2025 BMW 3 Series vs 2026 Toyota Crown

$45,950 · Sedan

$41,440 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The decision between the 2025 BMW 3 Series and the 2026 Toyota Crown often boils down to balancing established luxury sportiness against modern efficiency and space. If you are trying to decide between premium driving dynamics and long-term running costs, look closely at the numbers. The BMW starts at a higher MSRP of $45,950 compared to the Crown's $41,440, a $4,510 initial gap. However, the BMW demands premium fuel for its 255 hp engine while delivering a respectable 31 combined MPG. Conversely, the Toyota, although less powerful at 236 hp, boasts a segment-leading 41 combined MPG and accepts regular unleaded. The Crown is significantly longer at 196.1 inches versus the BMW's 185.9 inches, giving it a more substantial presence, though the BMW holds a slight edge in cargo capacity at 16.9 cu ft versus the Crown's 15.2 cu ft.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Toyota Crown

The 2026 Toyota Crown wins for commuters due to its superior 41 combined MPG and use of regular unleaded fuel, minimizing daily operational costs.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Toyota Crown

The Crown is better for families as its greater height (60.6 inches) and length (196.1 inches) suggest a more spacious cabin feel than the 3 Series.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 BMW 3 Series

The 2025 BMW 3 Series appeals more to enthusiasts with its higher output of 255 hp and its traditional rear-wheel-drive performance orientation.

💰 Best Value

2026 Toyota Crown

The Toyota Crown offers exceptional value, combining a $4,510 lower starting price with 10 more miles per gallon in combined driving than the BMW.

Choose the BMW 3 Series if...

You prioritize spirited driving, leveraging the BMW's 255 hp and traditional RWD setup.
You need slightly more usable storage space, as the 3 Series offers 16.9 cu ft of cargo room.
You don't mind paying $4,510 more upfront for the badge prestige and the 8-speed automatic transmission.

Choose the Toyota Crown if...

Fuel economy is critical, especially given the 10 MPG advantage (41 combined vs. 31 combined).
You prefer standard All-Wheel Drive capability for varied weather conditions.
You require the lower running cost associated with using regular unleaded gasoline instead of premium fuel.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	BMW 3 Series	Toyota Crown
Length	185.9"	196.1"
Width	71.9"	72.4"
Height	56.8"	60.6"
Wheelbase	112.2"	112.2"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	BMW	Toyota
Driver Attention Alert	✓	—
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Brake Drying	✓	—
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Preparation System	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	—
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	✓	—
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Blind Spot Monitor	—	✓
Lane Departure Warning	—	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	—	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓

Engine

Feature	BMW	Toyota
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	hybrid
Horsepower	255 hp @ 4700 rpm	236 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	295 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm	—
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	BMW	Toyota
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	rear wheel drive	all wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	BMW	Toyota
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	28/35 MPG	42/41 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	31 MPG	41 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	436.8/546.0 mi.	609.0/594.5 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	15.6 gal.	14.5 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	BMW	Toyota
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	—
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Cruise Control	✓	—
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	BMW	Toyota
Infotainment Display	14.9 in	12.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Stereo Power	205W	—
Speaker System	10	6
Subwoofer Count	2	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	12 months	3 months

Power Feature

Feature	BMW	Toyota
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Moonroof Type	1st Row Power Glass	—
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	BMW	Toyota
Front Head Room	38.7 in.	38.2 in.
Front Leg Room	42.0 in.	42.1 in.
Front Shoulder Room	56.0 in.	57.1 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Sport	✓	—
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	10-way	8-way
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	2-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	✓	—
Driver Seat Memory Settings	2	—
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	10-way	8-way
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	2-way	—
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	—
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	✓	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Front Hip Room	—	55.2 in.
Seat Material: Leather	—	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	—	✓
Driver Seat Ventilation	—	✓
Passenger Seat Ventilation	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	BMW	Toyota
Rear Head Room	37.6 in.	37.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	35.2 in.	38.9 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.6 in.	55.1 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Rear Seat Feature	✓	—
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	✓	—
Rear Hip Room	—	53.1 in.
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓
Heated Rear Seats (Multi-Level)	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	BMW	Toyota
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	—
Tire Size	225/45R18	225/55R19
Run Flat Tires	✓	—
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	—	19 in
Tire Type	—	All Season
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Inside Mounted

Suspension

Feature	BMW	Toyota
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	BMW	Toyota
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	12 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ unlimited mi.	2 yr./ unlimited mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	2 yr./ 25000 mi.
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	10 yr./ 150000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 BMW 3 Series and 2026 Toyota Crown.

How does the difference in fuel requirement affect long-term ownership costs?

The BMW 3 Series requires premium unleaded, which is typically more expensive per gallon than the regular unleaded accepted by the Toyota Crown. Factoring in the Crown's 41 combined MPG versus the 3 Series' 31 combined MPG, the Crown will likely cost significantly less to fuel over the span of ownership.

Is the BMW 3 Series significantly smaller than the Toyota Crown?

Yes, the Crown has a larger footprint; it is over 10 inches longer (196.1 inches vs. 185.9 inches) and slightly taller at 60.6 inches. This extra length in the Crown generally translates to more passenger volume, while the BMW maintains a tighter, sportier profile.

Which vehicle offers better performance based purely on engine specs?

The BMW 3 Series is technically quicker off the line, producing 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque compared to the Crown's 236 hp. The BMW also utilizes a standard 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission, often favored over the Crown's continuously variable transmission for driver engagement.

How close is the cargo capacity between these two sedans?

The BMW 3 Series offers a slightly larger trunk at 16.9 cubic feet, whereas the Toyota Crown provides 15.2 cubic feet. While the difference isn't massive, if you frequently carry bulky items, the 3 Series gives you 1.7 extra cubic feet of storage space.

Does the AWD system on the Crown justify the lower horsepower rating?

The Toyota Crown includes All-Wheel Drive as standard, which aids stability and traction, especially important with its lower 236 hp engine output. The BMW defaults to Rear Wheel Drive, offering a traditional sports sedan feel but requiring optional packages for AWD.

What is the primary reason for the $4,510 price disparity at the entry level?

The price difference is largely attributed to the BMW's positioning as a luxury sport brand, reflected in its higher base MSRP of $45,950 compared to $41,440 for the Toyota. This initial cost difference directly impacts the overall value proposition against the Crown's superior fuel economy.