- Reliability isn’t the 2014 BMW X3’s strong suite
- Why the 2015 Acura RDX is a better option
- The 2016 Mazda CX-5 is also a great alternative
BMW is one of the titans of the industry, and almost everyone wants to get their hands on its vehicles. However, not everyone wants or can afford to buy the manufacturer’s cars at full price, which is where used models come in. Used cars provide comfort, safety, and technological features in an upscale package for way less than the cost of a new car.
However, not everything is as great as it seems regarding the used 2014 BMW X3. Consumer Reports says that if you’re looking for an incredible SUV, you’ll be better off avoiding the 2014 BMW X3 for these two alternative luxury SUV options.
Reliability isn’t the 2014 BMW X3’s strong suite
2014 BMW X3 xDrive | BMW Group
The 2014 BMW X3 stands out amongst its rivals thanks to its spacious and luxurious interior, solid fuel economy ratings, and superb driving dynamics. It’s not as sporty as its sibling, the X1, but offers more feedback than other luxury SUVs. The 2014 BMW X3 offers two engine choices that are both turbocharged.
The xDrive28i offers a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine that produces 240 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, while the xDrive35i has a 3.0-liter inline-6 turbocharged engine that produces 300 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque. The 28i takes 6.8 seconds to go from 0 to 60 mph, while the 35i revs up from 0 to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds, making it one of the quickest vehicles in its category.
Unfortunately, the 2014 BMW X3 isn’t a reliable car. Consumer Reports gave it the site’s lowest available rating in reliability, naming its fuel system, suspension, and brakes as potential problems. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has recalled the vehicle three times. Additionally, according to CR, the 2014 BMW X3 had issues with the child seat anchor bars.
Why the 2015 Acura RDX is a better option
If you’ve been eyeing a used 2014 BMW X3 and now can’t trust its reliability and owner satisfaction, you may wonder if there are other better options. Luckily, there are. Consumer Reports notes that the 2015 Acura RDX is the better used SUV option for those who don’t want to risk the problems of the 2014 BMW X3.
The outlet loves this alternative because it is “mainstream and refined” and “doesn’t push the envelope in styling, handling or interior quality. According to CR, the RDX easily appeals to most people in the used SUV market because of its benign and comfortable design that makes it easy to live with.
The SUV scores highly in terms of its six-speed automatic transmission, producing an impressive 22 mpg overall fuel economy rating. The publication gave the SUV a much higher rating than the 2014 BMW X3, awarding it an average score.
However, Consumer Reports does warn of troublesome brakes with the 2015 RDX and reports that some minor transmission problems have been reported in the past. Still, the model has faced fewer recalls than the X3, with the recalls being for its driver frontal airbags.
The 2016 Mazda CX-5 is also a great alternative
Related
While the Acura RDX is a great option, its interior ambiance can be a bit boring for a luxury vehicle. If the RDX doesn’t tickle your fancy, Consumer Reports says you can opt for the 2016 Mazda CX-5. The CX-5 is competitive and fun to drive with its taut, agile handling, and well-weighted steering.
The vehicle’s power comes from its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that promises 25 mpg overall. There is a slight learning curve when it comes to the car’s infotainment system, which is on the console and controlled by a knob. However, that’s nothing since Consumer Reports awarded it a perfect score for its reliability.
Keyword: Avoid the Used 2014 BMW X3 for These 2 Better SUVs, According to Consumer Reports