2025 BMW X3 vs 2025 Mazda CX-90

$49,950 · Crossover

$38,045 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between premium badge appeal and superior everyday value often stumps crossover buyers, but the 2025 BMW X3 and the 2025 Mazda CX-90 present a clear trade-off. The X3 commands a significant starting price of $49,950 compared to the CX-90's $38,045, representing an $11,905 gap. While the Mazda leads on raw output with 280 horsepower versus the BMW’s 255 hp, the X3 offers superior efficiency, achieving 29 MPG combined, whereas the CX-90 nets 25 MPG combined. This efficiency edge is amplified because the X3 requires premium fuel, while the CX-90 runs on regular unleaded. However, size matters: the CX-90 is noticeably larger at 200.8 inches long, compared to the X3's 187.2 inches. Ultimately, this comparison pits a smaller, more frugal premium offering against a larger, more powerful budget contender.

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 better combined fuel economy of 29 MPG and smaller overall dimensions for easier city navigation.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Mazda CX-90

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 is better suited for families because it is substantially larger, measuring 200.8 inches in length, suggesting more cabin room despite having less reported cargo volume.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Mazda CX-90

Enthusiasts will prefer the Mazda CX-90 for its higher output of 280 horsepower and greater torque delivery of 332 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2025 Mazda CX-90

The Mazda CX-90 offers clear value superiority by providing more power and size for a starting price that undercuts the X3 by over $11,900.

Choose the BMW X3 if...

You prioritize fuel efficiency and want to achieve the 29 MPG combined rating.
You prefer a slightly smaller footprint for easier maneuvering, with a width of only 75.6 inches.
You value the status and inherent refinement associated with the BMW badge, despite the premium fuel requirement.

Choose the Mazda CX-90 if...

You need the extra length (200.8 inches) and overall size for maximum passenger comfort.
You prefer to run on regular unleaded fuel while still achieving 280 horsepower.
Saving nearly $12,000 on the initial MSRP is your primary goal.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	BMW X3	Mazda CX-90
Length	187.2"	200.8"
Width	75.6"	78.5"
Height	65.4"	68.2"
Wheelbase	112.8"	122.8"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	BMW	Mazda
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	—	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓

Engine

Feature	BMW	Mazda
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	3.3 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 6
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	mild hybrid
Horsepower	255 hp @ 4700 rpm	280 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque	295 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm	332 lb-ft @ 2000 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	Mazda
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	✓	✓

Fuel

Feature	BMW	Mazda
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	27/33 MPG	24/28 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	29 MPG	25 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	464.4/567.6 mi.	444.0/518.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.2 gal.	18.5 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	BMW	Mazda
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	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	BMW	Mazda
Infotainment Display	14.9 in	10.3 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	—
Speaker System	—	8
Memory Card Slot	—	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	BMW	Mazda
Front Leg Room	40.2 in.	41.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.9 in.	59.2 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	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Front Head Room	—	39.7 in.
Front Hip Room	—	56.2 in.
Front Seat Type: Bucket	—	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	4-way

Rearseats

Feature	BMW	Mazda
Rear Leg Room	36.3 in.	39.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.7 in.	58.1 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Rear Head Room	—	39.3 in.
Rear Hip Room	—	55.5 in.
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	BMW	Mazda
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Size	19 x 8.5 in	19 x 8.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	✓	265/55R19
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Material	—	Alloy

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	BMW	Mazda
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.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	—

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 BMW X3 and 2025 Mazda CX-90.

Does the BMW X3’s better MPG make up for its premium fuel requirement?

The X3 achieves 29 MPG combined versus the CX-90's 25 MPG combined. While the X3 is more efficient, you must factor in the higher cost of premium unleaded gasoline required by the BMW against the CX-90’s ability to use regular unleaded, which will largely determine which car saves more at the pump.

Which vehicle is physically larger for easier access and space?

The Mazda CX-90 is the larger vehicle across all dimensions; it is 200.8 inches long and 78.5 inches wide, making it noticeably bigger than the X3, which measures 187.2 inches long and 75.6 inches wide.

Which crossover offers better straight-line performance?

The Mazda CX-90 is the more powerful option, boasting 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque compared to the BMW X3’s 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, suggesting better acceleration figures.

How significant is the difference in starting price?

The price difference is substantial, with the CX-90 starting at $38,045 and the X3 beginning at $49,950, meaning the Mazda is $11,905 less expensive upfront.

If I carry a lot of gear, which crossover provides more storage?

Based on the provided specifications, the BMW X3 offers significantly more cargo capacity at 31.5 cubic feet compared to the CX-90’s 14.9 cubic feet, making the X3 better for hauling luggage or groceries.