Renault Arkana vs BMW X3
What's the difference?

Renault Arkana

$36,990 - $45,990

2026 price

View pricing & specs

BMW X3

$88,100 - $131,400

2026 price

View pricing & specs

Chery Tiggo 8 PRO MAX

Land Rover Discovery Sport

Mercedes-Benz EQ-Class

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Mercedes-Benz G63

Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

Mitsubishi ASX

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Mitsubishi Outlander

Mitsubishi Pajero

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

Summary

2026 Renault Arkana

2026 BMW X3

By Emily Agar

By Mark Oastler

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 4, 1.3L

—

Fuel Type

Unleaded Petrol

—

Fuel Efficiency

5.9L/100km (combined)

—

Seating

—

Likes

Stylish, distinctive design
Great boot space and practicality
Responsive handling

M performance
Rear seat knee/headroom
Versatile family/driver’s car

Dislikes

Mild-hybrid gains feel limited
Snug rear seat space
Slow off the mark

No ANCAP
Prefers premium fuel
Rear seat shoulder room for three adults

2026 Renault Arkana Summary

This time around my family of three has been reviewing the updated Renault Arkana Esprit Alpine mild-hybrid, and you might be wondering… why?

In a market that is positively bursting at the seams with established and new competition, including full-hybrid rivals like the Honda HR-V RS and Hyundai Kona Premium, the Arkana has its work cut out for it.

It’s also a slightly unusual proposition, pairing the raised ride height of an SUV with the swooping roofline of a coupe, while sticking with a mild-hybrid powertrain as more and more rivals make the jump to full-hybrid.

So, does this small French SUV coupe still have enough going for it to stand out from the crowd?

View full pricing & specs

2026 BMW X3 Summary

BMW has recently launched its fourth-generation (G45) X3 range, which comprises three petrol variants including the entry-level 20 xDrive, mid-grade 30e xDrive PHEV and top-shelf M50 xDrive.

The new trio brings revised powertrains, new exterior and interior styling, increased standard equipment, enhanced technology and an emphasis on the use of sustainable materials.

We recently trialled the five-seater flagship to see if it has the right mix of performance and practicality to maintain the X3’s enduring appeal for Aussie families.

View full pricing & specs

Deep dive comparison

2026 Renault Arkana 2026 BMW X3

Verdict

The Renault Arkana Esprit Alpine mild-hybrid combines some serious design flair with a reasonable amount of practicality for a smaller family, but it’s hard to ignore the lack of improvement in efficiency following the addition of the mild-hybrid system. That said, it still succeeds on some fronts. It just does it quietly.

Verdict

This is a highly competent all-rounder, given that it has the comfort and practicality for urban family duties yet with its revered M breeding can produce a level of performance which, in competent hands, could hold its own at a track day where its capabilities could be safely explored.

Renault Arkana vs BMW X3 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Renault Arkana vs BMW X3
What's the difference?