2008 Premium Crossover Comparison

Engines, Transmissions, and Mileage

2008 BMW X3

Each premium crossover comes only with all-wheel drive. Only the LR2 runs on regular-grade gasoline; the others require premium. Both the X3 and LR2 are capable of towing 3,500 pounds, while the RDX can manage only 1,500 pounds.


Acura stands alone by tucking a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine into its RDX, cranking out 240 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. Paddle shifters can control the Sequential SportShift five-speed automatic transmission. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates fuel economy at 17 mpg in the city and 22 mpg for highway driving.


Both the X3 and LR2 use inline six-cylinder engines. BMW's 3.0-liter six produces 260 horsepower and 225 pounds-feet of torque. With the standard six-speed manual gearbox, the X3 gets a 17/24 mpg EPA fuel-economy rating. The six-speed Steptronic automatic transmission drops that estimate slightly, to 16/23 mpg.


Land Rover's new 3.2-liter six-cylinder engine develops 230 horsepower and 234 pound-feet of torque, with an EPA rating of 16-mpg city and 23-mpg highway. Fitted with a driver-selectable Sport mode, the six-speed automatic transmission incorporates CommandShift for manual gear changes.

Interior Comfort

2008 Acura RDX

All three models hold five passengers. BMW leads the group in cargo volume, with 30 cubic feet of space when the back seat is up, and 71 cubic feet when it's folded down. Land Rover trails at 26.7/58.9 cubic feet, but RDX space is only slightly greater.