2025 BMW X3 vs 2025 Land Rover Discovery Sport

$49,950 · Crossover

$48,900 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the 2025 BMW X3 and the 2025 Land Rover Discovery Sport often comes down to balancing perceived luxury against long-term running costs. If you cover significant miles annually, the X3's superior efficiency is a major talking point: it achieves a combined 29 MPG compared to the Discovery Sport's 20 MPG, a striking 9 MPG difference. The BMW starts slightly higher at an MSRP of $49,950 versus the Land Rover's $48,900. Power-wise, the X3 holds a slight edge with 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, though both offer standard AWD. While the Discovery Sport offers marginally more maximum cargo space at 32.2 cubic feet versus the X3's 31.5 cubic feet, the X3's significantly better fuel economy and requirement for premium unleaded fuel (vs. regular in the Land Rover) will heavily influence your total cost of ownership over the first few years of ownership.

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 excellent 29 MPG combined fuel economy, significantly saving on fuel costs compared to the Discovery Sport's 20 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Land Rover Discovery Sport

The Land Rover Discovery Sport edges out the competition for families by offering slightly more cargo capacity at 32.2 cubic feet.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 BMW X3

The 2025 BMW X3 appeals more to driving enthusiasts by delivering more output with 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2025 Land Rover Discovery Sport

The Discovery Sport provides better immediate value by having a lower MSRP of $48,900 and accepting regular unleaded fuel.

Choose the BMW X3 if...

Your primary concern is fuel efficiency, as the X3 delivers a remarkable 9 MPG better combined mileage.
You prefer higher performance figures, exemplified by the X3's 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque.
You appreciate the brand's established reputation for driving dynamics, despite the mandatory use of premium fuel.

Choose the Land Rover Discovery Sport if...

You want to save on initial purchase price, as the Discovery Sport starts $1,050 cheaper at $48,900.
You prioritize lower running costs related to fuel quality, since it only requires regular unleaded.
You need that extra bit of room, boasting 32.2 cu ft of cargo space versus the X3's 31.5 cu ft.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	BMW X3	Land Rover Discovery Sport
Length	187.2"	180.9"
Width	75.6"	-
Height	65.4"	67.9"
Wheelbase	112.8"	107.9"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	BMW	Land Rover
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	—	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓

Engine

Feature	BMW	Land Rover
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	gas
Horsepower	255 hp @ 4700 rpm	246 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque	295 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm	269 lb-ft @ 1300 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	Land Rover
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	9-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	—
Hill Descent Control	✓	✓

Fuel

Feature	BMW	Land Rover
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	27/33 MPG	19/23 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	29 MPG	20 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	464.4/567.6 mi.	336.3/407.1 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.2 gal.	17.7 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	BMW	Land Rover
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	✓	—
Front View Camera	—	✓
Side View Camera	—	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	BMW	Land Rover
Infotainment Display	14.9 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
Meridian Speakers	—	✓
Stereo Power	—	380W
Speaker System	—	10
Subwoofer Count	—	1
Auxiliary Audio Input	—	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓
Antenna Type	—	Diversity

Power Feature

Feature	BMW	Land Rover
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Moonroof Type	—	1st Row Fixed Glass Extended

Frontseats

Feature	BMW	Land Rover
Front Leg Room	40.2 in.	39.1 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.9 in.	57.3 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Sport	✓	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Memory Settings	2	—
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Front Head Room	—	40.2 in.
Seat Material: Leather/Sueded Microfiber	—	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	—	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way

Rearseats

Feature	BMW	Land Rover
Rear Leg Room	36.3 in.	38.1 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.7 in.	55.9 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Rear Head Room	—	38.7 in.
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	BMW	Land Rover
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Size	19 x 8.5 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	—
Tire Size	✓	N/A
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Underbody Mounted
Wheel Material	—	Alloy
Wheel Diameter	—	18 in

Suspension

Feature	BMW	Land Rover
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	—

Warranty

Feature	BMW	Land Rover
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	12 yr./ unlimited mi.	6 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ unlimited mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	—

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 BMW X3 and 2025 Land Rover Discovery Sport.

Which SUV will cost less to fuel regularly?

The 2025 BMW X3 might surprise you, despite requiring premium fuel; its combined 29 MPG is significantly better than the Discovery Sport’s 20 MPG. Over high annual mileage, the X3's efficiency advantage often outweighs the premium fuel penalty.

Is the performance difference between the two noticeable?

Yes, the BMW X3 is notably stronger, offering 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, whereas the Discovery Sport produces 246 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque. This power difference, combined with the X3's 8-speed shiftable automatic, should feel more responsive during acceleration.

How do their physical sizes compare for city driving?

The Land Rover Discovery Sport is the shorter vehicle, measuring 180.9 inches in length compared to the BMW X3's 187.2 inches. However, the Land Rover is taller at 67.9 inches, which may affect garage clearance.

Which vehicle has more space for hauling gear?

The Land Rover Discovery Sport provides marginally more storage capacity at 32.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats, beating the BMW X3's 31.5 cubic feet.

What is the exact fuel recommendation difference?

This is a major differentiator: the 2025 BMW X3 mandates the use of premium unleaded fuel for its engines to achieve peak performance. Conversely, the 2025 Land Rover Discovery Sport is designed to run happily on regular unleaded gasoline.

Which transmission offers more gears?

The Land Rover Discovery Sport utilizes a 9-speed automatic transmission, while the BMW X3 comes equipped with an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.