2021 Honda CR-V vs. 2021 BMW X3

Drivers on the hunt for a superior small SUV have their work cut out for them, and many end up comparing the Honda CR-V vs. BMW X3. However, in this compact SUV comparison, there’s a world of difference between the two rivals. The CR-V may appeal to some cost-conscious drivers, but there’s really only one option for performance enthusiasts and those with a taste for the finer things.

Find out why the 2021 X3 can drive circles around the 2021 CR-V, and then experience the X3 for yourself at BMW of San Diego.

Honda CR-V vs. BMW X3: Engine Options

If you’re looking for a gas-powered model, you should know that the 2021 Honda CR-V offers just one engine, and it delivers less than 200 horsepower. The BMW X3 offers two engines, and both are much stronger than anything you can get on a CR-V. Compare their specs in detail:

Honda CR-V Engine

• 1.5-Liter Turbocharged Inline-4: 190 hp and 179 lb-ft of torque

BMW X3 Engines

• 2.0-Liter TwinPower Turbo Inline-4: 248 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque
• 3.0-liter BMW M TwinPower Turbo Inline-6: 382 hp and 368 lb-ft of torque

Acceleration: It takes the Honda CR-V at least 9.3 seconds to go from 0 to 60 mph. Even the base-level X3 can make the same sprint in 6.0 seconds, and the more powerful model accomplishes the same in just 4.4.

Towing Capacity: The X3 is capable of towing up to 4,400 pounds, while the CR-V can only manage around 1,500. In this compact SUV comparison, the X3 is far and away the superior vehicle for adventurers and weekend warriors.

If you’d like more power or more room to transport equipment in your cargo bay, compare the BMW X3 vs. X5 to learn more about your options.

Honda CR-V vs. BMW X3: Hybrid Powertrains

Both the Honda CR-V and the BMW X3 are now available as hybrid vehicles, but which hybrid actually has what it takes to satisfy all your demands as a driver?

• Honda CR-V Hybrid: Although the CR-V is more efficient as a gas-powered model, it loses its edge in the hybrid match-up. You’ll only enjoy about 40 MPGe on Chula Vista and El Cajon city streets, and you’ll only have access to 212 hp and 232 lb-ft of torque.
• BMW X3 xDrive30e: The plug-in hybrid X3 gets up to 60 MPGe on city streets, and what’s more, it delivers up to 288 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. If you want a hybrid model that will never leave you feeling bored, it’s a much stronger choice.

Honda CR-V vs. BMW X3: Luxury Features

For some of our readers, it will doubtlessly go without saying that the BMW X3 interior is much more luxurious than the cabin of the Honda CR-V. However, they might not realize that even the most expensive CR-V can’t match what the X3 offers as standard. Here’s a closer look at the advantages of the X3:

• 10-way power driver’s and front passenger’s seats
• 40-20-40 split rear bench seating
• Rear one-touch windows
• In-Vehicle Assistance service
• Standard automatic parking assistance
• Driver’s side auto-dimming side mirrors
• 12 premium speakers
• And more!

Once more, all of these features come standard on the base-level X3, but are completely unavailable on the Honda CR-V. Plus, if you’d like to get even more amenities in your X3, you have plenty of room to upgrade. Our X3 lease offers make it easy!

Are You Ready to Test Drive the BMW X3?

Even if our 2021 Honda CR-V vs. BMW X3 compact SUV comparison hasn’t convinced you, time spent behind the wheel of the BMW X3 just might. If you’re ready to find out how The Ultimate Driving Machine® handles the roads of Encinitas and San Diego, CA, then start shopping our virtual showroom today!