2024 Mazda CX-30 vs 2025 BMW X3

The 2024 Mazda CX-30 was a striking crossover that aimed to stand out with its bold design choices. Despite the excessive charcoal-colored plastic cladding on the lower body, which some found overwhelming, the CX-30 maintained an overall appealing aesthetic. Its short overhangs, long and low hood, and sculpted flanks contributed to its sporty appearance. Inside, the CX-30 offered an interior that felt a class above, with refined materials and attention to detail that rivaled entry-level luxury SUVs. The gauges were clear, the infotainment screen was seamlessly integrated into the dashboard, and the dual-zone climate controls were elegantly designed.

In contrast, the 2025 BMW X3 presented a seductive appearance for an SUV, with its oversized grille and aerodynamically honed flanks. The long hood and athletic proportions gave it a sporty look, further emphasized by expressive 21-inch wheels. The test model's Arctic Race Blue paint, combined with gloss black M Sport details and Calm Beige upholstery, added to its allure. Inside, the X3's cabin was spacious and featured a simple dashboard with a BMW Curved Display, housing a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and a 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The Veganza artificial leather seats were comfortable, though the rear seats were less so, with complaints about the hard front seat-back panels.

The 2024 Mazda CX-30, equipped with a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivered 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque. Despite these impressive figures, the CX-30's acceleration was more of a gradual build rather than an immediate surge. The power delivery was smooth, akin to catching and riding a wave, making it feel like the sports car of its class. The six-speed automatic transmission shifted flawlessly, and the standard AWD system ensured power was distributed to all four wheels. However, fuel economy was a downside, with an observed 21.3 mpg, falling short of the EPA's 25 mpg estimate. The CX-30 excelled in driving dynamics, offering a nimble and connected ride, though it felt a bit soft on winding roads.

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 weight, the X3 achieved a respectable zero-to-60 mph time of six seconds, thanks to its eight-speed automatic transmission and xDrive AWD system. The engine's power curve was impressive, providing peak torque from a low 1,600 rpm to near redline. The X3 also included a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, enhancing responsiveness and making the start-stop system nearly imperceptible. The M50 xDrive variant offered even more power with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine. While the X3's ride quality was firm, it excelled on twisty roads, delivering a delightful driving experience. Fuel economy was decent, with an observed 24.2 mpg, though short of the EPA's 29 mpg estimate.

Inside the 2024 Mazda CX-30, the design was deft, with quality materials and logical controls. The three-gauge, partial digital instrumentation was a favorite, and the traditional PRNDL shifter was easy to operate. Gloss black trim, metallic accents, and exposed stitching added contrast to the cabin. However, interior space was cramped, especially in the back seat. The cargo area offered 20.2 cubic feet of space, expandable to 45.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, providing practical but limited storage.

The 2025 BMW X3 offered a spacious interior with a power-adjustable driver's seat providing an excellent view of the road. The dashboard featured a BMW Curved Display, and angular trim elements illuminated at night, visually extending the cabin's width. The front seats were comfortable, with power adjustment and heating, while the rear seats were less so, with complaints about the hard front seat-back panels. The cargo area measured 31.5 cubic feet, with additional storage under the load floor and a 40/20/40 split-folding rear seat for flexibility.

The 2024 Mazda CX-30's turbocharged versions featured a new 10.25-inch infotainment display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, the screen's distance from the driver and passenger was a drawback. Mazda's approach to reducing driver distraction with static displays and controls was commendable, but the lack of natural voice recognition was a limitation. The CX-30 included a complimentary three-year subscription to Mazda Connected Services and new USB-C ports for connectivity.

The 2025 BMW X3's BMW Curved Display was powered by 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 the default Guest profile lacked access to certain features. Despite these issues, the navigation system with augmented video worked well, and wireless Apple CarPlay connectivity was flawless. The test vehicle's infotainment system had its quirks, but it was possible that these were unique to the test vehicle or user error.

The 2024 Mazda CX-30 prioritized safety with new standard features, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a rear-seat alert system. These joined existing features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The CX-30 earned top safety ratings, with a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS.

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 Steering Assistant technology. The X3 earned a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with four-star ratings for the driver and front passenger in the frontal-impact crash test. The IIHS had not yet published safety ratings for the 2025 X3.