2025 Dodge Durango vs 2025 BMW X3

The 2025 Dodge Durango offered a range of models from the base GT with a V6 engine and rear-wheel drive, starting at around $43,000, to the high-performance SRT Hellcat with a supercharged V8 engine and all-wheel drive, nearing $100,000. The SRT Hellcat Premium, especially with the Silver Bullet special edition package, showcased a striking Triple Nickel paint and upgrades like a satin black hood and dark badges, pushing the MSRP to $115,315. Inside, the Durango SRT Hellcat featured dark red premium Nappa leather seats and a suede headliner, though some plastic surfaces detracted from its luxury feel.

The 2025 BMW X3, redesigned with a seductive appearance, featured a long hood and athletic proportions. The test model, in Arctic Race Blue paint, paired with 21-inch wheels and Calm Beige upholstery, emphasized its sporty look. Inside, the X3 offered a simple yet quality cabin with a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and a 14.9-inch touchscreen. While the front seats were comfortable with Veganza artificial leather, the rear seats were less so, especially for taller passengers. The X3's cargo area provided 31.5 cubic feet of space, with thoughtful storage solutions.

The 2025 Dodge Durango streamlined its powertrain offerings, with the GT featuring a 295-hp V6, the R/T a 360-hp V8, and the SRT Hellcat a 710-hp supercharged V8. The SRT Hellcat boasted 645 lb-ft of torque, accelerating to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds, with a top speed of 180 mph and a towing capacity of 8,700 pounds. Despite its power, the Durango's fuel economy was poor, rated at 12/17/13 mpg. The SUV's AWD system, adaptive damping suspension, and Brembo brakes contributed to its impressive handling, making it feel track-ready.

The 2025 BMW X3 30 xDrive featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in six seconds. The X3's 48-volt mild-hybrid system improved responsiveness, while the M50 xDrive variant offered a 393-hp turbocharged inline-six engine, reaching 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. The X3's sport-tuned suspension and performance tires provided a dynamic driving experience, though the ride could be harsh on imperfect roads. Despite this, the X3 delivered impressive fuel economy, though slightly below the EPA rating.

The 2025 Dodge Durango excelled in space and comfort, with heated and ventilated front seats and a spacious interior. The second-row captain’s chairs offered good leg support, and the third row was accessible and comfortable for adults. The cargo area provided 17.2 cubic feet, expandable to 85.1 cubic feet with seats folded. Thoughtful features included rear climate controls and multiple charging ports.

The 2025 BMW X3 offered a spacious interior with a wide dashboard and a Curved Display. The front seats were power-adjustable and comfortable, while the rear seats were less so 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 added versatility for carrying longer items.

The 2025 Dodge Durango featured a Uconnect 5 infotainment system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Harman Kardon audio system. The SRT Hellcat included SRT Performance Pages for tracking performance metrics. The system supported dual-phone Bluetooth pairing and offered a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot.

The 2025 BMW X3's iDrive 9 software, part of the BMW Curved Display, offered a Quick Select user experience. However, issues with profile creation and system responsiveness were noted. The navigation system with augmented video provided accurate directions, and wireless Apple CarPlay worked flawlessly. Despite some frustrations, the infotainment system showed potential for improvement.

The 2025 Dodge Durango's safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. However, its crash-test ratings were mediocre, with a four-star overall rating from NHTSA and concerns in IIHS tests.

The 2025 BMW X3 offered a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features, including forward collision warning and lane-keeping assist. The Premium Package added adaptive cruise control and Parking Assistant Plus. The X3 earned a four-star overall rating from NHTSA, with some room for improvement in frontal-impact tests.