The original Volkswagen Touareg was famous for offering a 5.0-litre V10 diesel engine that made it one of the most powerful models in its class.
Pros Good value Copes well in the mud Smart interior
Cons Depreciation worries Hybrid isn’t economical Can’t carry seven
The VW Touareg has been a constant for Volkswagen since 2003. It was the firm’s very first off-roader, and paved the way for the now four-strong SUV line-up. However, with the current car more than eight years old, VW thought it high time the mainstay was given a complete overhaul. So, for 2018, the Touareg is new from the ground up. It is 77mm longer and 44mm wider than before, and it sits on the VW Group’s flagship MLBevo platform. That means it shares many of its internals with cars such as the Audi Q7 and Porsche Cayenne, as well as high-end models like the Bentley Bentayga and Lamborghini Urus.
The 2019 BMW X3 ranked #6 in Luxury Compact SUVs. Currently the BMW X3 has a score of 8.7 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 22 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Powerful engines Nimble handling Spacious, supportive seats Above-average cargo capacity
Cons Rivals are more opulent inside Above-average starting price
The X3 also becomes a more full-fledged member of the BMW family with its upgraded interior. And at a time when some of the brand’s passenger-car offerings have strayed from BMW’s historically strong dynamics, the new X3 makes an encouraging showing there as well.
Pros Chassis tuning like BMWs of old, improved interior, plenty of passenger and cargo space.
Cons Imprecise variable-ratio steering, goofy electronic shifter, the entry-level four pales next to the six-cylinder.
The 2019 BMW X3 is a versatile compact crossover that delivers on rising expectations.
Pros Handsome exterior Responsive and sharp powertrains Standard automatic emergency braking this year Good outward vision Ample interior room
Cons Can easily reach more than $60,000 CarPlay with a subscription? Really? Conservative compared to competitors No electrified version yet Relatively heavy steering
