DecodedCars2022 BMW X3
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2022 models.
- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
- Body styles
- M40i 4dr SUV, Xdrive30e PHEV 4dr SUV, Xdrive30i 4dr SUV, M 4dr SUV
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo
- Horsepower
- 248–473 hp
- Transmission
- 8-speed automatic
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 5
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline, Hybrid
- MPG (best)
- 25 combined · 23 city / 29 hwy
- Length
- 185.4 in
- Curb weight
- 4,151–4,630 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 7 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Strong performanceUp to 473 hp, versus about 362 hp for similar 2022 models.
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
- "Park outside" recallCheck that the recall repair was done before buying or driving.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 35 similar 2022 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2022 BMW X3 is a small SUV offered with 2 engines (2.0L 4-cyl turbo and 3.0L 6-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version and rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 185 inches long and 74 inches wide on a 113-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,229 lb (M40i 4dr SUV).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 25 MPG combined (23 city / 29 highway), 6% worse than the 2022 small SUV average of 26.5 MPG, for an estimated $3,300 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 7 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 84 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the unknown or other.
What changed for 2022
- New hybrid version
- No plug-in hybrid version any more
- Best combined MPG down from 27 to 25
Compared with 2021; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2021 X3 →
Trims, performance & features
Engine248 hp2.0L 4-cyl
Engine382–473 hp3.0L 6-cyl
Transmission8-speed automatic
DriveAWD/4WD · RWD
Seating5 seats · 2 rows
Trims
xDrive30isDrive30iM40iX3 M/M Competition
Safety & driver-assist features
Forward collision warningStandard
Blind-spot monitoringStandard
Rear cross-traffic alertStandard
Lane departure warningStandard
Lane keeping assistOptional
Adaptive cruise controlOptional
Parking assistStandard
Backup cameraStandard
Automatic high beamsStandard
Adaptive driving beamStandard
Keyless startStandard
LED headlightsYes
Built in: Greer, South Carolina · Rosslyn, South Africa
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2022 X3 configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M40i 4dr SUV | 185.4 in | 74.4 in | 66.1 in | 112.6 in | 63 / 63.8 in | 4,229 lb | 50/50 |
| Xdrive30e PHEV 4dr SUV | 185.4 in | 74.4 in | 66.1 in | 112.6 in | 63.8 / 64.6 in | 4,597 lb | 48/52 |
| Xdrive30i 4dr SUV | 185.4 in | 74.4 in | 66.1 in | 112.6 in | 63.8 / 64.6 in | 4,151 lb | 50/50 |
| M 4dr SUV | 185.4 in | 74.4 in | 66.1 in | 112.6 in | 63.8 / 64.6 in | 4,630 lb | 50/50 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| X3 sDrive30i | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 23 / 29 / 25 | -6% | $3,300 | 352 |
| X3 xDrive30i | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 21 / 28 / 24 | -2% | $3,400 | 370 |
| X3 M40i Hybrid | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 21 / 26 / 23 | -6% | $3,550 | 379 |
| X3 M | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 15 / 20 / 17 | -31% | $4,850 | 519 |
| X3 M Competition | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 15 / 20 / 17 | -31% | $4,850 | 519 |
5/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
5/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $4,500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
26.5 MPG2022 Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD average
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2022 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 BMW X3 SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 17.1% |
| 2022 BMW X3 SUV RWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 17.2% |
StandardElectronic stability control
Not availableForward collision warning
Not availableLane departure warning
Similar 2022 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 BMW X3 (this car) | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 7 |
| 2022 Mercedes-Benz G-Class | 16 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2022 Tesla Model Y | 330 mi | Not rated | 20 |
| 2022 Porsche Cayenne | 21 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2022 BMW X5 | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2022 Land Rover Defender | 19 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2022 Lexus RX | 30 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (7)
Safety advisory: 1 recall for this model year carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Check your VIN now.
Electrical System › Starter Assembly · Jan 30, 2026
NHTSA campaign 26V056000 · 87,394 vehicles
- Problem
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Toyota Supra, 2022-2023 2 Series Coupe, 2021-2024 5 Series (xDrive), 2021-2022 Z4, 2022-2024 4 Series (Gran Coupe), 2021-2024 4 Series (Convertible and xDrive Convertible), 2021-2023 4 Series (Coupe), 2021-2024 3 Series, 2021-2023 X4, 2021-2024 X3 vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of all models. The engine starter may overheat and catch fire due to wear on an internal component.
- Risk
- Fire increases the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the engine starter, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 21, 2026. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning March 24, 2026.
Electrical System › Starter Assembly › Relay · Sep 23, 2025 Park outside
NHTSA campaign 25V636000 · 199,674 vehicles
- Problem
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2021 BMW 330i, 2019-2022 BMW Z4, 2020-2022 BMW 530i, X3, X4, Toyota Supra, 2021-2022 BMW 430i, 430i Convertible, and 2022 BMW 230i vehicles. The engine starter relay may corrode, causing the relay to overheat and short circuit.
- Risk
- A short circuit in the starter relay may increase the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- Owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures until the remedy is complete. Dealers will replace the engine starter, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 6, 2026. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov November 14, 2025.
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Lock · Feb 20, 2025
NHTSA campaign 25V106000 · 40,736 vehicles
- Problem
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2022-2024 X3 sDrive30i and X3 xDrive30i vehicles. The second-row seat side door locking modules may not function properly and allow the doors to be unlocked with a single motion. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 206, "Door Locks and Door Retention Components."
- Risk
- Doors that can be inadvertently unlocked and unlatched may open unexpectedly, increasing the risk of injury to rear seat occupants.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the second-row seat side door locking modules, free of charge. A letter informing owners of the safety risk was mailed on April 21, 2025. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 800-525-7417.
Structure · Oct 15, 2024
NHTSA campaign 24V764000 · 8,725 vehicles
- Problem
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018-2022 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, and X3 M vehicles. The attachment for the rear cargo rail may become damaged in a rear crash and result in the cargo rail detaching.
- Risk
- Interior rear cargo rail detachment during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the rear cargo rail attachment bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 12, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Vehicles in this recall were previously remedied for this issue under recall number 24V-534 and will need to have the new repair completed.
Structure · Jul 17, 2024
NHTSA campaign 24V534000 · 282,387 vehicles
- Problem
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018-2023 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, and X3 M vehicles. The attachment for the interior cargo rail may become damaged in a rear crash and result in the cargo rail detaching.
- Risk
- Interior cargo rail detachment during a rear crash can increase the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the rear cargo rail attachment bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 2, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System › Fuel Rail · Jul 20, 2022
NHTSA campaign 22V513000 · 5 vehicles
- Problem
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2022 X1 xDrive 28i, X3 xDrive30i, and 228i Gran Coupe vehicles. The high-pressure fuel rail may crack and result in a fuel leak within the engine compartment.
- Risk
- A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the high-pressure fuel rail, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 19, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · Feb 9, 2022
NHTSA campaign 22V070000 · 4 vehicles
- Problem
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2022 330i, 530i, X3 xDrive30i, and X4 xDrive30i vehicles. The mechatronics unit inside the transmission may not have been assembled properly, which could result in an internal leak.
- Risk
- An internal transmission leak can result in a vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the transmission mechatronics unit, free of charge. All of the vehicle population for this recall have been repaired. Owner notification letters were not mailed. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Not every 2022 BMW X3 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
84Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
2Involved a crash
4Involved a fire
6Injuries reported
52,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2022 BMW X3 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 7 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Safety-critical recall. At least one recall carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Do not buy until the VIN shows it was repaired.
- Electrical System — 17 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Engine — 11 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Power Train — 9 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 52,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2022 BMW X3. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other X3 years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 X3 | 29 | 187.4 in | Not rated | 2 | 22 |
| 2025 X3 | 29 | 187.4 in | ★★★★★ | 9 | 38 |
| 2024 X3 | 25 | 185.4 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 42 |
| 2023 X3 | 25 | 185.4 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 15 |
| 2021 X3 | 27 | 185.4 in | ★★★★★ | 10 | 113 |
| 2020 X3 | 27 | 185.4 in | ★★★★★ | 16 | 110 |
| 2019 X3 | 26 | 185.4 in | ★★★★★ | 10 | 171 |
| 2018 X3 | 25 | 185.4 in | Not rated | 11 | 76 |
| 2017 X3 | 24 | 183.1 in | Not rated | 6 | 92 |
| 2016 X3 | 30 | 183.1 in | Not rated | 5 | 82 |
| 2015 X3 | 30 | 183.1 in | Not rated | 7 | 104 |
| 2014 X3 | 24 | 183.1 in | Not rated | 6 | 83 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or BMW. How we calculate this →