2025 BMW X3 vs 2025 Toyota 4Runner

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner, in its sixth generation, maintained a design evolution rather than a complete overhaul. It retained the horseshoe-shaped grilles from the previous generation, but with a more robust and industrial exterior. The side body panels featured deep beveled creases that seamlessly blended with the flared wheel arches, giving the 4Runner a broad-shouldered stance suitable for an off-road SUV. Paying homage to its predecessors, the 4Runner included design elements like the slanted rearmost window from the first generation. Inside, the cabin mirrored the Toyota Tacoma's design, with beveled styling throughout. The interior was functional, with hard plastics for durability and light cushioning for comfort, offering a quality that surpassed the Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco but fell short of the Land Rover Defender.

The 2025 BMW X3, redesigned for a more seductive appearance, featured a long and tall hood, a captivating dashboard-to-axle ratio, and a tapering greenhouse and roofline, giving it an athletic look. The test model, in Arctic Race Blue paint, complemented the machined surface wheel finish and gloss black M Sport details. Inside, the cabin was simple yet elegant, with a BMW Curved Display housing a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and a 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The Veganza artificial leather upholstery, with its perforated and quilted surfaces, added to the luxurious feel. However, the interior revealed some cost-cutting measures, particularly with the plastic used in lower cabin areas.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner offered two engine choices. The base model came with a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 317 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This setup promised improved acceleration and fuel economy over the previous generation. Rear-wheel drive was standard on some trims, with four-wheel drive available as an option. The more off-road-oriented models came standard with 4WD. Toyota introduced the i-Force Max Hybrid powertrain, combining the four-cylinder engine with a 1.87-kWh battery pack and an electric motor, delivering a combined output of 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque. This hybrid variant offered stronger power at lower speeds, ideal for off-roading. The 4Runner's handling improved significantly, with reduced nosedive and body roll, making it more composed on pavement while retaining its off-road prowess.

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 standard xDrive AWD system. The engine's power curve provided peak torque from 1,600 rpm to near redline at 6,500 rpm. The X3 also included a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, enhancing off-the-line responsiveness. For those seeking more power, the M50 xDrive offered a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with 393 horsepower and 428 pound-feet of torque, achieving zero-to-60 mph in 4.4 seconds. The X3's sport-tuned suspension and performance tires provided an engaging driving experience, though the ride quality was firm on imperfect roads. Fuel economy was impressive, with an EPA rating of 29 mpg in combined driving.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner grew five inches longer than its predecessor, with a 2.4-inch increase in wheelbase. While this typically results in more passenger space, the gains were minimal. The front seats offered ample room for taller passengers, but the middle row was less accommodating, with adequate legroom and headroom. Third-row seating was available on non-hybrid models, though it was cramped and best suited for short trips. The cockpit was well-organized, with oversized climate control knobs and grouped off-road controls for easy operation. Storage options included door pockets, a dashboard tray, and a center armrest bin. Cargo capacity measured 44.8 cubic feet behind the second row, reduced to 42.6 cubic feet in hybrid models due to the battery placement. A sturdy roof rack compensated for cargo deficits, supporting up to 800 pounds.

The 2025 BMW X3 offered a spacious interior, with a simple dashboard featuring the BMW Curved Display. The power-adjustable front seats, upholstered in Veganza artificial leather, provided comfort and optional ventilation. However, 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 grocery bag hook. The 40/20/40 split-folding rear seat allowed for versatile cargo and passenger arrangements.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen on supporting trims, with a larger 14-inch touchscreen available. Both systems offered logical menus and quick responses, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a wireless charging pad. Hybrid variants included a digital instrument panel, with availability on other models. Off-road-focused models had external camera views for precise tire placement, with automatic activation when crawling. A 14-speaker JBL premium audio system was available, along with a portable Bluetooth speaker. Remote monitoring and control were possible through a smartphone app, with a digital key function replacing the key fob.

The 2025 BMW X3's BMW Curved Display ran on the new 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 became unresponsive, with issues in media preference retention. Despite these challenges, the navigation system with augmented video provided accurate directions. Wireless Apple CarPlay connectivity worked flawlessly, offering a reliable alternative to the native infotainment features.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner had not yet been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, but the Tacoma pickup on which it was based received a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS. All 4Runner models came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, including frontal collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a traffic sign reader, and automatic high beams. Proactive Driving Assist was also included, though it could be intrusive for some drivers. A blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alerts was optional.

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 with stop-and-go capability and Steering Assistant technology. The Parking Assistant Professional Package offered semi-automated parking tech, 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 the driver and front passenger in the frontal-impact crash test.