2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs 2025 BMW X3

The 2025 BMW X3 presented a seductive appearance for a two-box SUV, with its redesigned features drawing attention. Its oversized grille and aerodynamically honed flanks were complemented by a long and tall hood, a captivating dashboard-to-axle ratio, and a tapering greenhouse and roofline, all contributing to its athletic look. The test vehicle's expressive 21-inch wheels emphasized its taut, crouched appearance. The Arctic Race Blue paint, with chilly silver undertones, paired perfectly with the machined surface wheel finish, gloss black M Sport details, and Calm Beige upholstery. Inside, the cabin offered quality materials where expected, though some plastic elements revealed the X3's price point. The interior was functional, with nifty ambient lighting, but the lower cabin plastics, particularly on the door armrests and storage bins, were less impressive.

The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 maintained its distinctive appearance, drawing retro comparisons to the Lancia Delta. The mid-cycle refresh kept the styling largely unchanged, with mild revisions to the lower front fascia. The "Parametric Pixel" headlights and taillights, round wheel arches, and high rear spoiler contributed to its unique look. The new XRT trim stood out with red tow hooks and black plastic bumper cladding featuring a "digital camouflage" pattern. The color palette expanded with new options, and the wheel designs were updated, with the XRT's 18-inch wheels referencing rally style. Inside, the Ioniq 5's cabin remained open and uncluttered, with minor changes enhancing functionality. The new XRT trim added a rugged touch with its dark interior and all-weather floor mats.

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, the X3 achieved a zero-to-60 mph time of six seconds, thanks to its eight-speed automatic transmission and xDrive AWD system. The 48-volt mild-hybrid system improved responsiveness and made the automatic start-stop system nearly imperceptible. 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 X3's sport-tuned suspension and performance tires provided a thrilling driving experience, though the ride quality was firm. Fuel economy was impressive, with a test result of 24.2 mpg, slightly below the EPA rating of 29 mpg.

The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 XRT added a Terrain Mode button with Snow, Mud, and Sand options, adjusting throttle mapping, wheel slip, power distribution, and regenerative braking. The XRT handled off-road conditions well, with AWD as standard. The Ioniq 5 offered different powertrain options, with RWD models producing 168 to 225 horsepower and AWD models delivering 320 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque. The Ioniq 5's battery capacity increased for 2025, offering a range of up to 318 miles in RWD configuration. The XRT's range was 259 miles. The Ioniq 5's instant torque provided a fun driving experience, despite its weight.

The 2025 BMW X3's interior offered a spacious feel, with a simple dashboard featuring 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. The rear seats were less comfortable, with low positioning and hard front seat-back panels. The cargo area measured 31.5 cubic feet, with a lightweight cargo cover, netted storage, and a temporary spare tire under the load floor. The 40/20/40 split-folding rear seat allowed for versatile cargo and passenger arrangements.

The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 addressed previous complaints by adding a rear windshield wiper. The interior featured a movable center console with fore-and-aft cupholders and a wireless charging pad. Heated front seats were standard, with a heated steering wheel available on higher trims. The Limited trim offered front seat ventilation and driver's seat memory. Interior dimensions remained unchanged, with generous legroom and cargo space measuring 26.3 cubic feet, expandable to 58.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The Ioniq 5 transitioned to the North American Charging System, allowing access to Tesla's Supercharger network, and included a CCS adapter for public and fast charging.

The 2025 BMW X3 featured the BMW Curved Display with iDrive 9 software, offering a Quick Select user experience. However, creating profiles and accessing BMW Digital Services proved challenging during testing. The system occasionally froze and defaulted to local FM radio. The navigation system, with augmented video, provided accurate directions. Wireless Apple CarPlay worked flawlessly, unlike the native infotainment features.

The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 retained its 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system and digital instrument cluster, with improved functionality and faster processing speeds. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard. The Bose Premium Audio system was available on higher trims, while all trims featured navigation, dynamic voice recognition, and multiple USB-C ports. The Limited trim included a head-up display, and the wireless charging pad was available from the SEL trim level.

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 and Steering Assistant technology. 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 the NHTSA.

The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 maintained its high safety standards, earning a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. New standard safety features included an enhanced driver attention system and parking-distance warning. The Ioniq 5 XRT and Limited trims offered a surround-view monitor and blind-spot view monitor. Highway Driving Assist 1 and 2 were available, with HDA 2 adding lane-changing capability and machine learning.