Compare the2026 Subaru Solterra VS 2027 BMW iX3

For enhanced safety, the front seat shoulder belts of the Subaru Solterra are height-adjustable to accommodate a wide variety of driver and passenger heights. A better fit can prevent injuries and the increased comfort also encourages passengers to buckle up. The BMW iX3 doesn’t offer height-adjustable seat belts.

In a Vehicle-to-Vehicle Frontal Crash Prevention 2.0 test conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the Subaru Solterra achieved a “Good” rating - the highest possible - for its performance in forward collision warning and automatic braking systems, demonstrating its excellent capabilities in preventing collisions. The BMW iX3 has not been tested.

To deliver safety and visibility under dusty conditions the Subaru Solterra’s backup monitor has a standard rear washer to keep the view clear. A camera washer system costs extra on the BMW iX3.

Both the Solterra and the iX3 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, all-wheel drive, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, post-collision automatic braking systems, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, driver alert monitors and available around view monitors.

Subaru’s powertrain warranty covers the Solterra 1 year and 10,000 miles longer than BMW covers the iX3. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 5 years or 60,000 miles. Coverage on the iX3 ends after only 4 years or 50,000 miles.

There are over 83 percent more Subaru dealers than there are BMW dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Solterra’s warranty.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Subaru vehicles are better in initial quality than BMW vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Subaru above average in initial quality. With 9 more problems per 100 vehicles, BMW is rated below average.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ March 2026 Auto Issue reports that Subaru vehicles are more reliable than BMW vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Subaru second in overall reliability. BMW is ranked fifth.

On the EPA test cycle the Solterra gets better mileage than the iX3:

			MPGe
Solterra
	AWD	Premium Electric Motors	131 city/109 hwy
		Limited Electric Motors	128 city/105 hwy
		XT Electric Motors	128 city/105 hwy
iX3
	AWD	20" Summer Tires Electric Motors	125 city/110 hwy
		21" Summer Tires Electric Motors	112 city/98 hwy
		21" All Season Tires Electric Motors	111 city/98 hwy
		22" Summer Tires Electric Motors	111 city/97 hwy
		20" All Season Tires Electric Motors	107 city/97 hwy

For better maneuverability, the Solterra’s turning circle is 3 feet tighter than the iX3’s (36.7 feet vs. 39.7 feet).

For greater off-road capability the Solterra has a 1.4 inches greater minimum ground clearance than the iX3 (8.3 vs. 6.9 inches), allowing the Solterra to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

The Subaru Solterra may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 650 to 750 pounds less than the BMW iX3.

The Solterra is 3.7 inches shorter than the iX3, making the Solterra easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The front grille of the Solterra uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The iX3 doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

The Solterra has a higher standard payload capacity than the iX3 (1045 vs. 893 lbs.).

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Subaru service is better than BMW. J.D. Power ranks Subaru third in service department satisfaction. With a 20% lower rating, BMW is ranked 10th.

The Solterra’s front and rear power windows all open or close fully with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside the car. The iX3’s rear power window switches have to be held the entire time to open or close them fully.

In poor weather, headlights can lose their effectiveness as grime builds up on their lenses. This can reduce visibility without the driver realizing. The Solterra has standard headlight washers to keep headlight output high. The iX3 doesn’t offer headlight washers.

To shield the driver and front passenger’s vision over a larger portion of the windshield and side windows, the Solterra has standard extendable sun visors. The iX3 doesn’t offer extendable visors.

The Subaru Solterra stands out above the BMW iX3 by offering not one, but two Qi-compatible phone chargers. This convenience helps travelers with multiple devices to keep powered up on-the-go. Wireless charging eliminates lost or cluttered charging cables and two of them provide more flexibility.

The Solterra Limited/Touring has a 115-volt a/c outlet in the cargo area, allowing you to recharge a laptop or run small household appliances without special adapters that can break or get misplaced. The iX3 doesn’t offer a house-current electrical outlet.