BMW X3 vs Kia Sportage
This page compares the BMW X3 and the Kia Sportage across the 17 model years both appear in our data (2010–2026). Both are classed as SUV on this site. On its most efficient configuration the Kia Sportage averages about 31 mpg (UK) against 30 mpg for the BMW X3. NHTSA lists fewer recall campaigns per model year for the Kia Sportage (2.8 against 5.3), though campaign counts depend on how long each model has been on sale and how many variants share a campaign.
Head-to-Head: 2010–2026
| Measure | BMW X3 | Kia Sportage |
|---|---|---|
| Average best-configuration economy (mpg, UK) | 30 | 31 |
| Average CO₂ (g/km) | 224 | 219 |
| Average estimated annual fuel cost (US EPA) | $3,332 | $2,662 |
| Model years rated 5★ overall by NHTSA | 9 of 11 | 12 of 15 |
| Average recall campaigns per model year | 5.3 | 2.8 |
| Average owner complaints per model year | 107 | 175 |
| Engine options across these years | 4 | 6 |
Year by Year
| Year | BMW X3 MPG (UK) | NHTSA | Recalls | Complaints | Kia Sportage MPG (UK) | NHTSA | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 24 | — | 4 | 85 | 26 | — | 2 | 20 |
| 2011 | 25 | — | 0 | 125 | 30 | — | 6 | 181 |
| 2012 | 25 | — | 0 | 48 | 30 | 5★ | 5 | 392 |
| 2013 | 29 | — | 0 | 226 | 30 | 4★ | 3 | 381 |
| 2014 | 29 | — | 0 | 86 | 28 | 4★ | 3 | 123 |
| 2015 | 36 | 5★ | 0 | 105 | 28 | 4★ | 2 | 146 |
| 2016 | 36 | 5★ | 5 | 82 | 28 | 5★ | 2 | 132 |
| 2017 | 29 | 5★ | 6 | 92 | 30 | 5★ | 4 | 401 |
| 2018 | 30 | — | 11 | 76 | 31 | 5★ | 3 | 164 |
| 2019 | 31 | 5★ | 10 | 170 | 30 | 5★ | 2 | 70 |
| 2020 | 32 | 5★ | 16 | 109 | 31 | 5★ | 2 | 161 |
| 2021 | 32 | 5★ | 10 | 111 | 31 | 5★ | 2 | 53 |
| 2022 | 30 | 5★ | 7 | 80 | 31 | 5★ | 1 | 46 |
| 2023 | 30 | 5★ | 4 | 15 | 34 | 5★ | 7 | 305 |
| 2024 | 30 | 5★ | 3 | 38 | 34 | 5★ | 3 | 103 |
| 2025 | 35 | 4★ | 9 | 38 | 34 | 5★ | 1 | 71 |
| 2026 | 35 | 4★ | 0 | 17 | 34 | 5★ | 0 | 37 |
MPG is each model year's most efficient configuration (US EPA, converted to UK mpg). Recalls and complaints are NHTSA counts as of 6 October 2026; complaints are unverified owner reports and rise with sales volume. See each model's full history: BMW X3 · Kia Sportage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel-efficient, the BMW X3 or the Kia Sportage?
On its most efficient configuration the Kia Sportage averages about 31 mpg (UK) against 30 mpg for the BMW X3. Figures are the US EPA combined result converted to UK mpg, averaged over the shared model years; individual engines and years differ, so check the year pages for the exact car.
Which has better NHTSA safety ratings?
The BMW X3 has 9 of 11 model years rated 5★ overall in these years and the Kia Sportage has 12 of 15. NHTSA ratings are only comparable between vehicles of similar size and weight, and the test criteria have changed over time.
Which has more recalls and owner complaints?
Per model year, the BMW X3 averages 5.3 recall campaigns and 107 owner complaints; the Kia Sportage averages 2.8 and 175. Complaint counts are unverified owner reports and rise with sales volume, so use them as a pointer for what to inspect, not as a reliability ranking.
Where do these comparison figures come from?
Fuel economy, CO₂ and interior volume come from the US EPA's fueleconomy.gov data; ratings, recalls and complaints come from NHTSA. Only model years where both cars have data are compared.
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