2025 BMW X3 vs 2025 Mazda CX-90

The 2025 BMW X3 was a striking example of how an SUV could blend athletic aesthetics with practical design. Its long hood and tapering roofline gave it a sporty stance, further accentuated by expressive 21-inch wheels. The Arctic Race Blue paint, combined with gloss black M Sport details and Calm Beige upholstery, added a touch of elegance. Inside, the cabin was a mix of quality materials and some cost-cutting measures, with nifty ambient lighting but some less impressive plastic elements. Despite these minor drawbacks, the X3 offered a compelling value proposition, especially when compared to its rivals, with a well-equipped model priced just over $60,000.

In contrast, the 2025 Mazda CX-90 exuded a luxury SUV vibe with its lustrous paint, polished chrome trim, and sculptural sheet metal. The Premium Plus trim featured Nappa leather and polished metallic accents, creating an upscale interior ambiance. However, the ergonomics left something to be desired, with a confusing electronic shifter and a non-touchscreen infotainment system. Despite these issues, the CX-90's design and materials were impressive for its price range, offering a sophisticated look and feel that stood out among midsize three-row crossovers.

The 2025 BMW X3 30 xDrive was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD, delivered a zero-to-60 mph time of six seconds. The X3's 48-volt mild-hybrid system enhanced responsiveness and improved fuel economy, although our test vehicle achieved 24.2 mpg, slightly below the EPA's 29 mpg rating. The M50 xDrive variant offered a more powerful 3.0-liter inline-six engine with 393 hp, reaching 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.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 3.3 Turbo featured a turbocharged 3.3-liter inline-six engine, generating 280 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque. The AWD system, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, offered various driving modes, including Normal, Sport, Off-Road, and Towing. The CX-90's maximum towing capacity was 5,000 pounds, and it achieved 21.3 mpg during testing, below the EPA's 25 mpg rating. While the CX-90 excelled in ride and handling, drivetrain refinement was lacking, with unpredictable power delivery and transmission behavior. Despite these issues, the CX-90's suspension provided a dynamic driving experience, especially in Normal mode.

The 2025 BMW X3 offered a spacious interior with a commanding view from the driver's seat. The dashboard featured 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, providing comfort and support. However, the rear seats were less comfortable, with limited legroom and hard front seat-back panels. The cargo area measured 31.5 cubic feet, with additional storage under the load floor and a 40/20/40 split-folding rear seat for versatility.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's interior featured Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a panoramic sunroof. The second-row captain's chairs offered comfort and elevated seating positions, but limited seat-track travel could pose challenges for rear-facing child seats. The third row was best suited for children, with limited space for adults. The CX-90's cargo area provided 14.9 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 40 cubic feet with the third row folded and 74.2 cubic feet with the second row down. However, storage space was limited, with a focus on style over practicality.

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, and the default Guest profile lacked access to certain features. Despite these issues, wireless Apple CarPlay worked seamlessly. The navigation system, with augmented video, provided accurate directions and arrival estimates, but the overall infotainment experience was marred by technical glitches.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's dashboard featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen. While the infotainment screen was touch-sensitive for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the native Mazda Connect platform required using a center console knob and buttons. The voice recognition system was inconsistent, and a new Google Built-in infotainment system was anticipated for future models. The test vehicle included a 12-speaker Bose audio system and a head-up display, with blind-spot monitoring alerts enhancing safety.

The 2025 BMW X3 offered a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and active blind-spot monitoring. The Premium Package added adaptive cruise control and Parking Assistant Plus, 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 frontal-impact crash tests.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA for the PHEV model. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trim levels added steering assist, emergency lane-keeping assist, and a surround-view camera system. The CX-90's driver aids were effective, though the speed reduction feature in curves was irritating, and the audible warning systems were overly intrusive.