	268 lbs.
Torso	GOOD	ACCEPTABLE
Shoulder Deflection	.16 in	1.1 in
Shoulder Force	112 lbs.	290 lbs.
Torso Max Deflection	.67 in	1.5 in
Torso Deflection Rate	7 MPH	10 MPH
Pelvis	GOOD	GOOD
Pelvis Force	513 lbs.	692 lbs.
Head Protection	GOOD	GOOD

The BMW X3 has achieved the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) highest rating of “Top Safety Pick Plus” for the 2024 model year. This distinction is based on its exceptional performance in IIHS’ rigorous battery of safety tests. Specifically, it earned a “Good” rating in the latest, more stringent moderate overlap front crash test, a “Good” result in the updated side impact test, and a “Good” score in the revised pedestrian crash prevention test. The XC40 is not even a standard “Top Safety Pick” for 2024.

Warranty

There are over 23 percent more BMW dealers than there are Volvo dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the X3’s warranty.

Reliability

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the X3’s reliability 27 points higher than the XC40.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2023 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that BMW vehicles are better in initial quality than Volvo vehicles. With 58 fewer problems per 100 vehicles, JD Power ranks BMW higher than Volvo.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that BMW vehicles are more reliable than Volvo vehicles. J.D. Power ranks BMW above average in long-term dependability. With 5 more problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, Volvo is rated below average.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2024 Auto Issue reports that BMW vehicles are more reliable than Volvo vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks BMW 16 places higher in reliability than Volvo.

Engine

The X3 M40i’s standard 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder hybrid produces 135 more horsepower (382 vs. 247) and 111 lbs.-ft. more torque (369 vs. 258) than the XC40’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid.

As tested in Car and Driver the X3 M40i 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder hybrid is faster than the Volvo XC40:

	X3	XC40
Zero to 60 MPH	4.1 sec	6.1 sec
Zero to 100 MPH	11.1 sec	16.7 sec
5 to 60 MPH Rolling Start	4.9 sec	7.3 sec
Passing 30 to 50 MPH	2.5 sec	3.6 sec
Passing 50 to 70 MPH	3.1 sec	4.7 sec
Quarter Mile	12.8 sec	14.7 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	107 MPH	94 MPH
Top Speed	155 MPH	114 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

The X3 has 3 gallons more fuel capacity than the XC40 (17.2 vs. 14.2 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

Transmission

The X3 M40i’s launch control uses engine electronics to hold engine RPM’s precisely in order to provide the most stable and rapid acceleration possible, using all of the available traction. The XC40 doesn’t offer launch control.

Brakes and Stopping

The X3’s standard front and rear disc brakes are vented to help dissipate heat for shorter stops with less fading. The rear discs on the XC40 are solid, not vented.

The X3 stops much shorter than the XC40:

	X3	XC40
70 to 0 MPH	158 feet	185 feet	Car and Driver
60 to 0 MPH	112 feet	125 feet	Motor Trend

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the X3 has larger standard tires than the XC40 (245/50R19 vs. 235/55R18).

The X3’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 50 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the XC40’s standard 55 series tires. The X3’s optional 245/40R21 front and 275/35R21 rear tires have a lower 40 series front and 35 series rear profile than the XC40’s optional 45 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the X3 has standard 19-inch wheels. Smaller 18-inch wheels are standard on the XC40. The X3’s optional 21-inch wheels are larger than the 20-inch wheels optional on the XC40.

Changing a flat tire near traffic can be dangerous and inconvenient. The run-flat tires standard on the X3 can be driven up to 50 miles without any air pressure, allowing you to drive to a service station for a repair. The XC40 doesn’t offer run-flat tires.

Suspension and Handling

The X3 has standard front and rear gas-charged shocks for better control over choppy roads. The XC40’s suspension doesn’t offer gas-charged shocks.

The X3 offers an optional driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads or off-road. The XC40’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the X3’s wheelbase is 6.4 inches longer than on the XC40 (112.8 inches vs. 106.4 inches).

The X3’s front to rear weight distribution is more even (49% to 51%) than the XC40’s (57.9% to 42.1%). This gives the X3 more stable handling and braking.

The X3 M40i xDrive handles at .88 G’s, while the XC40 B5 Ultimate pulls only .85 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The X3 M40i xDrive executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 2.2 seconds quicker than the XC40 B5 Plus (25.9 seconds @ .72 average G’s vs. 28.1 seconds @ .61 average G’s).

Chassis

The front grille of the X3 uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The XC40 doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

Passenger Space

The X3 has 3.4 cubic feet more passenger volume than the XC40 (101.4 vs. 98).

The X3 has 1.7 inches more front headroom, .9 inches more front shoulder room and .3 inches more rear legroom than the XC40.

For enhanced passenger comfort on long trips the X3’s rear seats recline. The XC40’s rear seats don’t recline.

Cargo Capacity

The X3 has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat up than the XC40 with its rear seat up (28.7 vs. 20.4 cubic feet). The X3 has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the XC40 with its rear seat folded (62.7 vs. 57.5 cubic feet).

A low lift-over cargo hatch design makes loading and unloading the X3 easier. The X3’s cargo hatch lift-over height is 28.5 inches, while the XC40’s liftover is 29.7 inches.

The X3’s cargo area is larger than the XC40’s in every dimension:

	X3	XC40
Length to seat (2nd/1st)	36.5”/69”	34.9”/65.7”
Max Width	47”	41.7”
Min Width	43.3”	37.3”
Height	30.1”	29.4”

Towing

The X3’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the XC40’s (4400 vs. 3500 pounds).

Servicing Ease

The engine in the X3 is mounted longitudinally (North-South), instead of sideways, as in the XC40. This makes it easier to service and maintain, because the accessory belts are in front.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that BMW service is better than Volvo. J.D. Power ranks BMW 7th in service department satisfaction (above the industry average). With a 12% lower rating, Volvo is ranked 12th.

Ergonomics

The X3 offers an optional heads-up display that projects speed, warning and navigation instruction readouts in front of the driver’s line of sight, allowing drivers to view information without diverting their eyes from the road. The XC40 doesn’t offer a heads-up display.

To shield the driver and front passenger’s vision over a larger portion of the windshield and side windows, the X3 has standard extendable sun visors. The XC40 doesn’t offer extendable visors.

Manual rear side window sunshades are available in the X3 to help block heat and glare for the rear passengers. The XC40 doesn’t offer rear side window sunshades.

Optional air-conditioned seats in the X3 keep the driver and front passenger comfortable and take the sting out of hot seats in Summer. The XC40 doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats.

The X3’s optional Parking Assistant Plus can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, starting, stopping and changing direction automatically. The XC40’s automatic parking system requires operating the brakes and transmission to safely park.

Model Availability

The X3 is available in both rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive configurations. The XC40 doesn’t offer a two-wheel drive configuration.

Recommendations

Consumer Reports® recommends the BMW X3, based on reliability, safety and performance. The Volvo XC40 isn't recommended.

The BMW X3 outsold the Volvo XC40 by over two to one during 2023.