2024 Genesis GV70 vs 2025 BMW X3

The 2024 Genesis GV70 distinguished itself within the Genesis lineup and its competitive set with its sleek design. It retained certain Genesis styling features like the split headlights and large shield-like grille for brand recognition, yet it was sleeker than the larger GV80 and avoided the quirkiness of the smaller GV60. Notable details included a hatchback-like rear window profile, large round exhaust outlets on the Sport Prestige trim, and distinctive 21-inch wheels. The GV70 struck a balance between SUV size and luxury-car style, offering a more refined look compared to competitors like the Audi Q5 and BMW X3, which appeared more rugged. The Electrified GV70 maintained the same styling as its gasoline counterpart, with a shiny grille housing the charge port, making it convenient for charging. The interior was distinctive, featuring quilted Nappa leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, and unique design elements like an elliptical pod for climate controls and a rotary infotainment controller.

The 2025 BMW X3, with its redesigned appearance, presented a seductive look for a two-box SUV. It featured an oversized grille, aerodynamically honed flanks, and an athletic stance with a long hood and tapering roofline. The test model's Arctic Race Blue paint, combined with machined surface wheels and Calm Beige upholstery, added to its allure. Inside, the X3's cabin was simple yet functional, with quality materials in expected areas but some cost-cutting evident in lower cabin plastics. The X3 was available in 30 xDrive and M50 xDrive models, with prices ranging from $51,125 to $65,875. The X3 was priced competitively against rivals like the Audi Q5 and Mercedes-Benz GLC, offering good value with its well-equipped test vehicle priced at $60,875, including destination.

The 2024 Genesis GV70 offered unchanged powertrain options, with a standard 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and an available 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 with 375 hp and 391 lb-ft. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The Electrified GV70 featured front and rear electric motors delivering a combined 429 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque, with a "Boost Mode" providing 483 hp for short bursts. While the GV70 offered strong straight-line acceleration, its chassis tuning didn't match its sporty rivals, feeling heavier and slower through corners. The ride quality was reasonable but not exceptional, with the suspension crashing over bumps. The Electrified GV70 maintained similar driving dynamics despite its additional weight, offering adjustable regenerative braking for a customizable driving experience.

The 2025 BMW X3 30 xDrive featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, providing a zero-to-60 mph time of six seconds. The engine's broad power curve, aided by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, contributed to its responsive performance. The M50 xDrive model offered a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with 393 hp and 428 lb-ft of torque, achieving 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. The X3's M Sport package with sport-tuned suspension and performance tires enhanced its driving experience, though it resulted in a firm ride on imperfect roads. The X3 excelled on twisty roads, offering an engaging driving experience, but its fuel economy fell short of expectations, achieving 24.2 mpg compared to the EPA rating of 29 mpg.

The 2024 Genesis GV70 provided comparable interior space to its rivals, with slightly less headroom but more front-seat legroom than the BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC. It offered 28.9 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats in place, slightly more than the X3's 28.7 cubic feet. The Electrified GV70's interior space was minimally impacted by the battery pack, with slight reductions in legroom and headroom. The GV70's stylish interior design came at the cost of limited small-item storage, but it included features like automatic side bolsters for the front seats in Sport mode.

The 2025 BMW X3's interior felt spacious, with a simple dashboard and a prominent BMW Curved Display housing a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and a 14.9-inch touchscreen. The front seats offered power adjustment, heating, and Veganza artificial leather upholstery, while the rear seats were less comfortable. The cargo area measured 31.5 cubic feet, with a lightweight cargo cover and additional storage under the load floor. The 40/20/40 split-folding rear seat allowed for versatile cargo and passenger arrangements.

The 2024 Genesis GV70's infotainment system, borrowed from Hyundai, featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Higher trim levels offered a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with a 3D effect and a 12-inch head-up display. The system was user-friendly, with a rotary controller on the center console and a fingerprint scanner for driver profiles. The digital key functionality allowed a phone to be used in place of the key fob.

The 2025 BMW X3's BMW Curved Display ran on the new iDrive 9 software, offering a Quick Select user experience. However, creating profiles and accessing BMW Digital Services proved challenging during testing. The system occasionally froze and defaulted to local FM radio, but wireless Apple CarPlay worked flawlessly. The navigation system with augmented video provided accurate directions, but the overall infotainment experience was frustrating, possibly due to test vehicle issues or user error.

The 2024 Genesis GV70 received the IIHS's Top Safety Pick+ award for both gasoline and Electrified models. The NHTSA awarded four-star frontal and rollover crash-test ratings for gasoline models, with the 2023 GV70 receiving a five-star overall rating. Standard safety features included lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and Highway Driving Assist. The available Highway Driving Assist 2 system added automated lane-change capability and blind-spot monitoring. Genesis also offered high-tech safety features like safe exit assist and a radar-based rear occupant alert system.

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, lane-keeping assist, and active blind-spot monitoring. The Premium Package added adaptive cruise control and Parking Assistant Plus, while the Parking Assistant Professional Package offered semi-automated parking tech. The optional Driving Assistant Professional Package included hands-free Traffic Jam Assistant and Lane Change Assistant. The X3 earned a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with four-star ratings for frontal-impact crash tests.