X3 G01 vs Equinox III: which is better?
BMW X3 G01 (2017–2024) vs Chevrolet Equinox III (2017–2024): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
BMW X3 G01
Chevrolet Equinox IIISpecifications
| BMW X3 G01 | Chevrolet Equinox III | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 2017–2024 | 2017–2024 |
| Body | crossover SUV | crossover SUV |
| Fuel | petrol | petrol |
| Engines | 2.0 Turbo (xDrive20i) | 1.5 Turbo |
| Power, up to | 184 hp | 170 hp |
| Torque, up to | 290 Nm | 275 Nm |
| Gearbox | automatic | automatic |
| Drive | all-wheel drive | front-wheel drive |
| Length | 4 708 mm | 4 652 mm |
| Width | 1 891 mm | 1 843 mm |
| Height | 1 676 mm | 1 661 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 864 mm | 2 725 mm |
| Fuel tank | 65 L | 59 L |
| KZ tax 2026 (car under 10 years) | ≈ 16 475 ₸ | ≈ 8 650 ₸ |
The better value is highlighted in green.
Pros, cons and common problems
BMW X3 G01
Pros
- Gearbox ZF 8HP: a reliable gearbox
- All-wheel-drive versions available
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Engine BMW B46/B48/B58: oil and coolant leaks at high mileage
- Gearbox ZF 8HP: rarely, mechatronics and bushings at high mileage
Engine (BMW B46/B48/B58): oil and coolant leaks at high mileage; water pump failures occur.
Gearbox (ZF 8HP): reliable gearbox; rarely — mechatronic and bushings at high mileage.
Chevrolet Equinox III
Pros
- Conventional automatic, no robotized gearbox or CVT
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- GM 6T30/6T40/6T45 etc. gearbox: 3-5-R clutch pack wave spring failure (6T40/6T45)
- Front-wheel drive only
Gearbox (GM 6T30/6T40/6T45, etc.): broken wave spring in the 3-5-R clutch pack (6T40/6T45); jerks when the valve body wears.
Which one to choose
- X3 G01 — if you care more about: power, torque, wheelbase, fuel tank.
- Equinox III — if you care more about: kz tax 2026.
The condition of a specific car matters more than the model: check the service history and get the engine and gearbox inspected before buying.
FAQ
Which is more powerful: X3 G01 or Equinox III?
X3 G01: up to 184 hp, Equinox III: up to 170 hp.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: X3 G01 — about 16 475 ₸, Equinox III — about 8 650 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.