2026 BMW X3 towing capacity
Max tow rating
4,850lb
- M50 AWD, 3.0L 6cyl.
- Base trim: 4,001 lb.
- Rank 76 of 147 SUVs (2026).
Trailer check
Yes. 3,800 lb is within 80% of the rating.
- Tow rating
- 4,850 lb
- 80% rule
- Up to 3,880 lb
- Margin
- 1,050 lb (22%)
- Hitch class needed
- III, up to 8,000 lb
- Share of curb weight
- 84% of 4,535 lb
Within the 85% curb weight guideline.
Expect 20-40% lower mpg when towing: 16-22 mpg.
What it can pull
Rule: keep the trailer at 80% of the rating or less.
- Max tow rating
- 4,850 lb
- 80% of the rating
- 3,880 lb
- Hitch class at max
- III, up to 8,000 lb
| Trailer | Loaded weight | Fits |
|---|---|---|
| Teardrop camper | 1,000 to 2,500 lb | Yes |
| Utility trailer | 1,000 to 3,000 lb | Yes |
| Pop-up camper | 1,500 to 3,000 lb | Yes |
| Boat on a trailer | 2,000 to 6,000 lb | Some, up to 3,880 lb |
| Small travel trailer | 3,000 to 5,000 lb | Some, up to 3,880 lb |
| Mid-size travel trailer | 5,000 to 7,500 lb | No |
| Car on a car hauler | 5,500 to 7,500 lb | No |
| Large travel trailer | 7,500 to 10,000 lb | No |
| Fifth wheel | 10,000 to 16,000 lb | No |
Trailer weights are typical loaded weights.
Tow rating by trim
Cheapest at 4,850 lb: M50 AWD, $66,500.
| Trim | Engine | Drivetrain | Tow rating | Curb weight | MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M50 AWD | 3.0L 6cyl | AWD | 4,850 lb | 4,535 lb | $66,500 |
| 30 xDrive | 2.0L | AWD | 4,001 lb | 4,176 lb | $51,300 |
No rating listed: 1 trim.
Max rating by year
- Changed in 2010: 3,500 lb to 3,000 lb.
- Changed in 2012: 3,000 lb to 5,291 lb.
- Changed in 2015: 5,291 lb to 3,000 lb.
- Changed in 2024: 3,000 lb to 4,400 lb.
- Changed in 2025: 4,400 lb to 4,850 lb.
Rivals: max tow rating
| Model | Max tow rating | Cheapest trim at max | MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|
| INFINITI QX60 | 6,000 lb | PURE FWD | $51,590 |
| Acura MDX | 5,000 lb | SH-AWD | $54,000 |
| BMW X3 (this car) | 4,850 lb | M50 AWD | $66,500 |
| Lexus RX | 3,500 lb | 350 FWD | $51,225 |
| Genesis GV60 | 2,000 lb | RWD | $52,525 |
| Cadillac OPTIQ | 1,500 lb | Luxury RWD | $50,900 |
Lists by trailer weight
Other models rated for these weights.
- What can tow 1,500 lb? 173 models (2026)
- What can tow 2,000 lb? 155 models (2026)
- What can tow 3,500 lb? 135 models (2026)
What this cannot tell you
Ratings need the right hitch and tow package.
Passengers and cargo count against the payload.
- 2 or more sources
- 1 source
- Model-level, rule or estimate
- Sources disagree