Trying to decide between the Subaru Outback Onyx vs the BMW X3 Xdrive. I am having a hard time making a final decision. I could use a little feedback from anyone who has driven or owned both?
I am going to lease for 36months /10k miles
I currently own a BMW X1 which I didnt really like…it was zippy but not very comfortable
X3 are nice but you’ll definitely pay to play right now with inventory shortage.
One of them will drive like an appliance, the other will actually feel somewhat like a BMW.
Yeah, I’m at 7-8% on x3ms :/, to be in May again.
Bruce Smith, not sure what that comment means, please elaborate…thanks…I dont own either vehicle so your insight would be greatly appreciated. Im in an X1 right now at that, to me, is the bastard ugly stepchild of BMW. I do not like this car.
Hershey, Im still gettin quotes for about 10-11% off MSRP on X3, so Im not sure what is going on…Im in NJ. Please let me know what the deal is 
X3M is VERY different from a X3. Very different car driving wise, discount, supply, and horsepower wise.
Let me ask it this way, if the money difference was no concern, why would you ever get the subaru? It has about 20% more cargo space with the seats up? That’s all I can come up with…
Regardless of your experience with the X1, bmw is the better product and hence costs more (I get some of this is stupid badge on the car). But it is a higher quality product inside and out.
Other than price difference, which is a great reason by the way, why would you get an outback over an X3?
Well, this thread is about an Outback vs X3, so why even bring up the X3M or what discount you can get on it?
I’d ask you the same question…seems like two completely different cars. I drive an X3 and have loved it so far if that means anything to you.
Unfortunately, deals / incentives on it are slim right now, so it’s perhaps not the best time to get an X3, unless you really want it (which it sounds like you don’t…)
It’s free marketing!
I think x1 and x2 are built on FWD platforms, hence missing the driving dynamics of other Bmw cars. If this is not an issue to you, you can choose either
X1 & X2 are built on Mini platform. My wife went from '16 X3 to '18 X2. She likes the look of the X2, but it’s build-quality and feel are definitely lower than X3.
I’ve owned many Subarus, so don’t get me wrong. Subaru has a tremendous AWD system. They are reasonably well-built. All Subs, short of WRX & BRZ, drive like a '70’s Buick. Again, these are all opinions.
Any X BMW will be much more a driver’s car vs any Subaru Outback, Legacy, Impreza, Forester.
BMW = driver’s car. Subaru = consumer conveyance.
It appears others are at least validating a closer competition btw the entry level X1 which the OP does not enjoy, and the Suby. At first anyone would be shocked to compare the two vehicles but this makes more sense now.
That being said, X3 is on a different build level to the X1 and hopefully the OP would see the difference.
How much would it cost to load up the X3 with all the features the Suby has?
To be honest I am torn almost down middle…I love the way the X3 drives and feels as I had it for several weeks as a loaner when my X1 hatch was being serviced. However, this is really a 2nd car as I have a C300 Benz as my main car and it drives very comfortable and smooth. So this 2nd car would be more of my utility, groceries, Home Depot, car…but I also wouldn’t mind taking some longer drives in this second car as well. So this is why I am asking people around here their feedback/impressions mainly hoping to get a response or 2 from someone who may have had or driven both cars. I have never had an Outback but alot of people seem to love the newer models
So just tryin to get as much feedback as I can
Also for me options means leather heated seats, a moonroof, decent sound system, …and air conditioning with power windows! I have Waze on my cell phone
thnks
Hmm - not sure you are going to get someone who says the subie drives better go for that one! It seems like that’s what you are looking for. Bc again, other than price why would you go for the subie.
If you do consider price it comes down to how much do you value the better quality/driving bmw, is it worth 50 a month, 100? 0? Only you can answer that. Once you do compare the going rates and if it makes sense or not.
I’ve already stated from a utility perspective the outback has 20% more cargo space. That’s for your Home Depot trip. Place a value on that and make your decision.
The general car market has placed a value spread btw the subie and the X3. This will be seen as the difference in monthly payments.
Do you think that spread is cheap, then get the bmw.
Do you think that spread is expensive, then get the subie.
Lol, when you come to think of it…what an imbalanced and awkward head to head matchup…Its like 2 fighters from different weight classes going against each other
Yea but if you don’t value what the bmw brings to the table, and with a cheaper price, I could easily see the subie being a better choice for many