2025 BMW X3 vs 2025 Hyundai Palisade

$49,950 · Crossover

$37,200 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 BMW X3 bursts onto the scene promising sharp dynamics and efficiency, featuring 255 horsepower and an impressive 29 MPG combined, demanding a premium $49,950 MSRP. In contrast, the 2025 Hyundai Palisade greets buyers with sheer presence, boasting 291 horsepower—a substantial 36 hp advantage over the BMW—but settles for 22 MPG combined and starts at a significantly lower $37,200. This comparison pits BMW's focused driving polish, supported by 295 lb-ft of torque and standard AWD, against the Palisade’s muscular output and $12,750 lower entry price point. While the X3 provides greater efficiency, requiring premium fuel, the Palisade offers more initial grunt using regular unleaded, although it is physically larger at 196.7 inches long.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 BMW X3

The 2025 BMW X3 wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 29 MPG combined versus the Palisade's 22 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Hyundai Palisade

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade is better suited for families needing space, as its larger exterior footprint suggests better interior utility despite having only 18 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the X3's 31.5 cu ft, compensating for its lower starting price.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 BMW X3

The X3 offers better driving engagement, evidenced by its higher torque output of 295 lb-ft and standard all-wheel drive system.

💰 Best Value

2025 Hyundai Palisade

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade provides exceptional value with 291 horsepower for an MSRP starting $12,750 less than the BMW X3.

Choose the BMW X3 if...

You prioritize maximizing fuel stops, as the X3 delivers 29 MPG combined versus 22 MPG in the Palisade.
You require the punchier low-end acceleration provided by the X3's 295 lb-ft of torque.
You prefer a more contained footprint (187.2 inches long) for navigating tight city streets.

Choose the Hyundai Palisade if...

Budget is a primary concern, given the Palisade's substantial $12,750 lower starting MSRP.
You prefer using less expensive regular unleaded fuel instead of the X3's required premium unleaded.
You desire immediate power, as the Palisade offers 291 horsepower, significantly more than the X3's 255 hp.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	BMW X3	Hyundai Palisade
Length	187.2"	196.7"
Width	75.6"	77.8"
Height	65.4"	68.9"
Wheelbase	112.8"	114.2"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	BMW	Hyundai
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	—	✓
Front Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓

Engine

Feature	BMW	Hyundai
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	3.8 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	V6
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	gas
Horsepower	255 hp @ 4700 rpm	291 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	295 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm	262 lb-ft @ 5200 rpm
Number of Valves	16	24
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	BMW	Hyundai
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	front wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	—
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	BMW	Hyundai
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	27/33 MPG	19/26 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	29 MPG	22 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	464.4/567.6 mi.	357.2/488.8 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.2 gal.	18.8 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	BMW	Hyundai
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	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	—	✓
Power Rear Seat Easy Entry	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	—	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	BMW	Hyundai
Infotainment Display	14.9 in	12.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	12 months	3 months

Power Feature

Feature	BMW	Hyundai
One-Touch Power Windows	4	2
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	BMW	Hyundai
Front Leg Room	40.2 in.	44.1 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.9 in.	61.2 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Sport	✓	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	—
Driver Seat Memory Settings	2	—
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	—
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Front Head Room	—	40.7 in.
Front Hip Room	—	58.1 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	—	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	—	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	—	6-way

Rearseats

Feature	BMW	Hyundai
Rear Leg Room	36.3 in.	42.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.7 in.	60.8 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Rear Head Room	—	40.1 in.
Rear Hip Room	—	57.7 in.
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	BMW	Hyundai
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Size	19 x 8.5 in	18 x 7.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	✓	245/60R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Material	—	Alloy

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	BMW	Hyundai
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	10 yr./ 100000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	12 yr./ unlimited mi.	7 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 BMW X3 and 2025 Hyundai Palisade.

Is the 2025 BMW X3 significantly more efficient than the 2025 Hyundai Palisade?

Yes, the BMW X3 shows a clear efficiency advantage, achieving 29 MPG combined while running on premium fuel. Conversely, the larger Hyundai Palisade is rated at 22 MPG combined, reflecting its higher output figures.

Which vehicle offers better performance credentials for enthusiastic driving?

The X3 appeals more to driving enthusiasts with 295 lb-ft of torque and standard all-wheel drive, suggesting sharper handling dynamics. However, the Palisade produces more peak horsepower at 291 hp, although it is primarily front-wheel drive biased.

How large is the price difference between the two crossovers?

There is a significant $12,750 difference in base pricing, with the 2025 BMW X3 starting at $49,950 and the 2025 Hyundai Palisade beginning at just $37,200.

Does the cargo capacity differ greatly between the X3 and Palisade?

Based on available specifications, the X3 offers more dedicated cargo volume at 31.5 cubic feet compared to the Palisade's listed 18 cubic feet, despite the Palisade being physically longer overall.

Do I need premium fuel for either of these crossovers?

The 2025 BMW X3 explicitly requires premium unleaded fuel to maintain its performance figures. In contrast, the 2025 Hyundai Palisade is designed to run on more economical regular unleaded gasoline.

How much more powerful is the Palisade compared to the X3?

The Palisade boasts 291 horsepower, which is 36 horsepower more than the 255 hp generated by the 2025 BMW X3, making it the more potent vehicle in terms of raw power figures.