2024 Mazda CX-90 vs 2025 BMW X3

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 was a bold step for Mazda, aiming to elevate its brand into the luxury segment traditionally dominated by the likes of BMW and Mercedes-Benz. The CX-90's exterior design was a testament to Mazda's commitment to elegance, with its imposing size, large grille, and wide-set front end. The SUV's tasteful chrome trim and large wheels, ranging from 19 to 21 inches, added to its commanding presence. Inside, the CX-90 offered a luxurious experience, especially in the higher trims, with brown suede upholstery, wood inlays, and matte black plastic accents. The interior design was both stylish and comfortable, with a range of trims and powertrains to suit different preferences.

In contrast, the 2025 BMW X3 was a seductive compact SUV with a sporty and athletic appearance. Its long hood, captivating dashboard-to-axle ratio, and tapering roofline contributed to its dynamic look. The test model's Arctic Race Blue paint and 21-inch wheels emphasized its crouched stance. Inside, the X3's cabin was functional, with quality materials in expected areas, though some plastic elements revealed its price point. The Veganza artificial leather upholstery was convincing, and the ambient lighting added a touch of sophistication. However, the rear seats were less comfortable, and the interior space, while larger than most compact crossovers, had some limitations.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 introduced two new powertrains, including a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) option and a turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine. The base turbo I6 delivered 280 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque, while the upgraded Turbo S version offered 340 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque with premium fuel. All CX-90 models came with all-wheel drive (AWD) and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The CX-90's driving modes, including Normal, Sport, and Off-Road, allowed for versatile performance, though the transmission occasionally showed inconsistent behavior in Sport mode. The PHEV model combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with a 17.8-kWh battery and a 68-kW electric motor, producing 323 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. It offered an all-electric range of 26 miles and an EPA-estimated 56 MPGe in combined driving.

The 2025 BMW X3 30 xDrive featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. Despite its weight, the X3 achieved a zero-to-60 mph time of six seconds, thanks to its eight-speed automatic transmission and xDrive AWD system. The X3's 48-volt mild-hybrid system improved responsiveness and made the automatic start-stop system nearly imperceptible. For more power, the M50 xDrive variant offered a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with 393 horsepower and 428 lb-ft of torque, reaching 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. The X3's sport-tuned suspension and performance tires provided an engaging driving experience, though the ride quality could be harsh on imperfect roads. The X3's fuel economy was impressive, with an official EPA rating of 29 mpg in combined driving.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 offered a range of seating configurations, with lower trims accommodating up to eight passengers and higher trims featuring captain's chairs for a seven-seat layout. The Turbo S models had a two-seat configuration in the third row, providing slightly more cargo space. The CX-90's cargo capacity ranged from 14.9 to 75.2 cubic feet, depending on the seating arrangement. While it improved upon the CX-9's capacity, it still fell short compared to competitors like the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander. The CX-90's interior featured clever storage options, comfortable seats, and a panoramic sunroof, enhancing its overall comfort.

The 2025 BMW X3's interior offered a spacious feel, with a simple dashboard design and a prominent BMW Curved Display housing a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and a 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The front seats were power-adjustable, heated, and upholstered in Veganza artificial leather, providing comfort and support. However, the rear seats were less comfortable, with low positioning and hard front seat-back panels. The X3's cargo area measured 31.5 cubic feet, with additional storage under the load floor and a 40/20/40 split-folding rear seat for versatility.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 prioritized safety by eliminating distractions with its Mazda Connect infotainment system, which used a rotary control knob and hard buttons instead of a touchscreen. While the intention was to reduce distraction, the system's quirks and idiosyncrasies often led to frustration. However, the CX-90 offered personalization software with facial recognition to adjust settings automatically, and it came standard with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, which employed touchscreen controls for ease of use.

The 2025 BMW X3 featured the BMW Curved Display with iDrive 9 software, offering a Quick Select user experience for easier navigation. However, creating profiles and accessing BMW Digital Services proved challenging during testing. The system occasionally froze and became unresponsive, leading to reliance on wireless Apple CarPlay for a seamless experience. Despite the frustrations, the navigation system with augmented video provided accurate directions and arrival estimates.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 came equipped with the i-Activsense suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) as standard, including blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. The top-spec Turbo S Premium Plus model added cruising and traffic support, blending lane-centering with adaptive cruise control. While crash test ratings were not available, the CX-90 was expected to perform well based on the CX-9's accolades.

The 2025 BMW X3 offered a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and active blind-spot monitoring. The Premium Package added adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and Parking Assistant Plus with a surround-view camera system. The optional 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 ratings for frontal-impact crash tests.