2025 BMW X3 vs 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander was a standout in Toyota's lineup of crossovers and SUVs, offering a range of options from all-gas to hybrid-powered models. Built on the TNGA-K platform, it shared its underpinnings with the regular Highlander, RAV4, Sienna, and Camry, distinguishing itself from the body-on-frame Sequoia. With a length of 201.4 inches and a 116.1-inch wheelbase, it was larger than competitors like the Kia Telluride, providing a spacious interior. Its design, inspired by rugged vehicles, featured a blockier style with a trapezoidal grille and narrow headlights, reminiscent of the 4Runner. The Grand Highlander was available in three trims: XLE, Limited, and Platinum, with interior options ranging from Softex synthetic leather to real leather in higher trims. It boasted features like a 10-way power-adjustable driver seat, heated front seats, and a large center console, making it a comfortable and well-built road-trip vehicle.

The 2025 BMW X3, with its redesigned appearance, offered a seductive look for a two-box SUV. Its long hood, captivating dashboard-to-axle ratio, and tapering greenhouse gave it an athletic appearance. The test model, in Arctic Race Blue paint, featured 21-inch wheels and Calm Beige upholstery, enhancing its visual appeal. Inside, the X3's cabin was simple yet functional, with quality materials in expected areas. However, some plastic elements revealed its price point. The X3 was available in 30 xDrive and M50 xDrive models, both with standard AWD. The base model's price started at $51,125, offering a good value compared to rivals like the Audi Q5 and Mercedes-Benz GLC. The test vehicle, equipped with various packages, had a price of $60,875, showcasing its well-rounded features.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander offered three engine options, starting with a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 265 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. For those prioritizing fuel efficiency, a 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid option delivered 245 combined net horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque. At the top, the Hybrid Max powertrain, a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder hybrid, produced 362 combined net horsepower and 400 combined net lb-ft of torque. The Grand Highlander was available with FWD and AWD, with the Hybrid Max exclusively AWD. While not a sports car, the Hybrid Max offered impressive acceleration with a zero-to-60 time of 6.3 seconds. The standard turbo gas-engine model, expected to account for 85% of sales, provided adequate acceleration and solid brakes. It featured three drive modes—Sport, Eco, and Normal—with additional modes for AWD-equipped models.

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, it achieved a zero-to-60 mph time of six seconds, thanks to its eight-speed automatic transmission and xDrive AWD system. The engine's power curve provided peak torque from 1,600 rpm to near redline at 6,500 rpm. The X3 30 xDrive also had a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, enhancing off-the-line responsiveness. For more power, the M50 xDrive offered a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with 393 hp and 428 lb-ft of torque, reaching 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. The test vehicle, equipped with the M Sport package, sport-tuned suspension, and performance tires, delivered a thrilling driving experience on twisty roads. However, the ride quality on imperfect pavement was less comfortable. The X3's turbocharged engine also provided impressive fuel economy, though it fell short of the official EPA rating during testing.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander was larger than its primary rivals, measuring 201.4 inches long with a 116.1-inch wheelbase. This extra length translated to increased storage space, with a total cargo capacity of 97.5 cubic feet. Behind the second-row seats, it offered 57.9 cubic feet, and with all three rows up, there were 20.6 cubic feet available. The Grand Highlander provided a comfortable and spacious interior, with ample head, leg, and shoulder room in every row. Even the third row accommodated six-foot adults comfortably.

The 2025 BMW X3 offered a unique driving experience with its power-adjustable driver's seat providing a sports car-like view of the hood. Inside, the X3 felt wider and larger than most compact crossovers, with a simple dashboard featuring the BMW Curved Display. The front seats, with power adjustment and heating, were comfortable, while the rear seats were less so, with low positioning and hard front seat-back panels. The cargo area measured 31.5 cubic feet, with a lightweight, easy-to-remove cargo 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 Toyota Grand Highlander came equipped with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a significant improvement over previous models. An intelligent assistant, activated by saying "Hey Toyota," was available via a connected-services subscription, handling tasks like temperature adjustment and radio changes. The system included dual-device Bluetooth connectivity, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Limited and Platinum trims featured an 11-speaker JBL stereo, providing a balanced audio experience. Streaming audio integration and Sirius XM satellite radio were available, with a three-month trial. Toyota's tech offerings had improved, but careful consideration of subscription options was recommended.

The 2025 BMW X3 featured the BMW Curved Display with Operating System 9, an evolution of iDrive 8.5. The system offered a Quick Select user experience, simplifying navigation through menus and settings. Owners could create profiles using the MyBMW smartphone app, though attempts to access BMW Digital Services were unsuccessful 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 provided accurate directions. Wireless Apple CarPlay connectivity worked flawlessly, offering a reliable alternative to the native infotainment features.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander had not yet been crash-tested or rated by the NHTSA or IIHS. However, it included an impressive list of standard advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) under Toyota Safety Sense 3.0. Features included automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert with steering assist, lane-tracing assist, road-sign recognition, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. The adaptive cruise control offered four following-distance settings.

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 with stop-and-go capability and Steering Assistant technology. The Parking Assistant Professional Package offered semi-automated parking tech, while the Driving Assistant Professional Package included hands-free Traffic Jam Assistant and Lane Change Assistant. 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.