Buying Guide Index

Cars.comparison: Downsized Luxury Crossovers

By Joe Bruzek, Mike Hanley and Kelsey Mays

You've decided you don't need that midsize or full-size luxury SUV anymore, but you don't want to give up the ambience. Enter compact luxury crossovers. One of the newest models is the Volvo XC60, which we compare here against BMW's X3 and the Land Rover LR2.

 = Category winner
The Contenders
2009 BMW X3 xDrive30i2009 Land Rover LR2 HSE2010 Volvo XC60 T6
Zoom Zoom Zoom
Base MSRP
$39,700$35,375$37,200
Price as tested
$48,600$41,400$44,240
Style factor
The X3 is the oldest design here, but its look remains contemporary. BMW styling aesthetics are quite polarizing on some models, but they're relatively unobtrusive here. The LR2 looks a little like a miniaturized SUV, but the boxy sheet metal hides a modern unibody platform. It's either traditionalist or timeless, depending on your perspective. One of the more hatchback-like crossovers around, the XC60's sleekness will appeal to those looking for the least SUV-like luxury crossover. We dig the vertical LED taillamps.
Strongest drivetrain
BMW's six-cylinder engines are still among the best in the business. The X3 moves quickly, but it comes up just short of the XC60's all-out grunt.The combination of modest power and hefty curb weight translates into leisurely acceleration that's tolerable — but just barely. With 281 horsepower, the swift XC60's turbo six-cylinder provides authoritative acceleration even at low engine speeds.
Gas mileage (city/highway, mpg)
17/24
The automatic-transmission X3's gas mileage estimates are solid for its class. Choosing the manual transmission lowers both the city and the highway estimates by 1 mpg. 		15/22
Even though the LR2 has the least powerful engine, it has the worst aerodynamics and is the heaviest. You can't cheat physics. 		16/22
The XC60's gas mileage estimates trail the X3's, but it's the only model in this test that's rated to run on regular gas; the others take more expensive premium.
Fun-to-drive factor
The X3 feels the most planted in corners, with precise steering and minimal body roll. The steering wheel takes effort to turn at low speeds, but that's a small price to pay for this sort of flat-out fun. The LR2 has an old-school SUV feel that's not too inspiring; there are a lot of body motions, and the nose dives when braking. The low steering effort is welcome in parking lots, but it doesn't have the X3's sporting feel once on the road. Taut suspension tuning helps keep the XC60 poised on winding, hilly roads. Combined with the strong drivetrain, this Volvo's sportiness may surprise you. Its steering, with alternating pockets of high and low power assist, takes some getting used to, however.
Cabin luxury
Zoom
Even years after the X3's debut, it's obvious BMW didn't skimp on its cabin materials. High-rent leather and upscale finishes abound. Certain features — like only one climate zone up front and an MP3 jack that's stuck behind the front seats — show the model's age, though.
 Zoom
The LR2's materials are decent, but they don't say luxury like the X3's or XC60's do. The center control panel is out-of-date, with industrial-looking button finishes, a green-and-black radio display and plasticky simulated wood trim.
 Zoom
The XC60's cabin is an intriguing blend of rich upholstery, like available two-tone leather seats, and unique materials, like a center control panel that can be dressed up with light-oak trim. It's the proverbial breath of fresh air.
Roominess and comfort
Characteristic of BMWs, the X3's seats are on the stiff side — just like the suspension, which doesn't make the X3 the most highway-friendly choice. Backseat room is hurt by seat cushions that sit too low to the ground. The seat cushions for both the front bucket seats and the rear bench are short, which may make long drives uncomfortable for long-legged occupants. Their cushioning, however, strikes a balance between comfort and support that neither competitor can match. The XC60's front bucket seats proved comfortable for longer stretches, though some editors found them squishy and unsupportive. Like the LR2, there's not a lot of room in the second row for adult passengers.
Cargo versatility
The X3 has 30 cubic feet of cargo volume with the seats up and an impressive 71 cubic feet with them down. It also has the lowest cargo floor, but our tester's rear bumper lacked a scuff plate, which the other two had.The LR2's cargo area measures 26.7 cubic feet behind the backseat. In addition to having the smallest maximum cargo volume, of 58.9 cubic feet, the archaic seat-folding setup requires you to flip the bottom cushion forward before folding the backrest flat. Expanding the XC60's 30.8-cubic-foot cargo area is as simple as folding the rear backrest flat. It's split 40/20/40, which gives you more options if you need to carry both passengers and long or large cargo items. Folding the backseat yields 67.4 cubic feet of space.
Overall value
BMW's premium pricing means the X3 is the most expensive to start. You would think leather seats would be included with a base price of nearly $40,000, but they're extra. Even though the LR2's as-tested price is the lowest of the three, it seems a little overpriced for what you get. The things that make the XC60 T6 compelling — its sleek looks, turbo power and stylish interior — don't require you to spend any more than the starting price if you don't want to.
 
Editors' choice
The fuel-efficient X3 delivers an entertaining driving experience befitting a BMW, but its steep price is tough to swallow, especially when the well-rounded XC60 is the competition. With its off-road capability and boxy looks, the LR2 is reminiscent of an earlier SUV era, but its wobbly body motions and basic interior should have been left in the past. When it comes to offering luxury in a smaller package, the XC60 shines. Its athletic looks, impressive performance and original interior set it apart.
© Cars.com 8/3/09
Next Step?