BMW X3 vs Volvo XC90 - Which Is Cheapest to Maintain?
Ellie Dyer-Brown, 17 days ago
5 min read
- BMW
- Volvo
- Cost
- Car ownership
- Review
FixMyCar compares the BMW X3 and Volvo XC90 based on maintenance costs.
This guide compares two premium SUVs, the mid-size BMW X3 and the larger Volvo XC90. Both are stylish, well-built and equipped with plenty of tech, so choosing between them can be a real challenge.
Read on to find out how they compare when it comes to maintenance costs and overall reliability.
Contents
BMW X3 overview
Fourth generation released in 2024
0-62 in around 8.4 seconds
Volvo XC90 overview
In its second generation (2014-present)
0-60 in around 6.7 seconds
BMW X3 vs Volvo XC90 maintenance costs
It’s important to take annual maintenance costs into consideration when buying a car. Typically, these include an MOT, aircon regas, and a full and interim service.
| BMW X3 | Volvo XC90 | |
|---|---|---|
| Full service | £214.96 | £214.01 |
| Interim service | £151.49 | £153.54 |
| MOT | £45.62 | £46.23 |
| Aircon regas | £83.11 | £87.50 |
| TOTAL | £495.18 | £501.28 |
Given BMW's reputation for being on the expensive side, it's surprising to see the Volvo XC90 emerging with a higher total maintenance cost in every category except full service, where the X3 was 95 pence more expensive.
Which model is most reliable?
In WhatCar?'s recent reliability survey, the third generation of the X3 performed well; petrol models came fourth out of 32 cars in the large SUV category, while diesel versions came tenth. BMW's performance was less impressive overall, coming 16th out of 32 manufacturers.
The XC90 (2015-present) fares even better when it comes to reliability. WhatCar?’s survey placed it first out of nine vehicles in the seven-seater class, and Volvo as a brand ranked 9th out of 32 manufacturers.
Overall, the two car brands have very different reputations. Volvo is renowned for safety and reliability, while BMW is favoured by those who enjoy powerful engines and high-performance vehicles.
Looking for affordable car maintenance and repairs? Whether you drive a BMW, a Volvo or anything in between, we can help you find a reliable local mechanic.
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Written by Ellie
Ellie is FixMyCar's Content Writer. She has over three years of experience writing about cars and regularly collaborates with automotive experts to provide trustworthy advice for drivers that is easy understand. Her work has been featured in Yahoo! Finance, iNews, The Daily Express and The Sun. She has a BA in English literature and an MA in creative writing from Durham University. Outside of work, Ellie follows F1 and eagerly awaits Ferrari's next era of dominance in the sport. She drives a Suzuki Swift.