BMW X3 vs Subaru Forester

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP lists the BMW X3 at 5 stars (2025) and the Subaru Forester at 5 stars (2024). ANCAP tested these in different years (2025 vs 2024). Its criteria get stricter about every three years, so the stars are not like for like. Adult occupant protection scored 88% for the BMW X3 and 83% for the Subaru Forester, under different test years.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 7 of 10 key ADAS systems on both.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the BMW X3 and 9 in the Subaru Forester.

Recalls on our record

A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.

Feature Showdown

The BMW X3 features a 14.9-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Subaru Forester gets a 11.6-inch display and 4.2-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The BMW X3 stands out with power tailgate and Bowers & Wilkins audio — features our data doesn't list for the Subaru Forester. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the BMW X3 gets merino leather upholstery while the Subaru Forester offers cloth. Climate control is 4-zone in the BMW X3 and 2-zone in the Subaru Forester.

Drivetrain

The BMW X3 uses a Petrol producing 140kW and 310Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.5 seconds.

The Subaru Forester responds with a Petrol making 136kW and 247Nm, paired to a cvt driving all four wheels.

The BMW X3 has the clear power advantage at 140kW vs 136kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Space & Comfort

The BMW X3 measures 4,755mm long on a 2,865mm wheelbase, 100mm longer than the Subaru Forester at 4,655mm (2,670mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BMW X3 generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 570L in the BMW X3 and 496L in the Subaru Forester, giving the BMW X3 a 74L advantage.

For towing, the BMW X3 leads with a 2,400kg braked capacity vs 1,800kg. That 600kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Neither U-turns in one sweep on a 7 m local street (both need a three-point turn); the Subaru Forester's turning circle is 1.3 m tighter, 10.8 m against 12.1 m kerb to kerb. The street estimate is indicative, worked from the published turning circles.

Cost to own

At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the BMW X3 costs about $2,138 a year (7.5 L/100km) and fuel for the Subaru Forester about $2,252 a year (7.9 L/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh.

Warranty: 5 years / Unlimited (BMW X3) and 5 years / Unlimited (Subaru Forester). Capped-price servicing: no data (BMW X3), 5 years (Subaru Forester).

Where each one leads

The BMW X3: more power (140kW against 136kW), the bigger boot with the seats up (570L against 496L) and the higher braked towing limit (2,400kg against 1,800kg).

The Subaru Forester: the lower starting price ($45,990 against $86,100).

The Verdict

Subaru Forester scores higher, 76 vs 73

The Subaru Forester scores 76 to the BMW X3's 73 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 1 of the 4 spec rows that separate them, at the lower price. The biggest gaps: value (Subaru Forester ahead by 13 points), practicality (BMW X3 ahead by 7 points), safety (Subaru Forester ahead by 6 points). Boot space with the seats up: 570L in the BMW X3, 496L in the Subaru Forester.

Common questions