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BMW X3 vs. Volkswagen Tiguan

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the BMW X3 and Volkswagen Tiguan contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the BMW X3 and the Volkswagen Tiguan.

When we compare the BMW X3's and the Volkswagen Tiguan's specifications and ratings, the BMW X3 has the advantage in the areas of reliability, overall quality score and base engine power. The Volkswagen Tiguan has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing and resale value. Based on this comparison of the BMW X3's and the Volkswagen Tiguan's specifications and ratings, the BMW X3 is a better car than the Volkswagen Tiguan.

Pricing: For a new model, the BMW X3's price is between $54,175 and $73,916, with the Volkswagen Tiguan priced between $30,884 and $42,730.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the BMW X3 loses 53.9 percent of its value and the Volkswagen Tiguan loses 47.8 percent of its value. This means the Volkswagen Tiguan retains 6.1 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the BMW X3.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the BMW X3 is 8.4 out of 10 while the Volkswagen Tiguan's quality rating is 7.6 out of 10. This results in the BMW X3 being ranked 2 out of 28 Best Luxury Small SUVs and the Volkswagen Tiguan being ranked 13 out of 34 Best SUVs with 3 Rows.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the BMW X3 is 7.7 out of 10. For the Volkswagen Tiguan the reliability rating is 7.5 out of 10. This gives the BMW X3 a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Volkswagen Tiguan.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the BMW X3’s base engine makes 255 horsepower, and the Volkswagen Tiguan base engine makes 201 horsepower.

Passenger Space Comparison: The BMW X3 and Volkswagen Tiguan are comparable in regards to front leg room and rear shoulder room.

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the BMW X3 has higher safety ratings than the Volkswagen Tiguan, with an average rating of 4.90 out of 5 Stars compared to 4.45 out of 5 Stars.

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Model & Pricing
BMW X3
Volkswagen Tiguan

2026 BMW X3
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Vehicle Image
BMW X3 for Sale

2025 Volkswagen Tiguan
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Volkswagen Tiguan for Sale

New Car Pricing

Asking Price:

54175 - 73916

Starting MSRP:

50900

Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)

47438

Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)

24600 - 63100

New Car Pricing

Asking Price:

30884 - 42730

Starting MSRP:

30245

Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)

28836

Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)

24135 - 30995

Used Car Pricing

Avg Used Car Price:

Price Range:

-

Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)

59368

Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)

57126 - 63354

# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:

Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:

# Good or Great Deals:

Used Car Pricing

Avg Used Car Price:

35325

Price Range:

28038 - 42186

Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)

32106

Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)

28107 - 36583

# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:

Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:

# Good or Great Deals:

5-year Depreciation

Depreciation $:

27574

Depreciation %:

0.5417354

Resale Value $:

23326

Residual Value %:

0.4582646

Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)

0.5347415

Category Depreciation Range:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)

0.44440421 - 0.60245917

5-year Depreciation

Depreciation $:

14582

Depreciation %:

0.48211785

Resale Value $:

15663

Residual Value %:

0.5178821499999999

Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Compact SUVs)

0.43208374

Category Depreciation Range:
(Compact SUVs)

0.30791758 - 0.51647538

BMW X3 Scores & Rankings

Overall Score:

8.4 / 10

Reliability:

7.7 / 10

Retained Value:

7.5 / 10

Safety:

9.9 / 10

Volkswagen Tiguan Scores & Rankings

Overall Score:

7.6 / 10

Reliability:

7.5 / 10

Retained Value:

8.0 / 10

Safety:

7.4 / 10



iSeeCars Reliability Insights for BMW X3

Avg Life Expectancy (years):

12.0

Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)

15.0

Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)

12.0 - 16.3

Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:

0.065

iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Volkswagen Tiguan

Avg Life Expectancy (years):

10.4

Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)

11.3

Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)

9.6 - 15.7

Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:

0.02



Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls

Expected Lifetime Recalls:

Typical Category Recalls:

N/A

Category Range for Recalls:

N/A

Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls

Expected Lifetime Recalls:

2.0725529922117

Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)

2.6

Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)

1.6 - 16.1

BMW X3 Rankings

Best Family Luxury Small SUVs

1 / 28

Best Luxury Small SUVs Under $60k

1 / 6

Best Luxury Small SUVs

2 / 28

Luxury Small SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

2 / 28

Best Luxury Crossover SUVs Under $60k

2 / 13

Most Reliable Luxury Small SUVs Under $60k

2 / 6

Best Family Luxury Crossover SUVs

3 / 68

Best Luxury Small SUVs for Towing

3 / 28

Best Off-road Luxury Small SUVs

4 / 28

Best Luxury Small SUVs for the Money

4 / 27

Most Reliable Luxury Crossover SUVs Under $60k

4 / 13

Best Luxury Small SUVs for Tall People

5 / 28

Most Reliable Luxury Small SUVs

5 / 28

Best Luxury Crossover SUVs

6 / 68

Luxury Small SUVs with the Most Horsepower

7 / 28

Most Comfortable Luxury Small SUVs

10 / 28

Best Luxury Crossover SUVs for Tall People

12 / 68

Best Off-road Luxury Crossover SUVs

13 / 68

Most Reliable Luxury Crossover SUVs

16 / 68

Luxury Small SUVs with Best Resale Value

17 / 28

Most Affordable Luxury Small SUVs

18 / 27

Luxury Crossover SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

19 / 68

Luxury Small SUVs with the Most Legroom

20 / 28

Luxury Crossover SUVs with the Most Horsepower

21 / 68

Best Luxury Crossover SUVs for Towing

23 / 68

Most Comfortable Luxury Crossover SUVs

26 / 68

Most Affordable Luxury Crossover SUVs

32 / 64

Luxury Crossover SUVs with Best Resale Value

35 / 68

Luxury Crossover SUVs with the Most Legroom

48 / 68

Volkswagen Tiguan Rankings

Best Gas Mileage SUVs with 3 Rows

1 / 34

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for the Money

1 / 30

Most Affordable SUVs with 3 Rows

1 / 30

Best SUVs with 3 Rows Under $30k

2 / 2

Most Reliable SUVs with 3 Rows Under $30k

2 / 2

Small SUVs with the Most Legroom

6 / 19

Best Small SUVs for the Money

8 / 18

SUVs with 3 Rows with Best Resale Value

9 / 34

Small SUVs with the Most Horsepower

9 / 19

Small SUVs with Best Resale Value

10 / 19

Most Affordable Small SUVs

10 / 18

Best Gas Mileage Small SUVs

11 / 19

Best Small SUVs for Towing

11 / 19

Most Reliable Small SUVs Under $30k

11 / 13

Most Reliable Small SUVs

12 / 19

Best Small SUVs Under $30k

12 / 13

Best Crossover SUVs for the Money

13 / 56

Best SUVs with 3 Rows

13 / 34

Most Reliable Crossover SUVs Under $30k

13 / 20

Best Small SUVs

13 / 19

Best Crossover SUVs Under $30k

14 / 20

Best Small SUVs for Tall People

14 / 19

Small SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

15 / 19

Crossover SUVs with the Most Legroom

16 / 67

Most Reliable SUVs with 3 Rows

17 / 34

Best Off-road Small SUVs

17 / 19

Most Comfortable Small SUVs

18 / 19

Best Gas Mileage Crossover SUVs

19 / 67

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Legroom

19 / 34

Most Affordable Crossover SUVs

22 / 56

Safest SUVs with 3 Rows

22 / 34

Most Reliable Crossover SUVs

29 / 67

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for Tall People

29 / 34

Best Crossover SUVs

31 / 67

Best Off-road SUVs with 3 Rows

32 / 34

Most Comfortable SUVs with 3 Rows

32 / 34

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Horsepower

32 / 34

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for Towing

33 / 34

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Cargo Space

34 / 34

Crossover SUVs with Best Resale Value

38 / 67

Crossover SUVs with the Most Horsepower

39 / 67

Best Crossover SUVs for Towing

42 / 67

Crossover SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

47 / 67

Safest Crossover SUVs

49 / 67

Best Crossover SUVs for Tall People

50 / 67

Best Off-road Crossover SUVs

54 / 67

Most Comfortable Crossover SUVs

65 / 67

Available Body Styles

SUV

Available Body Styles

SUV

Available Drivetrain Options

Gasoline

Available Drivetrain Options

Gasoline

BMW X3 Trim Levels

30 xDrive, M50 xDrive

Volkswagen Tiguan Trim Levels

S, S 4Motion, SE, SE 4Motion, SE R-Line Black, SE R-Line Black 4Motion, SEL R-Line 4Motion

Warranty Information

Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:

4 years / 50000 miles

Warranty, Powertrain:

4 years / 50000 miles

Warranty, Roadside Assistance:

4 years

Warranty Information

Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:

4 years / 50000 miles

Warranty, Powertrain:

4 years / 50000 miles

Warranty, Roadside Assistance:

3 years / 36000 miles

Safety Ratings

NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):

4.90 out of 5 Stars

2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:

Not yet available

2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:

Not yet available

2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:

Not yet available

2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:

Not yet available

IIHS Safety Rating:

Not yet available

Safety Ratings

NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):

4.45 out of 5 Stars

2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:

Not yet available

2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:

Not yet available

2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:

Not yet available

2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:

Not yet available

IIHS Safety Rating:

Not yet available

Base Drivetrain Specs

Horsepower:

255 hp @ 4700 rpm

Torque:

295 foot-lbs @ 1600 rpm

Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):

0.061 hp per pound

Towing capacity:

Not yet available

Base Drivetrain Specs

Horsepower:

201 hp @ 5250 rpm

Torque:

207 foot-lbs @ 1500 rpm

Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):

0.056 hp per pound

Towing capacity:

Not yet available

Engine Specifications

Engine Size:

2 liters

Engine Configuration:

Inline

Number of Cylinders:

4

Transmission:

Automatic

Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:

AWD

EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):


Not yet available

Range (city/hwy):

Not yet available

Recommended Fuel Type:

Not yet available

Engine Specifications

Engine Size:

2 liters

Engine Configuration:

Inline

Number of Cylinders:

4

Transmission:

Automatic

Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:

FWD / AWD

EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):


26 / 34 / 29

Range (city/hwy):

377 / 493 miles

Recommended Fuel Type:

Regular Unleaded

Standard/Optional Features

Alloy wheels:

Standard

Android Auto:

Standard

Apple CarPlay:

Standard

Automatic Parking:

Standard

Bench Seats:

Standard

Bluetooth:

Standard

Heated Seats

Standard

Internet Radio:

Standard

Keyless Entry:

Standard

Keyless Ignition:

Standard

Leather Upholstery:

Standard

Navigation System:

Standard

Paddle Shifters:

Standard

Parking Sensors:

Standard

Power Lift Gate:

Standard

Power outlet:

Standard

Roadside assistance:

Standard

Satellite radio:

Standard

Trailer Hitch:

Standard

Voice Recognition:

Standard

Wifi:

Standard

Wireless Smartphone Charging:

Standard

Adaptive Cruise Control:

Available

Cooled/Ventilated Seats:

Available

Heated Steering Wheel:

Available

Sunroof/Moonroof:

Available

Air Suspension:

N/A

Captain's seat:

N/A

Front Bench Seats:

N/A

Massage Seats:

N/A

Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof

N/A

Quad Seats:

N/A

Roof Rack:

N/A

Standard/Optional Features

Alloy wheels:

Standard

Android Auto:

Standard

Apple CarPlay:

Standard

Automatic Parking:

Available

Bench Seats:

Standard

Bluetooth:

Standard

Heated Seats

Standard

Internet Radio:

N/A

Keyless Entry:

Standard

Keyless Ignition:

Standard

Leather Upholstery:

Available

Navigation System:

Available

Paddle Shifters:

N/A

Parking Sensors:

Standard

Power Lift Gate:

Available

Power outlet:

Standard

Roadside assistance:

Standard

Satellite radio:

Standard

Trailer Hitch:

Standard

Voice Recognition:

Standard

Wifi:

Standard

Wireless Smartphone Charging:

Standard

Adaptive Cruise Control:

Standard

Cooled/Ventilated Seats:

Available

Heated Steering Wheel:

Available

Sunroof/Moonroof:

Available

Air Suspension:

N/A

Captain's seat:

N/A

Front Bench Seats:

N/A

Massage Seats:

Available

Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof

N/A

Quad Seats:

N/A

Roof Rack:

Available

Safety Features

Backup camera:

Standard

Blind Spot Monitoring:

Standard

Driver Attention Monitoring:

Standard

Forward Collision Warning:

Standard

Lane Departure Warning:

Standard

Lane Keeping Assist:

Standard

Pedestrian Detection:

Standard

Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:

Standard

Rear Seat Reminder:

Standard

360-Degree Camera:

N/A

Safety Features

Backup camera:

Standard

Blind Spot Monitoring:

Standard

Driver Attention Monitoring:

Standard

Forward Collision Warning:

Standard

Lane Departure Warning:

Standard

Lane Keeping Assist:

Standard

Pedestrian Detection:

Standard

Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:

Standard

Rear Seat Reminder:

Standard

360-Degree Camera:

Available

Interior Dimensions

Front Head Room:

40.5 inches

Front Leg Room:

40.2 inches

Front Shoulder Room:

57.9 inches

Rear Head Room:

38.2 inches

Rear Leg Room:

36.3 inches

Rear Shoulder Room:

55.7 inches

Cargo Space:

31.5 cubic feet

Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:

67.1 cubic feet

Overall Interior Volume:

Not yet available

Interior Dimensions

Front Head Room:

39.5 inches

Front Leg Room:

40.2 inches

Front Shoulder Room:

57 inches

Rear Head Room:

39.7 inches

Rear Leg Room:

40.2 inches

Rear Shoulder Room:

55.7 inches

Cargo Space:

26.5 cubic feet

Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:

58.9 cubic feet

Overall Interior Volume:

130.3 cubic feet

Exterior Dimensions

Curb Weight:

4176 lbs

Width:

83.9 inches

Height:

65.4 inches

Length:

187.2 inches

Wheelbase:

112.8 inches

Ground Clearance:

8.5 inches

Exterior Dimensions

Curb Weight:

3563 lbs

Width:

84.7 inches

Height:

66.1 inches

Length:

184.4 inches

Wheelbase:

109.9 inches

Ground Clearance:

6.6 inches

Standard Wheel/Tire Information

Wheel Size:

19.0 x 8.5 inches

Wheel Type:

painted aluminum alloy

Tire Size:

245/50R19

Standard Wheel/Tire Information

Wheel Size:

17.0 x 7.0 inches

Wheel Type:

polished aluminum alloy

Tire Size:

215/65R17

Exterior Colors

Black

Black Sapphire Metallic

Blue

Arctic Race Blue Metallic / Tanzanite Blue II Metallic

Gray

Brooklyn Grey Metallic / Dark Graphite Metallic / Dune Grey Metallic / Frozen Deep Grey Metallic / Frozen Pure Grey Metallic / Skyscraper Grey Metallic

Red

Vegas Red Metallic

White

Alpine White / Mineral White Metallic

Silver

Not available

Exterior Colors

Black

Deep Black Pearl

Blue

Not available

Gray

Platinum Gray Metallic

Red

Not available

White

Pure White

Silver

Pyrite Silver Metallic

Interior Colors

Beige

Calm Beige

Black

Black / Black/Atlas Grey

Brown

Amber/Atlas Grey / Espresso Brown

Gray

Not available

Interior Colors

Beige

Not available

Black

Not available

Brown

Not available

Gray

Grigio Gray/Titan Black

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