2026 BMW X3 vs 2026 INFINITI QX60
Comparison Overview
Choosing between premium crossovers often boils down to balancing efficiency against space, and the 2026 BMW X3 versus the 2026 INFINITI QX60 presents a classic efficiency vs. size trade-off. If your primary concern is minimizing trips to the gas station, the X3 stands out significantly, delivering an impressive 29 MPG combined, compared to the QX60's 24 MPG combined. This 5 MPG advantage means consistent savings for daily drivers. However, the QX60 offers much more physical presence, boasting a length of 198.1 inches versus the X3's 187.2 inches, suggesting more cabin room, even if its stated cargo capacity is surprisingly lower at 14.5 cu ft versus the X3's 31.5 cu ft. Both demand premium fuel, with the X3 slightly trailing in power at 255 hp to the QX60's 268 hp, despite the X3's lower starting MSRP of $50,900 versus $51,590.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 BMW X3
The 2026 BMW X3 wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 29 MPG combined versus the QX60's 24 MPG.
2026 INFINITI QX60
The 2026 INFINITI QX60 is better suited for growing families because its 198.1-inch length and greater height suggest potentially more overall interior room.
2026 INFINITI QX60
The QX60 slightly edges out the competition for driving enjoyment with marginally higher horsepower at 268 hp compared to the X3's 255 hp.
2026 BMW X3
The BMW X3 offers better immediate value starting at a lower MSRP of $50,900 and providing 5 MPG better efficiency.
Choose the BMW X3 if...
- You prioritize long-term running costs, as the X3 offers 29 MPG combined efficiency.
- You prefer a more compact footprint for easier city parking, measuring 187.2 inches long.
- You want a lower entry price, with the X3 starting at $50,900 compared to the QX60's $51,590.
Choose the INFINITI QX60 if...
- You need the absolute maximum engine power available, as the QX60 produces 268 hp.
- You require a significantly taller vehicle structure, with the QX60 measuring 69.7 inches high.
- You prefer the slightly smoother shifting action of a 9-speed automatic transmission over the X3's 8-speed.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | BMW X3 | INFINITI QX60 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 187.2" | 198.1" |
| Width | 75.6" | - |
| Height | 65.4" | 69.7" |
| Wheelbase | 112.8" | 114.2" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | BMW | INFINITI |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | โ | โ |
| Lane Departure Warning | โ | โ |
| Driver Attention Alert | โ | โ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | โ | โ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | โ | โ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | โ | โ |
| Front Head Airbags | โ | โ |
| Rear Head Airbags | โ | โ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | โ | โ |
| Electronic Stability Control | โ | โ |
| Traction Control System | โ | โ |
| LATCH System | โ | โ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | โ | โ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Brake Drying | โ | โ |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | โ | โ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | โ | โ |
| Brake Preparation System | โ | โ |
| Brake Assist | โ | โ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | โ | โ |
| Automatic Headlights | โ | โ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | โ | โ |
| LED Headlights | โ | โ |
| Daytime Running Lights | โ | โ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | โ | โ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | โ | โ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | โ | โ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | โ | โ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | โ | โ |
| Engine Immobilizer | โ | โ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | โ | โ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | โ | โ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | โ | โ |
| Third Row Head Airbags | โ | โ |
Engine
| Feature | BMW | INFINITI |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | mild hybrid | gas |
| Horsepower | 255 hp @ 4700 rpm | 268 hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm | 286 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | โ | โ |
Drive Train
| Feature | BMW | INFINITI |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 9-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | โ |
| Hill Descent Control | โ | โ |
Fuel
| Feature | BMW | INFINITI |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (required) | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 27/33 MPG | 22/28 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 29 MPG | 24 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 464.4/567.6 mi. | 0/0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.2 gal. | โ |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | BMW | INFINITI |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | โ | โ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Electric Power Steering | โ | โ |
| Rear View Camera | โ | โ |
| Cruise Control | โ | โ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | โ | โ |
| Front Cupholders | โ | โ |
| Rear Cupholders | โ | โ |
| Front Door Pockets | โ | โ |
| Rear Door Pockets | โ | โ |
| Front Seatback Storage | โ | โ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | โ | โ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | โ | โ |
| Interior Air Filtration | โ | โ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | โ | โ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | โ | โ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | โ | โ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | โ | โ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | โ | โ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | โ | โ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | โ | โ |
| Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry | โ | โ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Heated Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | โ | โ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | โ | โ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | BMW | INFINITI |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 14.9 in | 12.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | โ | โ |
| Android Auto (Wired) | โ | โ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | โ | โ |
| USB Port | โ | โ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | โ | โ |
| Satellite Radio | โ | โ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 12 months | 3 months |
| Speaker System | โ | 9 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | โ | โ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | โ | โ |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | โ | โ |
Power Feature
| Feature | BMW | INFINITI |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | โ | โ |
| Heated Mirrors | โ | โ |
| Moonroof Type | โ | 1st Row Power Glass Extended |
| Reverse Tilt Dual Mirrors | โ | โ |
Frontseats
| Feature | BMW | INFINITI |
|---|---|---|
| Front Leg Room | 40.2 in. | 42.1 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.9 in. | 60.6 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | โ | โ |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | โ | โ |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | โ | โ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | 2 | 2 |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | โ | โ |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Front Head Room | โ | 41.0 in. |
| Front Hip Room | โ | 58.4 in. |
| Seat Material: Leather | โ | โ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | โ | โ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | โ | 8-way |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | โ | 8-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | BMW | INFINITI |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Leg Room | 36.3 in. | 37.7 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.7 in. | 59.7 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | โ | โ |
| Folding Center Armrest | โ | โ |
| Rear Head Room | โ | 37.5 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | โ | 56.7 in. |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | โ | โ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | BMW | INFINITI |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | โ |
| Wheel Size | 19 x 8.5 in | 20 x 8.0 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | โ | 255/50R20 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Underbody Mounted |
| Wheel Finish | โ | Painted Alloy |
Suspension
| Feature | BMW | INFINITI |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | โ | โ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | โ | โ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | โ | โ |
Warranty
| Feature | BMW | INFINITI |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 4 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 6 yr./ 70000 mi. |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | 8 yr./ 100000 mi. | โ |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 12 yr./ unlimited mi. | 7 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 yr./ unlimited mi. | 4 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 3 yr./ 30000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2026 BMW X3 and 2026 INFINITI QX60.
Which vehicle is more fuel-efficient for highway driving?
The 2026 BMW X3 is substantially more efficient on the highway, achieving 33 MPG compared to the 2026 INFINITI QX60's 28 MPG. This 5 MPG difference makes the X3 the clear long-distance choice for minimizing premium fuel stops.
How do the cargo capacities compare between the X3 and QX60?
Surprisingly, the smaller BMW X3 offers more accessible storage space, boasting 31.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The larger INFINITI QX60 lists significantly less capacity at just 14.5 cubic feet based on the available specifications.
Do either of these SUVs use regular unleaded gas?
No, both premium luxury crossovers require premium unleaded fuel for optimal performance. This is an important running cost factor to consider for both the $50,900 X3 and the $51,590 QX60.
Is the BMW X3 significantly less powerful than the INFINITI QX60?
The QX60 holds a slight edge in raw output, producing 268 horsepower versus the X3's 255 horsepower, meaning the QX60 has 13 more horsepower. However, the X3 counters with better torque at 295 lb-ft versus the QX60's 286 lb-ft.
Which vehicle is physically larger?
The 2026 INFINITI QX60 is the larger vehicle overall, measuring 198.1 inches in length and 69.7 inches in height. The BMW X3 is more compact at 187.2 inches long and 65.4 inches tall.
Does the drivetrain setup affect the driving experience?
Yes, the 2026 BMW X3 comes standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD) for better traction in poor weather. Conversely, the standard 2026 INFINITI QX60 is Front Wheel Drive (FWD), which typically favors efficiency and a different feel on dry pavement.
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