BMW X3 vs Subaru Outback

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP lists the BMW X3 at 5 stars (2025) and the Subaru Outback at 5 stars (2021). ANCAP tested these in different years (2025 vs 2021). 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 88% for the Subaru Outback, under different test years.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 7 of 10 key ADAS systems on the BMW X3, against 6 on the Subaru Outback.

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 Outback.

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 Outback gets a 12.1-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The BMW X3 stands out with wireless charging and Bowers & Wilkins audio — features our data doesn't list for the Subaru Outback. The Subaru Outback counters with panoramic roof. 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 Outback offers synthetic leather. Climate control is 4-zone in the BMW X3 and 2-zone in the Subaru Outback.

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 Outback responds with a Petrol making 137kW and 254Nm, paired to a cvt driving all four wheels.

The BMW X3 has the clear power advantage at 140kW vs 137kW. 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, 125mm shorter than the Subaru Outback at 4,880mm (2,745mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BMW X3 generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 570L in the BMW X3 and 530L in the Subaru Outback, giving the BMW X3 a 40L advantage.

For towing, the BMW X3 leads with a 2,400kg braked capacity vs 2,000kg. That 400kg 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 Outback's turning circle is 1.0 m tighter, 11.1 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 Outback about $2,309 a year (8.1 L/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh.

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

Where each one leads

The BMW X3: more power (140kW against 137kW), the bigger boot with the seats up (570L against 530L) and the higher braked towing limit (2,400kg against 2,000kg).

The Subaru Outback: the lower starting price ($48,990 against $86,100).

The Verdict

Subaru Outback scores higher, 76 vs 73

The Subaru Outback 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 Outback ahead by 11 points), performance (BMW X3 ahead by 11 points), safety (Subaru Outback ahead by 6 points). Boot space with the seats up: 570L in the BMW X3, 530L in the Subaru Outback.

Common questions