A fun-to-drive luxury SUV can take you places around Nashville, Franklin, and Brentwood, Tennessee. It's a recipe for a good time, and the 2021 BMW X3 and Acura RDX really elevate the everyday drive.

Does the old BMW driving magic hold its own against the Acura's sporty performance? You can compare the two here and decide which one is the dream ride you've been waiting for. If you have any questions, drop us a line at BMW of Nashville and do some research from behind the wheel!

Heed Adventure's Call in the X3 & RDX

The 2021 X3 Sports Activity Vehicle® and RDX are ready to help you own the road. With optional xDrive all-wheel drive (AWD) in the BMW and a similar AWD system in the Acura, you can find traction on slick roads and even light off-road trails. That's what we call adventure-ready!

The Acura RDX serves up 272 horsepower with a standard turbo 4-cylinder engine. While that's the only powerplant available for the Acura, the BMW X3 offers more (and more powerful) options:

  • 2.0L BMW TwinPower Turbo 4-cylinder-248 HP
  • 2.0L BMW TwinPower Turbo 4-cylinder w/ electric motor-288 HP
  • 3.0L BMW M TwinPower Turbo 6-cylinder-382 HP (X3 M40i) or 473 HP (X3 M)

Move Forward With Plug-In Hybrid Power

While the available BMW M performance-tuned engines are central to the BMW X3's appeal, they're far from the only options. For fuel-savers among us, the X3 Plug-In Hybrid makes a powerful case for itself.

The Acura RDX is not available as a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). Only the BMW X3 offers such a modern powertrain, which combines a TwinPower Turbo engine with an electric motor. Go the distance with an all-electric range of 17 miles!

At the time of this writing, EPA estimates for the 2021 X3 Plug-In Hybrid aren't yet available. For the previous model year, it earned 60 combined city/highway MPGe in all-electric mode, jumping way ahead of the RDX's 24 combined MPG.  

BMW X3 vs Acura RDX: A Techie's Dream

It's time to connect more seamlessly than ever. The 2021 X3 and RDX take infotainment to the next level, with advanced multimedia systems. A 10-plus-inch display screen comes standard on each luxury SUV.

The Acura RDX display screen can be controlled with a touchpad interface found just below the button-controlled gear shifter. You have many more ways to engage the BMW X3 display screen, however:

  • iDrive Controller
  • Voice Command
  • Touchscreen
  • Gesture Control

While the RDX also responds to voice commands, it lacks the diversity of options in the X3. The available Gesture Control feature is especially notable: It lets BMW drivers use five easy hand gestures to control the system with both eyes on the road. Point to accept calls or swirl your finger to turn up the volume!



Which Is Better: Acura RDX or BMW X3?

As is often the case, which model is better depends on the eye of the beholder. The 2021 BMW X3 and Acura RDX offer so much-so, which will serve you best on the streets of Nashville, Franklin, and Brentwood, TN?

For its performance roots and plug-in hybrid power, we recommend the exhilarating X3. Step inside the cockpit for a remarkable driving experience at BMW of Nashville. Book your test drive today!

Make an Inquiry

* Indicates a required field

BMW of Nashville
A BMW M Certified Dealer Certified Center

4040 Armory Oaks Drive
Directions Nashville, TN 37204

  • Contact Us: (855) 838-7142

Hours

  • Monday 9 AM - 8 PM
  • Tuesday 9 AM - 8 PM
  • Wednesday 9 AM - 8 PM
  • Thursday 9 AM - 8 PM
  • Friday 9 AM - 8 PM
  • Saturday 9 AM - 7 PM
  • Sunday Closed