2025 Acura MDX vs 2025 BMW X3

The 2025 Acura MDX underwent subtle styling updates, including a new grille, revised front bumper, and darkened headlights and taillights, which enhanced its sporty and performance-oriented appearance. Most versions received new wheel designs, adding to the SUV's visual appeal. Inside, the MDX saw more significant changes with the introduction of a new touchscreen infotainment system, replacing the previous touchpad interface and providing additional storage space. The seats from the MDX Type S model were made available in the MDX Advance package and MDX A-Spec Advance, while the Type S received a new seat design. Acura also improved cabin quietness with added sound insulation and acoustic laminated window glass.

In contrast, the 2025 BMW X3 presented a seductive appearance with its redesigned exterior, featuring an oversized grille, aerodynamically honed flanks, and a long, tall hood. The X3's athletic look was further emphasized by its expressive 21-inch wheels. The test model's Arctic Race Blue paint, combined with machined surface wheel finish and gloss black M Sport details, added to its allure. Inside, the X3's cabin was simple yet spacious, with a dashboard dominated by the BMW Curved Display. The Veganza artificial leather upholstery, perforated and quilted, provided a luxurious feel, although some interior materials revealed the X3's price point.

The 2025 Acura MDX offered a performance-oriented driving experience, with the Type S model featuring a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine producing 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. Most buyers opted for the standard 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 290 hp and 267 lb-ft of torque through a 10-speed automatic transmission. The MDX's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system was optional on lower trims and standard on higher ones. The MDX provided a comfortable ride with various driving modes, though fuel economy could drop when using Sport mode. The SUV handled well on twisty roads, with smooth body motions and reliable braking, although it wasn't designed for off-roading.

The 2025 BMW X3 30 xDrive featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, offering a zero-to-60 mph time of six seconds. The X3's eight-speed automatic transmission and xDrive AWD system contributed to its performance, while a 48-volt mild-hybrid system improved responsiveness. For more power, the X3 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 sport-tuned suspension and performance tires provided an engaging driving experience, though the ride could be harsh on imperfect roads. Despite this, the X3 delivered impressive fuel economy, even when driven spiritedly.

The 2025 Acura MDX offered a comfortable and versatile interior, with 16-way power-adjustable front seats featuring heating, ventilation, and massage programs. The second row could be configured as a bench seat or individual bucket seats, with a foldable center section for added convenience. The third row was best suited for children due to limited space. The MDX provided adequate in-cabin storage and a cargo area with 16.3 cubic feet of space behind the third row, expandable to 71.4 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded.

The 2025 BMW X3's interior felt spacious, with a simple dashboard and a prominent BMW Curved Display. The front seats offered power adjustment, heating, and optional ventilation, while the rear seats were less comfortable for taller passengers. The cargo area measured 31.5 cubic feet, with a lightweight cargo cover and additional storage under the load floor. The 40/20/40 split-folding rear seat allowed for flexible cargo and passenger arrangements.

The 2025 Acura MDX introduced a new 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Alexa and Google Built-in, replacing the previous touchpad interface. The system offered a natural and intuitive user experience, though SiriusXM required streaming through a smartphone app. AcuraLink connected services and an AT&T 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot were standard, with upgraded sound systems available on higher trims. The MDX's infotainment system paired with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a 10.5-inch head-up display, providing comprehensive information to the driver.

The 2025 BMW X3 featured the BMW Curved Display with iDrive 9 software, offering a user-friendly interface with Quick Select menus. However, creating profiles and accessing BMW Digital Services proved challenging during testing. The system occasionally froze or defaulted to local FM radio, leading to reliance on wireless Apple CarPlay for a seamless experience. Despite these issues, the navigation system with augmented video provided accurate directions and arrival estimates.

The 2025 Acura MDX benefited from hardware upgrades to its AcuraWatch driver assistance features, with an expanded AcuraWatch 360 package available on the Type S Advance. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. The MDX received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though SH-AWD models lacked a rollover resistance rating. The IIHS had not yet commented on the 2025 MDX's crash tests.

The 2025 BMW X3's driver assistance features performed well, with the standard Active Driving Assistant suite offering forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. The Premium Package added adaptive cruise control and Parking Assistant Plus, while the Driving Assistant Professional Package included hands-free Traffic Jam Assistant and Evasion Assistant. The X3 earned a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with four-star ratings for frontal-impact crash tests. The IIHS had not published safety ratings for the 2025 X3 at the time of writing.