2025 BMW X3 vs 2024 Volvo XC90

The 2024 Volvo XC90 was available in three model series: B5, B6, and Recharge T8, each equipped with a standard all-wheel drive system. The B5 model featured a turbocharged mild-hybrid four-cylinder engine, while the B6 added a supercharger for enhanced performance. The Recharge T8, a plug-in hybrid, offered the most power and efficiency, with an estimated 32 miles of electric-only range. The XC90 came in Core, Plus, and Ultimate trim levels, with prices ranging from $56,000 to $79,600, excluding the destination charge. The Recharge T8 test vehicle, in Ultimate trim, boasted a luxurious interior with massaging front seats, a premium headliner, and a high-end Bowers & Wilkins audio system. The exterior design was characterized by a subdued and earthy color palette, with various wheel designs up to 21 inches, and a Bright theme that contrasted with the blacked-out trend. Inside, the XC90's design was somewhat dated but featured rich materials, including wool-blend upholstery or ventilated Nappa leather, an Orrefors crystal shift knob, and natural wood trim.

The redesigned 2025 BMW X3 presented a seductive appearance for a two-box SUV, with a long and tall hood, captivating dashboard-to-axle ratio, and tapering greenhouse and roofline, giving it an athletic look. The test model featured Arctic Race Blue paint, machined surface wheel finish, gloss black M Sport details, and Calm Beige upholstery. The Veganza artificial leather, with its perforated and quilted surfaces, closely resembled real leather. The cabin, while not fancy, offered quality materials where expected, though some plastic elements revealed the X3's price point. The X3 was available in 30 xDrive and M50 xDrive model series, both with standard all-wheel drive. Base prices ranged from $51,125 to $65,875, including the destination charge. The X3 was priced competitively against its rivals, making it a good value. The test vehicle, an X3 30 xDrive, was well-equipped with extra-cost paint and wheels, ventilated front seats, and four option packages, with an MSRP of $60,875, including destination.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 combined an 18.8-kilowatt-hour battery and a 107-kilowatt electric motor with the B6 model’s supercharged and turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 455 horsepower and 523 lb-ft of torque. This power was delivered to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. The battery and electric motor allowed for 32 miles of electric-only driving, with an average of 27 mpg in hybrid mode. In Power mode, the XC90 could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in five seconds. Recharging the battery took about 12 hours with a standard outlet, or less than half that time with a 240-volt outlet. The XC90 offered various driving modes, including Pure, Power, Hybrid, Constant AWD, and Off-Road, with up to 9.9 inches of ground clearance. However, during testing, the XC90 fell short of its electric range and fuel economy estimates, achieving 28 miles of electric range and 24.5 mpg. The XC90's performance waned as the battery approached its minimum state of charge, and the gas engine would assist when necessary. The XC90 offered plenty of power, but its handling was not thrilling, with a firm ride on irregular pavement and a less hushed cabin than expected for its price.

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 0-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 and horsepower from 1,600 rpm to near redline at 6,500 rpm. The X3 also had a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, improving off-the-line responsiveness and making the engine's automatic start-stop system nearly imperceptible. The M50 xDrive model offered a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with 393 hp and 428 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. The X3 30 xDrive's turbo-four engine was a gem, though mid-range passing power was lacking. The test vehicle had the M Sport package with a sport-tuned suspension and 21-inch wheels, providing a go-kart-like ride on imperfect pavement. However, the X3 excelled on twisty roads, offering a delightful driving experience. The turbocharged 2.0-liter engine also delivered impressive fuel economy, though the test vehicle achieved 24.2 mpg, short of the EPA's 29 mpg rating.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8, even in Core trim, was well-equipped with power-adjustable and heated front seats, leather upholstery, wood trim, and a four-zone climate control system with PM2.5 air purification. A panoramic glass roof with a one-touch swipe control added natural light to the interior. Higher trims offered additional features like a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, ventilated front seats with massage, and upgraded interior lighting. The front seats had adjustable lower leg support bolsters, though their winged shape could catch on clothing. Once adjusted, the XC90 provided exceptional comfort and a commanding driving position. However, the climate control system struggled to cool the cabin in Pure mode on a hot day. The XC90 seated seven people, or six with second-row captain’s chairs, with a comfortable bench seat in the test model. Access to the third-row seat was tight for adults, but the space was more accommodating than expected. Interior storage was adequate, and with the third-row seat folded, the XC90 offered up to 65.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity, expanding to 85.7 cubic feet with the second-row seat down.

The 2025 BMW X3 offered an unexpected treat with its power-adjustable driver’s seat, providing a view of the hood framed by the sharply creased front fenders. The X3 felt wider and larger inside 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. The front seats had power adjustment, heating, and Veganza artificial leather in a perforated and quilted pattern, offering comfort and effective ventilation. The driver faced a flat-bottom steering wheel with a thick, round rim. However, the rear seats were less comfortable, with passengers positioned too low and longer-legged individuals complaining about the hard front seat-back panels. The cargo area measured 31.5 cubic feet, with a lightweight, easy-to-remove cargo cover, netted storage area, grocery bag hook, and illumination. A temporary spare tire and additional storage were under the load floor, and the 40/20/40 split-folding rear seat allowed for carrying longer items and passengers simultaneously.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 featured a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Google Built-in technology, offering Google Maps, Google Play, and Google Assistant. These features were complimentary for four years, with subscription payments required afterward. Apple CarPlay and SiriusXM satellite radio were standard, with the latter free for three months. The XC90 offered a 14-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system or a 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system with various modes. The Google Built-in system improved the XC90’s infotainment experience, with the 9-inch touchscreen being intuitive and conveniently located. The digital voice assistant, activated by saying “Hey Google,” generally provided a rewarding experience, though sometimes required different prompts. The XC90 Recharge T8 also included a 12-inch digital instrumentation panel, with a head-up display and surround-view camera available.

The 2025 BMW X3 featured the BMW Curved Display with Operating System 9 (iDrive 9) software, an evolution of iDrive 8.5. The system offered a Quick Select user experience, making it easier to navigate menus and settings. Owners could create profiles using an onscreen QR code and the MyBMW smartphone app, though attempts to access BMW Digital Services were unsuccessful during testing. The default Guest profile did not provide access to these services, and the system occasionally froze or became unresponsive. Despite these issues, the navigation system with augmented video provided accurate directions. Wireless Apple CarPlay connectivity worked flawlessly, unlike the native infotainment features. The problems experienced with the X3’s infotainment tech might have been unique to the test vehicle or due to not creating a personal profile.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 was synonymous with safety, earning a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in every assessment except rollover resistance, where it received four stars. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) named it a Top Safety Pick+ in 2023. However, the XC90 lagged behind rivals in advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS), offering expected safety features but lacking innovation. The SUV included Pilot Assist, pairing adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assist, which worked smoothly overall but struggled with certain road conditions. A significant error occurred when Pilot Assist attempted to steer the vehicle back onto the highway during an exit, shaking confidence in the technology.

The 2025 BMW X3’s driver assistance features were more rewarding, though understanding what was standard was challenging. The 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, and the Driving Assistant Professional Package included hands-free Traffic Jam Assistant technology. The Traffic Jam Assistant was effective, though it occasionally frustrated other motorists. Steering Assistant without adaptive cruise control detracted from the X3’s driving character. The 2025 BMW 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.