2025 Volvo V60 Cross Country vs 2026 BMW X3

$50,300 · Crossover

$50,900 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Volvo V60 Cross Country embodies rugged elegance with its distinctive lower stance and 247 horsepower, promising a composed on-road experience with an MSRP of $50,300. Conversely, the redesigned 2026 BMW X3 surges ahead in pure power metrics, boasting 255 horsepower and a significant 295 lb-ft of torque. While the X3 offers superior utility with a substantial 31.5 cu ft of cargo space compared to the V60's 25.5 cu ft, the Volvo counters with marginally better highway efficiency at 31 MPG versus the X3's 33 MPG, though the BMW nets a better combined 29 MPG. Furthermore, the X3 is notably broader at 75.6 inches wide, emphasizing its more substantial crossover presence against the V60's 59.2-inch height. Both utilize an 8-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD, but the X3 charges $600 more to deliver segment-leading utility and torque.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 BMW X3

The 2026 BMW X3 offers superior combined fuel economy at 29 MPG, making daily running costs slightly lower than the V60's 27 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 BMW X3

The 2026 BMW X3 clearly wins for families by providing substantially more room with 31.5 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the V60's 25.5 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 BMW X3

Enthusiasts will gravitate toward the BMW X3 for its higher output of 255 horsepower and significantly more torque at 295 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2025 Volvo V60 Cross Country

The 2025 Volvo V60 Cross Country undercuts the BMW by $600, starting at $50,300 while still delivering capable AWD performance.

Choose the Volvo V60 Cross Country if...

You prefer the lower, more wagon-like profile and shorter length (188.5 inches) of the V60 Cross Country.
You value slightly easier maneuvering due to the narrower 72.8-inch width compared to the X3.
You desire a standard AWD system with a slightly lower starting price point of $50,300.

Choose the BMW X3 if...

You need maximum utility, benefiting from the X3’s class-leading 31.5 cu ft of cargo capacity.
You demand better straight-line performance, utilizing the X3's superior 295 lb-ft of torque.
You prioritize the highest efficiency numbers, reflected in the X3's 27/33 MPG city/highway ratings.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Volvo V60 Cross Country	BMW X3
Length	188.5"	187.2"
Width	72.8"	75.6"
Height	59.2"	65.4"
Wheelbase	113.2"	112.8"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Volvo	BMW
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	—
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	—
Driver Attention Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Preparation System	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Adaptive Headlights	✓	—
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Fixed Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Folding Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Brake Drying	—	✓
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Volvo	BMW
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	mild hybrid
Horsepower	247 hp @ 5400 rpm	255 hp @ 4700 rpm
Torque	258 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm	295 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Volvo	BMW
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	✓	✓
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip

Fuel

Feature	Volvo	BMW
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	24/31 MPG	27/33 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	27 MPG	29 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	381.6/492.9 mi.	464.4/567.6 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	15.9 gal.	17.2 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Volvo	BMW
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Front View Camera	✓	—
Side View Camera	✓	—
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	—
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	—
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	—
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	—
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Volvo	BMW
Infotainment Display	9.0 in	14.9 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Stereo Power	220W	—
Speaker System	10	—
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	12 months

Power Feature

Feature	Volvo	BMW
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Moonroof Type	1st Row Power Glass	—
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Reverse Tilt Dual Mirrors	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Volvo	BMW
Front Head Room	37.4 in.	—
Front Leg Room	42.3 in.	40.2 in.
Front Shoulder Room	56.1 in.	57.9 in.
Front Hip Room	55.3 in.	—
Seat Material: Leather	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	—
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Memory Settings	2	2
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	—
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Front Seat Type: Sport	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Volvo	BMW
Rear Head Room	38.1 in.	—
Rear Leg Room	35.2 in.	36.3 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.5 in.	55.7 in.
Rear Hip Room	53.4 in.	—
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Rear Seat Feature	✓	—
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Volvo	BMW
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	19 x 8.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	215/55R18	✓
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Material	—	Alloy

Suspension

Feature	Volvo	BMW
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Volvo	BMW
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	12 yr./ unlimited mi.	12 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ unlimited mi.	4 yr./ unlimited mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	3 yr./ 30000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	8 yr./ 100000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Volvo V60 Cross Country and 2026 BMW X3.

How does the driving dynamic differ between the lower Volvo V60 and the taller BMW X3?

The Volvo V60 Cross Country, at only 59.2 inches high, maintains a lower center of gravity, suggesting a more planted, less top-heavy feel. In contrast, the 2026 BMW X3 is significantly taller at 65.4 inches, emphasizing a commanding SUV viewpoint, despite both featuring AWD.

Is the premium fuel requirement a major difference between these two crossovers?

Yes, while both recommend or require premium fuel, the 2026 BMW X3 explicitly states premium is required for its powertrain, whereas the 2025 Volvo V60 Cross Country only recommends it, offering slightly more flexibility.

Which vehicle has better absolute power figures?

The 2026 BMW X3 holds the advantage in both metrics, delivering 255 horsepower versus the V60's 247 hp, and significantly more pulling power with 295 lb-ft of torque compared to the Volvo's 258 lb-ft.

Considering their external dimensions, which car is wider?

The 2026 BMW X3 is the considerably wider vehicle, measuring 75.6 inches across, which is almost 3 inches wider than the 72.8-inch width of the 2025 Volvo V60 Cross Country.

Is the difference in MPG significant enough to sway a commuter's decision?

The difference is small but consistent; the X3 achieves 29 MPG combined, beating the V60's 27 MPG combined, while the X3's highway rating of 33 MPG narrowly tops the V60’s 31 MPG.

If I prioritize cargo space, which vehicle should I choose?

For maximum hauling capacity, the 2026 BMW X3 is the decisive winner, offering 31.5 cubic feet of space. The 2025 Volvo V60 Cross Country trails significantly, providing only 25.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats.