2024 Toyota Sequoia vs 2025 BMW X3

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia shared its platform with the Tundra pickup, and this connection was evident in its design. It featured hexagonal grilles, wheel arches, strong fender creases, and a muscular stance. The exterior color significantly influenced its appearance. The Capstone model, with its chrome accents, appeared somewhat dated in Celestial Silver, reminiscent of a "cop car." However, a switch to Solar Octane orange with black accents transformed it into a "Tonka truck" look. Inside, the Sequoia closely resembled the Tundra and other Toyota models, with a blocky, geometric dashboard layout. The Capstone trim boasted semi-aniline leather upholstery, while other trims offered fabric, SofTex, or leather seating. All models featured power-adjustable front seats and a power-tilt and -slide moonroof, with a panoramic version available on higher trims.

The 2025 BMW X3, despite being a two-box SUV, exuded a seductive appearance. Its oversized grille, aerodynamically honed flanks, and athletic proportions, including a long hood and tapering greenhouse, contributed to its sporty look. The test model, in Arctic Race Blue with silver undertones, paired well with machined surface wheels and Calm Beige upholstery. The Veganza artificial leather, with its perforated and quilted surfaces, closely resembled real leather. Inside, the X3's cabin was simple yet functional, with plastic trim elements that glowed with ambient lighting. While quality materials were present in expected areas, some lower cabin plastics revealed its price point. The X3 was available in 30 xDrive and M50 xDrive models, with prices ranging from $51,125 to $65,875. The X3 offered good value, especially with its well-equipped 30 xDrive model, which included extra-cost paint, wheels, ventilated front seats, and four option packages, totaling $60,875.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia was exclusively offered in a hybrid format, utilizing Toyota's iForce MAX hybrid powertrain. This system combined a twin-turbo V6 engine with an electric motor, producing 437 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque. This marked an increase of 56 hp and 182 lb-ft over the previous V8 model. Fuel economy improved significantly, with a rating of 20 mpg combined for the 4WD version, compared to 14 mpg previously. The Sequoia TRD Pro, designed for off-road enthusiasts, came with 4WD and a part-time system with 4Hi, 4Lo, and 2WD options. The 10-speed automatic transmission operated smoothly, and the on-road handling was adequate for its class. The TRD Off-Road package, available on select trims, added features like all-terrain tires, a skid plate, and off-road suspension. The Sequoia's maximum towing capacity increased to 9,520 pounds, with towing-related upgrades available.

The 2025 BMW X3 30 xDrive featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. Despite its 4,176-pound 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 engine's power curve provided peak torque from 1,600 rpm to near redline at 6,500 rpm. The X3 also included a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, enhancing off-the-line responsiveness. For those seeking more power, the M50 xDrive offered a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with 393 hp and 428 lb-ft of torque, achieving 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. The X3's M Sport package, sport-tuned suspension, and performance tires delivered a dynamic driving experience, though the ride quality could be harsh on imperfect roads. The X3 excelled on twisty roads, offering impressive handling for a compact crossover SUV. Fuel economy was commendable, with an official EPA rating of 29 mpg combined, though real-world results varied.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia Capstone featured automatic power-deploying running boards, aiding entry for shorter individuals. Inside, it offered a maximum of 86.9 cubic feet of cargo space with both second- and third-row seats folded. Behind the second row, there were 49 cubic feet, and behind the third row, it ranged from 11.5 to 22.3 cubic feet, depending on seat position. The second-row seats were easy to move for third-row access, and the third-row seats folded at the push of a button, though they didn't create a flat load floor due to the hybrid powertrain's battery pack. Headroom was reduced by nearly 3 inches, affecting rear-seat comfort. Legroom varied, with 28.1 to 33.7 inches in the third row, 39.2 inches in the second row, and 41.2 inches in the front. Second-row captain's chairs were available on higher trims, offering width but lacking bolstering.

The 2025 BMW X3 provided an unexpected treat with its power-adjustable driver's seat, offering a view of the hood framed by sharply creased fenders. The cabin felt wider and larger than most compact crossovers, with a simple dashboard featuring the BMW Curved Display, housing a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and a 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Angular trim elements illuminated at night, visually extending the cabin's width. Front seats offered power adjustment, heating, and Veganza artificial leather with a perforated and quilted pattern. The optional ventilation system worked well on warm days. The rear seats, however, positioned passengers too low, and longer-legged individuals found the hard front seat-back panels uncomfortable. The cargo area measured 31.5 cubic feet, with a lightweight, easy-to-remove cargo cover, netted storage, a grocery bag hook, and illumination. A temporary spare tire and additional storage were located under the load floor, and the 40/20/40 split-folding rear seat allowed for versatile cargo and passenger arrangements.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia Capstone was equipped with a range of features, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, standard across all trims. The SR5 trim had an 8-inch touchscreen, while other trims boasted a 14-inch center touchscreen. The Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system prioritized functionality over flashiness. The driver-information display was a full-color 12.3-inch unit, standard across all trims. The Panoramic View monitor was also standard, aiding in maneuvering the large vehicle. A 10-inch color head-up display was standard on Capstone and available on Platinum. The 14-speaker JBL Premium Audio system was available on Limited and standard on higher trims.

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 for easier navigation. Owners could create profiles using the MyBMW app, though our attempts were unsuccessful. The system occasionally froze, and the default Guest profile lacked access to BMW Digital Services. The navigation system, with optional augmented video, provided accurate directions. Wireless Apple CarPlay worked flawlessly, unlike the native infotainment features. The issues may have been unique to the test vehicle or user error, as previous iDrive versions didn't exhibit such behavior.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia came standard with the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) 2.5 suite, including a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane-departure alert with steering assist, adaptive cruise control, and road-sign recognition. Front and rear parking sensors with automatic braking and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. The Tow Technology Package, available on SR5 and Limited trims, added a digital rearview mirror and trailer backup guide. The 2024 Sequoia had not been rated by IIHS or NHTSA, but the similar 2024 Toyota Tundra earned a Top Safety Pick+ designation.

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. 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 NHTSA, with four-star ratings for the driver and front passenger in the frontal-impact crash test. IIHS ratings were not available at the time of writing.