2024 Ford Bronco vs 2025 BMW X3

The 2024 Ford Bronco embraced a retro design reminiscent of the 1960s, particularly in its two-door variant, which was more successful in capturing the nostalgic essence than the four-door model. The Sasquatch Package, a notable upgrade, enhanced the Bronco's rugged appearance with a suspension lift and 35-inch mud-terrain tires, giving it a wide stance and a purposeful look. Without this package, the Bronco's standard tires appeared undersized, affecting its overall aesthetic. The Bronco offered nine trim levels, including the Raptor performance model, with prices ranging from $41,525 to $91,930, including destination charges. The test vehicle, a four-door Big Bend trim, featured the Sasquatch Package and other amenities, priced at $55,415. Inside, the Bronco's design paid homage to its heritage with a flat dashboard and BRONCO-stamped panel, while offering modern conveniences like an 8-inch digital display and a 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system.

The 2025 BMW X3, with its redesigned exterior, presented a seductive and athletic look, characterized by a long hood, tapering greenhouse, and expressive 21-inch wheels. The test model, in Arctic Race Blue paint, featured gloss black M Sport details and Calm Beige upholstery, with Veganza artificial leather that mimicked the real thing. The X3's cabin, though not overly fancy, offered quality materials and ambient lighting. However, some plastic elements revealed its price point. The X3 was available in two model series, 30 xDrive and M50 xDrive, with prices starting at $51,125 and $65,875, respectively. The test vehicle, an X3 30 xDrive, was well-equipped with various option packages, bringing its price to $60,875. Despite some interior shortcomings, the X3 was considered a good value, priced below its primary rivals, the Audi Q5 and Mercedes-Benz GLC.

The 2024 Ford Bronco Big Bend came with a standard turbocharged 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine, producing 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. It offered a choice between a seven-speed manual transmission and a 10-speed automatic, with a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. An optional 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 engine delivered 330 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, while the Raptor model boasted a 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 with 418 hp and 440 lb-ft, and a higher tow rating of 4,500 pounds. The Bronco featured a part-time 4WD system, with an advanced automatic 4WD available. Off-roading technologies like Trail Control, Trail One-Pedal Drive, and Trail Turn Assist enhanced its trail capabilities. The test vehicle's base engine and automatic transmission provided satisfying performance, though fuel efficiency was a concern, with an EPA rating of 18 mpg combined. During testing, the Bronco averaged 16.9 mpg, showcasing its off-road prowess but highlighting its unrefined, truck-like nature.

The 2025 BMW X3 30 xDrive featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, generating 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. Despite its 4,176-pound weight, the X3 achieved a zero-to-60 mph time of six seconds, thanks to its eight-speed automatic transmission and xDrive AWD system. The engine's broad power curve contributed to its performance, supported by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system for improved responsiveness. The M50 xDrive variant offered a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with 393 hp and 428 lb-ft of torque, reaching 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. The test vehicle, equipped with the M Sport package and performance tires, delivered a sporty driving experience, though the ride quality was firm on imperfect roads. The X3 excelled on twisty roads, offering a delightful driving experience, while its fuel economy, though impressive, fell short of the EPA rating, achieving 24.2 mpg during testing.

The 2024 Ford Bronco, particularly in the Big Bend Sasquatch trim, required some effort to enter and exit due to its lifted stance and lack of running boards. However, once inside, it offered comfort in both two-door and four-door configurations. The four-door model provided more interior space than its rivals, with no rollbar obstructing rear-seat passengers. The marine-grade vinyl upholstery, while durable, trapped moisture, making cloth seats a preferable option. The Bronco's removable roof panels and doors allowed for a customizable open-air experience. Cargo space in the two-door model measured 22.4 cubic feet, expanding to 53.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The four-door version offered 38.3 cubic feet with the soft top and 83 cubic feet with the seats down, though the optional hardtop reduced these figures slightly.

The 2025 BMW X3's interior provided a spacious and comfortable environment, with power-adjustable front seats featuring heating and Veganza artificial leather. The dashboard housed a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and a 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, enhancing the cabin's modern feel. The rear seats, however, were less comfortable, with low positioning and hard front seat-back panels. The cargo area offered 31.5 cubic feet of space, with a lightweight cargo cover, netted storage, and a temporary spare tire under the load floor. The 40/20/40 split-folding rear seat allowed for versatile cargo and passenger arrangements.

The 2024 Ford Bronco featured a 12-inch touchscreen Sync 4 infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, FordPass Connect services, and a seven-speaker stereo. Higher trims offered a Bang & Olufsen sound system and connected navigation. However, the Sync 4 system experienced connectivity issues with Apple CarPlay and inconsistent voice recognition. The Bronco Trail App provided access to trail maps and information. The test vehicle's technology was limited, with an 8-inch digital instrumentation panel and basic controls.

The 2025 BMW X3's BMW Curved Display, powered by iDrive 9, offered a user-friendly interface with Quick Select menus. However, creating profiles and accessing BMW Digital Services proved challenging. The system occasionally froze, and media preferences were sometimes forgotten. Despite these issues, wireless Apple CarPlay worked seamlessly. The navigation system, with augmented video, provided accurate directions. The test vehicle's infotainment experience was frustrating, though it may have been unique to the test model or user error.

The 2024 Ford Bronco Big Bend included standard safety features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and a backup camera. The Mid Package added Ford Co-Pilot360 technologies, including lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Adaptive cruise control and a surround-view camera system were optional. The Bronco received favorable IIHS ratings, except for its headlight performance, and a four-star frontal-impact rating from NHTSA.

The 2025 BMW X3's driver assistance features were more rewarding than its infotainment system. The standard Active Driving Assistant suite included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. The Premium Package added adaptive cruise control and Parking Assistant Plus, while the Driving Assistant Professional Package offered advanced features like Traffic Jam Assistant. The X3 earned a four-star overall rating from NHTSA, with four-star frontal-impact ratings.