2025 BMW X3 vs 2025 Subaru Outback

The 2025 Subaru Outback stood out in a dwindling market of wagons in the United States, adopting crossover trends with its rugged design elements like chunky wheel-arch flares and skid plate-like fascias. Its Crimson Red Pearl paint paired beautifully with the black leather interior, though it was suggested that earthy tones might suit it best. Subaru focused on appealing to those who might take their Outback off-road, a strategy that proved successful as the Outback, along with the Crosstrek and Forester, became top sellers. The 2025 model saw no major changes, with various trims offering different upholstery and features, such as the Limited trim's new power moonroof and DriverFocus tech. The Touring XT trim boasted Nappa leather and ventilated seats, while the interior maintained a balance of chrome and black plastic, with easy-to-read gauges and a small digital display.

In contrast, the 2025 BMW X3 presented a seductive appearance for an SUV, with a long hood, athletic proportions, and expressive 21-inch wheels. The Arctic Race Blue paint with silver undertones complemented the gloss black M Sport details and Calm Beige upholstery. The cabin, though not fancy, offered quality materials in expected areas, but some plastic elements revealed its price point. The X3 was available in 30 xDrive and M50 xDrive models, with prices ranging from $51,125 to $65,875. The X3 was considered a good value, priced below its main rivals, the Audi Q5 and Mercedes-Benz GLC. Our test vehicle, equipped with extra-cost paint, wheels, and several option packages, had an MSRP of $60,875.

The 2025 Subaru Outback featured a horizontally opposed "Boxer" engine, available in two forms: a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, and a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine producing 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque. Both engines ran on regular unleaded gas, with power routed through a CVT and standard AWD. The turbocharged engine provided smart acceleration, though not at a performance car level. The Outback offered 8.7 inches of ground clearance, with the Wilderness model increasing it to 9.5 inches and adding a front skid plate. The Outback's ride was smooth and comfortable, with light steering, smooth throttle, and powerful brakes. However, the stop/start technology and CVT had some drawbacks, with the latter being slow to respond during throttle transitions.

The 2025 BMW X3 30 xDrive's turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine delivered 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, with a zero-to-60 mph time of six seconds. The engine's power curve, combined with an eight-speed automatic transmission and xDrive AWD, provided a responsive driving experience. The X3 also featured a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, improving off-the-line responsiveness and making the 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 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. The X3's sport-tuned suspension and performance tires provided a go-kart-like ride on imperfect pavement but excelled on twisty roads. Despite a fuel economy of 24.2 mpg, short of the EPA rating, the X3's turbo-four engine was a gem.

The 2025 Subaru Outback's wagon shape offered practicality, with easy entry and exit, a low roof height for loading, and a low center of gravity for quick direction changes. The cargo space measured 32.6 cubic feet with the rear seat up and 75.6 with it folded, with a flat floor and square shape maximizing usability. The Outback's total passenger volume of 109 cubic feet was larger than its crossover competition, though the rear seat was slightly smaller. Buyers were advised to test drive different trims, as they offered varying driving experiences. The standard towing capacity was 2,700 pounds, increasing to 3,500 with the turbocharged engine.

The 2025 BMW X3's interior felt wider and larger than most compact crossovers, with a simple dashboard featuring a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and a 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The power-adjustable front seats, with Veganza artificial leather, were comfortable, though the rear seats were less so, 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. The 40/20/40 split-folding rear seat allowed for carrying longer items and passengers simultaneously.

The 2025 Subaru Outback's technology package included an 11.6-inch touchscreen with large icons, though the Starlink infotainment system was slow to respond, especially at startup. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, with wireless connectivity except for the base model. The Harman Kardon audio system worked well, though navigational commands limited audio to the rear speakers. The dashboard featured a mix of buttons and knobs, with some functions requiring touchscreen interaction. The 2025 Outback Touring included a CD player and both USB-A and USB-C ports.

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. The system occasionally froze or became unresponsive, and it sometimes forgot media preferences. The navigation system, with augmented video, provided accurate directions. Wireless Apple CarPlay worked flawlessly, though the native infotainment features were less reliable. The issues may have been unique to the test vehicle or user error, as previous iDrive versions did not exhibit such behavior.

The 2025 Subaru Outback featured EyeSight driver-assist technology, with adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and automatic emergency steering. The system kept the Outback in its lane, though with more side-to-side movement than desired. Higher trims included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, which worked as intended. The DriverFocus system occasionally issued false notifications. The 2024 Outback earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with the 2025 model expected to perform similarly.

The 2025 BMW X3's driver assistance features 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, while the Parking Assistant Professional Package offered semi-automated parking tech. The Driving Assistant Professional Package included Traffic Jam Assistant and Lane Change Assistant. The Traffic Jam Assistant worked well, though it occasionally frustrated other drivers. Steering Assistant without adaptive cruise control was less enjoyable. The 2025 X3 earned a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with four-star ratings for the frontal-impact crash test.