BMW X3 vs. Ford Explorer MPG

Chart is based on 79 fuel economy reports for the BMW X3 and 128 fuel economy reports for the Ford Explorer.

BMW X3 MPG

Year	Body/Powertrain	flat, hilly, or mountainousLand	driving style: very light to "lead foot"Foot	A/C use: none to heavyA/C	constant stop and goTraf %	many stops per mileCity %	stop every mile or twoSub %	fairly steady speedHwy %	Hwy Spd	MPG
2014	4dr SUV turbocharged 240hp 2.0L I4 8-speed shiftable automatic AWD	flat	light	none	5	10	0	85	70	25.5
2014	4dr SUV turbocharged 180hp 2.0L I4 Diesel 8-speed shiftable automatic AWD	flat	v.lt	light	17	50	8	25	90	31.8
2013	4dr SUV turbocharged 240hp 2.0L I4 8-speed shiftable automatic AWD	hills	med	light	17	39	20	24	58	19.7
2012	4dr SUV 240-horsepower 3.0L I6 8-speed shiftable automatic AWD	flat	light	light	2	20	3	75	70	26.8
2011	4dr SUV turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6 8-speed shiftable automatic AWD	flat	med	hvy	30	10	20	40	70	22.8
2011	4dr SUV 240-horsepower 3.0L I6 8-speed shiftable automatic AWD	flat	med	none	0	30	10	60	74	24.6
2009	4dr SUV 260-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD	flat	light	light	10	10	50	30	75	21.0
Looking for a warranty? Get a quote.
2008	4dr SUV 260-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD	flat	med	light	13	13	24	51	74	20.8
2008	4dr SUV 260-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed manual AWD	hills	med	light	0	10	20	70	65	21.0
2007	4dr SUV 260-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD	flat	med	light	11	23	11	55	69	20.0
2007	4dr SUV 260-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed manual AWD	hills	light	light	20	50	0	30	60	20.1
2006	4dr SUV 225-horsepower 3.0L I6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD	flat	med	light	21	14	31	34	75	19.3
2005	4dr SUV 225-horsepower 3.0L I6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD	flat	med	light	5	47	12	36	70	17.3
2005	4dr SUV 184-horsepower 2.5L I6 6-speed manual AWD	hills	light	light	44	0	0	56	60	22.5
2005	4dr SUV 184-horsepower 2.5L I6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD	flat	med	none	16	13	13	59	115	20.2
2004	4dr SUV 225-horsepower 3.0L I6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD	flat	med	hvy	2	9	27	62	73	20.6
2004	4dr SUV 184-horsepower 2.5L I6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD	hills	light	light	4	9	39	49	71	23.1

Return to top

This page shows only averages. See all the BMW X3 fuel economy data.

Ford Explorer MPG

Year	Body/Powertrain	flat, hilly, or mountainousLand	driving style: very light to "lead foot"Foot	A/C use: none to heavyA/C	constant stop and goTraf %	many stops per mileCity %	stop every mile or twoSub %	fairly steady speedHwy %	Hwy Spd	MPG
2017	4dr SUV turbocharged 365hp 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD	hills	med	none	0	5	75	20	65	18.5
2015	4dr SUV 290-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD	hills	med	light	45	0	15	40	75	20.9
2013	4dr SUV 290-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD	flat	light	light	25	0	30	45	70	21.8
2012	4dr SUV 290-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD	flat	light	none	0	0	20	80	110	21.4
2012	4dr SUV 290-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD	flat	med	none	0	31	17	52	71	18.4
2011	4dr SUV 290-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD	flat	light	light	9	73	9	9	60	15.6
2011	4dr SUV 290-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed automatic AWD	flat	light	none	10	0	10	80	55	22.0
Looking for a warranty? Get a quote.
2009	4dr SUV 292-horsepower 4.6L V8 6-speed automatic 4WD w/low range	flat	light	none	0	0	0	100	60	18.5
2009	4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range	hills	light	hvy	5	20	30	45	60	19.2
2008	4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic RWD	flat	light	hvy	0	5	20	75	60	16.5
2008	4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic AWD	flat	light	hvy	0	0	63	37	65	16.6
2008	4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range	hills	med	none	6	27	50	17	75	16.7
2007	4dr SUV 292-horsepower 4.6L V8 6-speed automatic 4WD w/low range	hills	med	hvy	1	6	13	82	75	17.2
2007	4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range	flat	med	light	24	8	7	61	90	17.7
2006	4dr SUV 292-horsepower 4.6L V8 6-speed automatic RWD	flat	light	light	2	18	19	61	68	18.3
2006	4dr SUV 292-horsepower 4.6L V8 6-speed automatic 4WD w/low range	flat	med	light	4	17	41	37	78	15.1
2006	4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic RWD	flat	med	light	20	23	28	29	70	18.1
2006	4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range	flat	light	light	5	30	22	44	65	16.4
2005	4dr SUV 239-horsepower 4.6L V8 5-speed automatic RWD	flat	med	light	0	9	9	83	75	17.5
2005	4dr SUV 239-horsepower 4.6L V8 5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range	flat	light	light	5	18	33	43	80	16.4
2005	4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic RWD	flat	lead	hvy	20	20	10	50	60	18.0
2005	4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range	flat	light	none	45	45	5	5	55	13.3
2004	4dr SUV 239-horsepower 4.6L V8 5-speed automatic AWD	flat	light	light	17	20	13	50	60	16.7
2004	4dr SUV 239-horsepower 4.6L V8 5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range	flat	light	light	7	35	28	30	75	13.2
2004	4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic AWD	hills	light	hvy	10	20	18	52	63	16.4
2004	4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range	flat	med	hvy	5	0	0	95	65	18.8
2003	4dr SUV 239-horsepower 4.6L V8 5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range	flat	med	light	5	17	32	45	81	14.4
2003	4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic RWD	flat	med	light	18	45	13	25	65	17.8
2003	4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range	flat	med	light	16	14	32	38	74	17.6
2002	4dr SUV 239-horsepower 4.6L V8 5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range	hills	med	light	17	26	17	40	89	16.1
2002	4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed manual 4WD w/low range	flat	med	hvy	0	40	30	30	65	17.0
2002	4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic RWD	flat	light	light	7	22	37	35	70	18.2
2002	4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range	flat	med	light	18	3	44	36	70	19.2
2001	4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range	flat	light	none	0	75	25	0	0	11.4
2000	4dr SUV 215-horsepower 5.0L V8 4-speed automatic AWD	flat	v.lt	none	0	10	33	58	60	17.8

Return to top

This page shows only averages. See all the Ford Explorer fuel economy data.

See TrueDelta's information for all SUVs

See TrueDelta's information for all BMW models and Ford models.

TrueDelta Reviews the Real Gas Mileage of the BMW X3

BMW X3 Real Gas Mileage: Pros
Year	Comment
2013	While the boosted four has a clear performance advantage, the swap was motivated primarily by the push for better fuel economy. EPA ratings are 21 mpg city, 28 highway, vs. the 2012 six's 19/25. An Audi Q5 comes close, 20/28, but with 211 horsepower isn't as strong. Despite weighing about 400 pounds less than the X3's 4,112, a Ford Escape with a similarly spec'd engine does no better. A Mercedes GLK350? 19/24. The Volvo is even worse. Compared to cars, the X3 doesn't fare as well. The roomier, nearly as heavy 528i rates 22/33. The crossover's larger frontal area and higher ground clearance take their toll as speed climbs. In our real-world sub-freezing suburban driving, the trip computer usually reported about 21 once the engine was warmed up, matching the EPA rating and quite good for a powerful, two-ton, all-wheel-drive vehicle. Engage an aggressive Eco Pro mode for a Prius-like throttle response and ultra-low rpm shifts, and mid-20s are easily achievable while high 20s are possible. I even observed 32 over one short trip where the lights were in my favor. But the cars behind you won't be happy. Conversely, enjoy the turbo at every opportunity and fuel economy will fall into the teens. A defeatable standard auto start/stop system operates a little more smoothly than in last year's 3-Series, but not as smoothly as it ought to. see full BMW X3 review

What Our Members Are Saying about the Real Gas Mileage of the BMW X3

BMW X3 Real Gas Mileage: Pros
Year	Body/Powertrain	Comment
2007	4dr SUV 260-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD	We get 22.5 mpg consistently in overall averaging and 26 to 27 on open road trips. see full BMW X3 review

BMW X3 Real Gas Mileage: Cons
Year	Body/Powertrain	Comment
2009	4dr SUV 260-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD	Have noticed as low as 10 mpg in start and stop city driving. Average for daily driving is 14 mpg. It uses premium fuel so driving this car is already very expensive. see full BMW X3 review
2006	4dr SUV 225-horsepower 3.0L I6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD	City driving fuel economy is not bad for an SUV. I average around 16MPG battling heavy traffic and my need for �enjoying using the accelerator�. Highway mileage is not so great. Cruising at 70-80MPH returns around 22MPG. see full BMW X3 review

What Our Members Are Saying about the Real Gas Mileage of the Ford Explorer

Ford Explorer Real Gas Mileage: Pros
Year	Body/Powertrain	Comment
2013	4dr SUV turbocharged 365hp 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD	We initially went in looking for a commuter vehicle with High mpg... but the sport they had jumped out at us and we were on the hunt for one... in the wife's daily 45 mile drive to work she's averaging 20 mpg which is comparable to the Audi's 4 cylinder and my truck's 8 cylinder. see full Ford Explorer review
2011	4dr SUV 290-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD	Best in Class all that needs to be said. see full Ford Explorer review
2011	4dr SUV 290-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD	For such a beast I'm pleased with the gas mileage. I average 19-21 in almost all city/suburban stoplight and rush hour driving. Highway mileage drops fast if you drive over 70. Keep it under 70 and I get about 24. see full Ford Explorer review
2003	4dr SUV 239-horsepower 4.6L V8 5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range	For a mid-sized SUV, fuel economy is still as good or better than many 2008 cross-overs, and has all of the luxury features I like. see full Ford Explorer review

Ford Explorer Real Gas Mileage: Cons
Year	Body/Powertrain	Comment
2007	4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range	Not really bad, but not that great either. To be expected for a vehicle this heavy see full Ford Explorer review
2006	4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range	13-15 mpg around town, ouch! see full Ford Explorer review
2005	4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic RWD	Could be better see full Ford Explorer review
2005	4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range	wish it was higher. Part of our problem is that wanted and bought a model with the towing package. The lower gearing does impact fuel economy see full Ford Explorer review
2004	4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic AWD	13 - 14.5 for a V6! Ridiculous. see full Ford Explorer review
2004	4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range	Gets poor fuel economy, but that is expected from a large SUV see full Ford Explorer review
2002	4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range	17 miles to the gallon on a six. see full Ford Explorer review
2002	4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range	For a low output V6 (210hp) I would expect better gas mileage for this 4,400 suv. I average 14 to 18 mpg per tank depending on mix of city/highway. see full Ford Explorer review