2024 Kia Sorento vs 2025 BMW X3

The 2024 Kia Sorento underwent a significant visual transformation, aligning more closely with its siblings like the Telluride and EV9. The new design featured a robust front end with a large grille, vertically-stacked LED headlights, and wing-like daytime running lights, giving it a more imposing presence. The rear updates were subtle, with higher trims boasting elegant LED taillights and new bumpers. The Sorento's interior was revamped with a cleaner dashboard design, combining the gauge cluster and infotainment displays under a single pane of glass. The materials used in the cabin were upgraded, offering a more luxurious feel, especially in the X-Line and X-Pro trims, which featured faux open-pore wood grain and quality stitching on leather-wrapped elements.

The 2025 BMW X3 presented a seductive appearance for an SUV, with a long hood, athletic proportions, and expressive 21-inch wheels. The Arctic Race Blue paint and Calm Beige upholstery added to its allure. Inside, the X3's cabin was simple yet elegant, with a BMW Curved Display housing a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and a 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The front seats offered power adjustment, heating, and Veganza artificial leather, while the rear seats were less comfortable, especially for taller passengers. The cargo area provided 31.5 cubic feet of space, with practical features like a grocery bag hook and a temporary spare tire under the load floor.

The 2024 Kia Sorento retained its mechanical components, with the base engine being a 2.5-liter four-cylinder producing 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. This engine struggled with the Sorento's weight, resulting in a sluggish zero-to-60 mph time of nearly 10 seconds. The EX and higher trims featured a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine with 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, offering a more spirited performance with mid-seven-second zero-to-60 times. The Sorento's all-wheel-drive option added ground clearance and improved usability. The X-Pro trim excelled in off-road conditions, with all-terrain tires and enhanced engine cooling, allowing for a towing capacity of 4,500 pounds. Fuel economy for the gas-powered Sorento was average, with non-turbo models achieving 25-26 mpg combined and turbo models getting 23 mpg.

The 2025 BMW X3 30 xDrive featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, delivering a zero-to-60 mph time of six seconds. The engine's broad power curve and eight-speed automatic transmission contributed to its performance. The X3 also had a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, enhancing responsiveness and fuel efficiency. The M50 xDrive variant offered a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine with 393 horsepower, 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. Fuel economy was impressive, with an official EPA rating of 29 mpg combined, though real-world testing yielded 24.2 mpg.

The 2024 Kia Sorento's cabin was modern and comfortable in the first two rows, though the third row was tight with only 29.6 inches of legroom. It offered more space than smaller models like the Mitsubishi Outlander and Volkswagen Tiguan, and was comparable to larger alternatives like the Toyota Highlander. The Sorento provided 41.4 inches of front legroom and 41.7 inches in the second row, with optional heated and ventilated front seats. Cargo space was limited with the third row in use, offering 12.6 cubic feet, but expanded to 72.1 cubic feet with all seats folded. The Sorento's controls were ergonomic, and higher trims included a power liftgate.

The 2025 BMW X3's interior felt spacious, with a simple dashboard and a BMW Curved Display. The front seats offered power adjustment, heating, and Veganza artificial leather, while the rear seats were less comfortable for taller passengers. The cargo area provided 31.5 cubic feet of space, with practical features like a grocery bag hook and a temporary spare tire under the load floor. The 40/20/40 split-folding rear seat allowed for versatile cargo and passenger configurations.

The 2024 Kia Sorento featured a single-pane, twin-screen setup with a 12.3-inch infotainment screen and a redesigned software system called "Connected Car Navigation Cockpit" (CCnC). The system prioritized popular features and offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The Sorento also included USB-C outlets in all three rows and an optional Bose 12-speaker audio system. Digital Key 2.0 was available on higher trims, allowing for keyless access and sharing.

The 2025 BMW X3's infotainment system used iDrive 9 software, offering a Quick Select user experience. However, the system experienced issues with profile creation and responsiveness. The navigation system with augmented video provided accurate directions, and wireless Apple CarPlay worked flawlessly. Despite the challenges, the X3's infotainment system had potential, though it required further refinement.

The 2024 Kia Sorento's Drivewise suite included a comprehensive range of standard and optional safety features, such as adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The Sorento earned "Good" ratings in some IIHS tests, though its LATCH system received an "Acceptable" rating. The NHTSA had not yet evaluated the 2024 model.

The 2025 BMW X3's driver assistance features were more rewarding, with standard Active Driving Assistant suite and optional packages for enhanced capabilities. The Traffic Jam Assistant and Steering Assistant provided semi-autonomous driving features, though the latter could be intrusive. The X3 earned a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with four-star ratings for frontal-impact crash tests.