2025 BMW X3 vs 2024 Lexus TX

The 2024 Lexus TX, based on the Toyota Grand Highlander, distinguished itself as a luxury SUV with its upscale appearance. Unlike the Grand Highlander, which resembled a larger RAV4, the TX exuded elegance, especially in the Luxury trim with its striking 22-inch silver wheels. The design was more conservative than other Lexus models, appealing to those who preferred a subtler aesthetic. The TX offered three model series: TX 350, TX 500h F Sport Performance, and TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid, with prices ranging from $55,050 to $69,350. The TX 350, likely the most popular, featured a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with options for FWD or AWD. The interior, though dark with its Peppercorn color scheme, maintained a luxurious feel with premium materials and a panoramic sunroof.

In contrast, the 2025 BMW X3 presented a seductive and athletic look for a two-box SUV. Its long hood, aerodynamic flanks, and expressive 21-inch wheels emphasized its sporty stance. The Arctic Race Blue paint, combined with gloss black M Sport details and Calm Beige upholstery, added to its allure. Inside, the X3 featured a simple yet spacious cabin with a BMW Curved Display housing a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and a 14.9-inch touchscreen. While the front seats offered comfort and ventilation, the rear seats were less accommodating, with low positioning and hard panels. The cargo area provided 31.5 cubic feet of space, with additional storage under the load floor.

The 2024 Lexus TX 350 was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. It accelerated to 60 mph in eight seconds with FWD and 7.8 seconds with AWD. The engine's torque provided a sense of quickness, though the performance was merely adequate. The TX 350 FWD had an EPA rating of 23 mpg in combined driving, but during testing, it averaged 20.4 mpg. The AWD option, costing $1,600, offered better traction and slightly quicker acceleration. The TX 350's suspension balanced firmness and comfort, with commendable body motion control and quiet highway driving. The brake pedal, though soft, was easy to modulate.

The 2025 BMW X3 30 xDrive featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. It achieved a zero-to-60 mph time of six seconds, aided by an eight-speed automatic transmission and xDrive AWD system. The engine's power curve was impressive, providing peak torque from 1,600 rpm to near redline. The X3 also included 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 horsepower, reaching 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. The X3's sport-tuned suspension and performance tires enhanced driving dynamics, though the ride was firm on imperfect roads. Fuel economy was 24.2 mpg, below the EPA's 29 mpg rating.

The 2024 Lexus TX addressed previous shortcomings in Lexus's three-row SUVs. It offered a comfortable interior with premium materials, heated and ventilated seats, and a heated steering wheel. The second-row bench seat was standard, with optional captain’s chairs. The third-row seat was habitable for adults, unlike previous models. The TX provided 20.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 57.4 cubic feet with the seats folded, and 97 cubic feet with the second row down. Storage options were plentiful, though some lacked lining, potentially causing noise.

The 2025 BMW X3's interior felt spacious, with a simple dashboard and BMW Curved Display. The front seats were power-adjustable and comfortable, with optional ventilation. The rear seats were less comfortable, positioned low with hard panels. The cargo area offered 31.5 cubic feet, with a lightweight 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 Lexus TX featured an optional Technology Package with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel, head-up display, digital rearview mirror, surround-view camera, and semi-autonomous parking assist. However, the unmarked steering wheel controls and head-up display visibility issues were drawbacks. The Lexus Interface infotainment system, with a 14-inch touchscreen, offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a digital assistant and various connectivity features. The optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system provided excellent sound quality.

The 2025 BMW X3 introduced iDrive 9 software with a Quick Select user experience. However, creating profiles and accessing BMW Digital Services proved challenging. The system occasionally froze, and media preferences reset unexpectedly. Despite these issues, the navigation system with augmented video worked well, and wireless Apple CarPlay functioned flawlessly. The infotainment experience was marred by technical difficulties, possibly unique to the test vehicle.

The 2024 Lexus TX came with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and more. Proactive Drive Assist offered additional braking and steering assistance. The TX also featured blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and optional parking sensors. The traffic jam assist system provided hands-free driving at low speeds but lacked a higher-speed option.

The 2025 BMW X3's 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 Steering Assistant. The Parking Assistant Professional Package offered semi-automated parking tech. The Driving Assistant Professional Package included hands-free Traffic Jam Assistant and other advanced features. The X3 earned a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with four-star frontal-impact ratings.