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BMW has always made superior automobiles, but with the 2015 X3 SUV they’ve taken it to another level. It’s not simply the 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission, the superior handling, the boatload of safety features, or all the technology. It’s how BMW has put it all together in the 2015 X3 SUV.
Not only does it come with a 4-year 50,000 mile basic warranty, seats 5 comfortably, and gets a respectable 21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg out on the open road. The vehicle comes in a rainbow of colors including Mineral Silver or white, Alpine White, Carbon Black, Black Sapphire, Deep Sea Blue, Glacier Silver, Jet Black, Melbourne Red, Space Gray, and Sparkling Brown all with metallic finishes. BMW deserves extra credit for expanding people’s color palette.
The 2015 X3 comes with premium leather or leatherette interiors in color combinations like Beige, Black Nevada w/Gray Contrast Stitching, Black, Ivory White Nevada w/Red Contrast Stitching, Mocha Nevada w/Orange Contrast Stitching, Oyster Nevada, Saddle Brown Nevada, and Sand Beige Nevada. This allows buyers to add a certain je no se qua to their SUV and display their unique style and taste.
The 2015 BMW X3 is a spacious 15 feet, 3.4 inches long, 6 feet 2.1 inches wide, and 5 feet 6.1 inches tall with a 9 foot 2.6 inch wheel base. That creates over 40.7 inches in front headroom, 39.9 inches of front leg room, and 58.4 inches of front shoulder room. The back offers a comfortable 39.1 inches of headroom, 36.8 inches of leg room, and 57.4 inches of shoulder room. With all the seats in place it has 27.6 cubic feet of storage space. It’s available in gas and diesel models with a fuel tank capacity of 17.7 gallons. That allows for 371.7/495.6 mi. between stops for fuel.
The 2015 BMW X3 is powered by a 2.0 liter, 16 valve, double-overhead cam, inline 4-cylinder, 240 horsepower engine with 260 feet-pounds of torque. It’s paired with an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission. This enables the SUV to tow up to 3,000 pounds. Add All-Wheel drive, a 39 foot turning circle, MacPherson strut front suspension, multi-link rear suspension, four-wheel independent suspension, and front and rear stabilizer bars and you have a nimble, go-anywhere beast that is both good-looking and powerful enough the haul just about anything the average family can hitch to it. Plus it comes with a 4 years or 50,000 mile drivetrain warranty and free maintenance for 4 years and up to 50,000 miles.
On the inside, there are 8-way power, height adjustable driver and passenger bucket seats, split-folding rear seatback, a folding center armrest with storage, and rear ventilation ducts. It also comes equipped with remote keyless power door locks, power, heated mirrors, and 4 one-touch power windows. The instrument panel lets drivers monitor all of the vehicle’s systems. There’s even a tachometer, trip computer, external temperature display, and low fuel-level warning.
For the driver’s convenience, there is electric power steering, a leather tilt and telescopic steering wheel, audio and cruise controls on the steering wheel, hands-free calling, universal remote transmitter for the garage door, security system, and more. If you’re not sure where you’re going, there’s destination guidance and turn-by-turn navigation. Getting where you’re going has never been easier. And if anything happens on the way, there’s roadside assistance and concierge service.
The vehicle also comes with loads of creature comforts like interior air filtration,
dual zone climate controls for the driver and passengers, cargo area light, front and rear reading lights, rear cargo floor mats, electrochromatic inside rearview mirror, dual illuminating vanity mirrors, and memorized audio system and climate control settings for up to 2 drivers.
When it comes to in-car entertainment there is a diversity antenna, 12 speakers, 205 watts stereo output, AM/FM stereo, auxiliary audio input and USB connections, external media control and a radio data system. The 2015 BMW X3 is also pre-wired for phones and has BMW Assist telecommunications service, and Bluetooth wireless data link for hands-free calling all available with a subscription to BMW Assist.
Even on the outside this SUV is a high-tech machine. It has variable intermittent rain sensing wipers, privacy glass, rear defogger, rear window wiper, roof rack, and rear spoiler. It also features a fixed liftgate window, and a rear power liftgate door. These are carried along on 18 x 8.0 in. alloy wheels with 245/50R18 run flat tires.
When it comes to safety this BMW takes good care of its occupants. There are front and rear head airbags, dual front side-mounted airbags, child seat anchors,
passenger airbag with occupant sensing deactivation, rear center 3-point seatbelt, front seatbelt pre-tensioners, a post-collision safety system, passenger head restraint with whiplash protection system, airbag deployment notification, and rear door child safety locks.
BMW also makes sure the vehicle can stop safely. The 2015 X3 has 4-wheel ABS, emergency braking assist, front and rear ventilated disc brakes, stability control, traction control, electronic brakeforce distribution, emergency braking preparation, brake drying, side and top view cameras, and parking assistant.
The vehicle also comes with loads of option packages including driver assistance plus, cold weather, lighting, dynamic handling, driver assistance, premium, and technology packages, along with M Sport and XLine. The exterior options include roof rails in satin aluminum, panoramic moon-roof, adaptive full LED lights, and 19″ or 20″ M Double Spoke Wheels, or 19″ Light Alloy Double-Spoke Wheels.
The 2015 BMW X3 is the ideal family vehicle for the new millennium.
When you say Honda, most people think about the dependability, and this auto maker’s reputation that has stood the test of time. The Honda CR-V is an economically priced, smaller SUV that is one of Honda’s best utility automobiles. Introduced in 1995, the manufacture is still rolling these cars off the line as fast as they can sell them. With a starting price of $22,945 and gas mileage of 23 in the city and 31 on the highway, it’s a bargain. This car is perfect for a family of four or under, and has a nice cargo area and plenty of upgrade options. Ranked #1 in inexpensive compact SUV’s, Honda did a spectacular job with this beauty.
When Ford first introduced the Explorer back in 1990, it started the SUV revolution. However, Explorer is known to be a gas hog and it is quite pricey for some families. The answer to this problem is the Escape. Ford began making this compact crossover in 2000. The new models have Flex-Fuel, which offers vast gas mileage savings. This vehicle ranks #7 in the most economical SUV’s and has nice add ons, like the hands-free lift gate. Starting price at $23,100 with gas mileage of 23 mpg in the city and 32 on the highway, the Escape is a great option for the spend-thrifty family.
Jeep is another name that people equate with quality and dependability. The Cherokee rolled off the lines in 1984. There are many trim packages available on this sports utility vehicle, so this does affect the price quite a bit. Once called the Jeep Waggoner, this car has had major transformations over the past three decades. First created for government and police use, their unique nature caught on and sales skyrocketed. With models like the Laredo, Grand, Briarwood and Classic, there is a great selection. The new 2014 models are priced at $22,995. With an excellent 4×4 package, this vehicle is made to tow boats and campers and for off-road fun. Gas mileage is 22 mpg in the city and 31 on the highway. Jeep is a part of the Chrysler Corporation, and they are known to be a quality SUV for the family.
They are compact and cute, but still considered an SUV. The Rav-4 was introduced in 1994 to rave reviews. This car was the answer to the prayers of those who couldn’t afford the larger ones, and really didn’t need the extra gas mileage. The Rav-4 is a smaller, more compact SUV, but it still has enough room to comfortably seat four. This car offered consumers what they wanted, four wheel drive, more cargo space and the fuel economy of a smaller vehicle. Some say that this small wonder paved the way for other compact SUV’s, like the Ford Escape and the Subaru Forester. The base price on this vehicle is $23,550. The average gas mileage is 24 mpg in the city and 31 on the highway. The Rav handles more like a car than most SUV’s, thus making it a great contender in the affordable category.
When Kia first started marketing vehicles in the US, some people were more than skeptical. Much has improved since the first cars rolled onto the lots. In 2002, Kia introduced the Sorento. While sales were a bit stagnate at first, new and improved body styles increased options and eventually sales. The third generation rolled out this year with a 3.3-liter GDI V6 engine. A bold choice of colors, and the Nappa leather trimmed seats, gave customers many luxurious choices. With standard front wheel drive and four wheel drive options, this mid-size crossover can compete with more expensive vehicles with ease. Price at $24,100, this auto gets 20 mpg in the city and 26 on the highway.
The first Subaru Foresters were cars that had eerie similarities to a station wagon. However, that was back in 1997 and the new 2014 models have expanded to quite an impressive crossover. These cars were always popular in areas where there was plenty of snow, like West Virginia. Part of the attraction was the all-wheel drive. They pretty much had the market on the all-wheel drive category for a car. Japanese made, these crossovers have a unique look and an excellent starting price at only $21,995. Subaru has some pretty expensive vehicles, but this one is surprisingly affordable. With gas mileage of 24 mpg in the city and 32 on the freeway, it gets good marks for affordability all the way around. There are eight trim packages available in all, and this car seems to still have a strong following in rural communities.
Introduced in 2007, the Nissan Rogue is not a crossover that got a great deal of attention until now. However, it has some pretty great features and a great price point starting at $23,650. Average fuel costs are 25 mpg in the city and 33 on the highway. It was a top pick for safety in crash test ratings, which makes it a great option for families. An amazing 70.0 cu. ft. of cargo space is not too bad either. The 2014 model was voted the fifth most popular SUV in the country. With four trim levels, and a sporty look that is unique to other vehicles in this class, this one stands out from the rest.
There are some fantastic crossover SUVs on the market right now that are not only affordable, but dependable and safe as well. When any type of SUV is considered, it is due to a desire for a vehicle that can handle various road and weather conditions, as well as haul various passengers and cargo. The Hyundai Santa Fe stands out for larger families. There are several trim packages. The Sport is probably the more popular and comes with a 2.4 liter four cylinder engine. This smaller engine still offers 190 horsepower without sending its owner to the gas station everyday. The Sport’s estimated miles per gallon is 29city/29hwy. Even the Sport 2.0T that has a turbo charged 2.0 liter engine and pulls 264 horsepower, has an estimated miles per gallon of 20city/27hwy. Not bad at all. The starting MSRP for the Sport is about 24,700 and the Sport 2.0T is 27,950.
All of the Santa Fe models come with some basic features such as Bluetooth and iPod capabilities, spacious interiors, satellite radio, and an optional navigation system. However, as stated earlier, families tend to look at some essential things like safety and room, before the other perks. Although the Sport trims are nice they do only seat a maximum of five. If your family is looking to only haul people, and if you are a family of five, and are never planning on having a guest within your vehicle, then the sport is ideal. We all know that scenario is not likely, but for a family of 3-4, the Sport would work nicely. Luckily Hyundai offers a GLS and Limited version for their 2013 Santa Fe. The only true difference is the seating. The GLS can seat up to seven, but the Limited only seats up to six. The reason for this is due to the second seat row in the Limited, now has two captain chairs. Basic perks and options are basically the same across the board for all trim models of the Santa Fe, however, the panoramic sunroof that is offered on the other models is not on the GLS. The GLS has a starting MSRP of 28,350 and the Limited is 33,100. Both have a 3.3 liter V6 engine and a miles per gallon of 18city/25hwy can be expected. This is a decent miles per gallon, and you can still enjoy the subtle yet thrilling feel of 390 horsepower.
The big thing now is safety. All models come with anti lock brakes, and traction and stability control. That will guarantee a safer ride on wet or icy roads. The government front and side crash rating for the Santa Fe earned an impressive five stars. The side, curtain, and front airbags are large contributors to that rating, as well as the descent control and what is called “hill hold”.
Standard on all models is Blue Link which is Hyundai’s emergency system. It includes numerous services that include remote access and theft recovery.
Overall the Santa Fe, regardless of model, is the ideal SUV for larger families. There are other comparable SUVs, but none with all of the things in one that families tend to look at. The Hyundai Santa Fe offers affordability, roominess, and safety.
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