2025 BMW X3 vs 2024 Kia Seltos

The 2024 Kia Seltos underwent a mid-cycle refresh, resulting in subtle yet impactful changes. The updated headlight and grille designs, along with a connecting light strip between the smaller taillight assemblies, gave the Seltos a rejuvenated appearance without a significant price hike. The test model, adorned in the new "Pluton Blue" paint, presented a sharp look. Inside, the Seltos introduced two new interior colors, "Gentle Brown" and "Midnight Green," though the test model featured the standard black interior. The most striking interior update was the expansive digital panel covering two-thirds of the dash, integrating a fully digital instrument panel and a larger touchscreen infotainment system.

The 2025 BMW X3, redesigned for a more athletic look, featured a long hood, captivating dashboard-to-axle ratio, and a tapering greenhouse and roofline. The test model, in "Arctic Race Blue" paint, paired with machined surface wheels and gloss black M Sport details, emphasized its sporty stance. Inside, the X3's cabin was simple yet elegant, with quality materials in expected areas. However, some plastic elements revealed its price point. The X3 offered a spacious interior with a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and a 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, though the rear seats were less comfortable for taller passengers.

The 2024 Kia Seltos offered two engine options. The base 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine produced 146 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with Kia's Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT). The base LX trim came standard with all-wheel drive (AWD), while the S and EX trims offered front-wheel drive (FWD) with optional AWD. The X-Line and SX trims featured a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 195 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, paired with a new eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The turbocharged engine provided noticeable acceleration improvements, especially in 40-to-60 mph situations, though it exhibited some turbo lag at lower speeds. The Seltos handled various road conditions well, with responsive steering and minimal body roll.

The 2025 BMW X3 30 xDrive featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 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 standard xDrive AWD system. The X3 also included a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, enhancing off-the-line responsiveness. For those seeking more power, the M50 xDrive offered a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with 393 horsepower and 428 lb-ft of torque, achieving a zero-to-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds. The X3's sport-tuned suspension and performance tires provided an engaging driving experience, though the ride quality was firm on imperfect roads.

The 2024 Kia Seltos offered up to 62.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 26.6 cubic feet with the seats in use. The SX trim included a hands-free power liftgate. The Seltos provided an upright seating position with ample headroom and good driver visibility. The front seating area featured decently sized in-door cupholders and cubbies, while the SX trim included a removable cargo cover.

The 2025 BMW X3 provided a spacious interior with a power-adjustable driver's seat offering a sports car-like view of the hood. The cabin felt wider and larger than most compact crossovers, with a simple dashboard featuring the BMW Curved Display. The front seats were comfortable, with power adjustment, heating, and optional ventilation. However, the rear seats were less comfortable for taller passengers. The cargo area measured 31.5 cubic feet, with a lightweight, easy-to-remove cargo cover and additional storage under the load floor.

The 2024 Kia Seltos featured a consistent large digital bezel across its trim lineup, with screen sizes varying by trim. The base infotainment system included an 8-inch touchscreen, while higher trims upgraded to a 10.25-inch fully digital instrument panel and touchscreen. The infotainment system offered a logical layout with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The SX trim included an upgraded eight-speaker Bose premium stereo system and Digital Key 2 Touch for smartphone access.

The 2025 BMW X3 introduced the Operating System 9, an evolution of iDrive 8.5, with a Quick Select user experience. However, the test vehicle experienced issues with profile creation and accessing BMW Digital Services. The system occasionally froze and defaulted to local FM radio. Despite these challenges, the navigation system with augmented video feature worked well, and wireless Apple CarPlay connectivity functioned flawlessly.

The 2024 Kia Seltos came with standard driver assistance features, including forward collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, lane-follow assist, automatic high beams, and driver attention warning. The S trim added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safe Exit Warning. The SX trim included smart cruise control, traffic sign recognition, highway driving assist, and a junction-turning function for forward collision warning.

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 Driving Assistant Professional Package offered hands-free Traffic Jam Assistant and other advanced features. The X3 earned a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA.