2025 BMW X3 vs 2026 Buick Enclave

$49,950 · Crossover

$46,200 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The primary divergence between the 2025 BMW X3 and the 2026 Buick Enclave is the 73 horsepower deficit in the BMW, as the Enclave produces 328 hp compared to the X3's 255 hp. Conversely, the X3 boasts a superior combined fuel economy of 29 MPG versus the Enclave's 23 MPG, a difference of 6 MPG, potentially saving on premium fuel costs (X3 requires premium vs. Enclave’s regular). Priced at $49,950, the X3 is $3,750 more expensive than the Enclave's $46,200 starting MSRP. The Enclave is significantly larger, measuring 207.6 inches long compared to the X3's 187.2 inches, though the X3 offers more vertical cargo space at 31.5 cu ft versus the Enclave's 22.9 cu ft with seats up. Both utilize an 8-speed automatic transmission.

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 combined fuel economy of 29 MPG, which is 6 MPG better than the Enclave.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Buick Enclave

The 2026 Buick Enclave provides substantially greater physical dimensions, being 20.4 inches longer and 5.6 inches taller, suggesting more cabin room.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Buick Enclave

The 2026 Buick Enclave delivers considerably higher output with 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque, clearly outperforming the X3’s 255 hp and 295 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2026 Buick Enclave

The 2026 Buick Enclave offers 73 more horsepower for $3,750 less than the 2025 BMW X3.

Choose the BMW X3 if...

Fuel efficiency is the top priority, given the X3's 29 MPG combined rating.
Driving dynamics favoring agility are preferred, indicated by the X3's smaller footprint (187.2 inches length).
The requirement for premium unleaded fuel is acceptable for the performance package.

Choose the Buick Enclave if...

Maximum power output is desired, as the Enclave generates 328 hp versus 255 hp in the X3.
A lower initial outlay of $46,200 is necessary, saving $3,750 over the X3.
The driver needs the substantial difference in torque (326 lb-ft vs. 295 lb-ft) for heavy hauling or towing (assuming FWD configuration suits needs).

Key Dimensions

Dimension	BMW X3	Buick Enclave
Length	187.2"	207.6"
Width	75.6"	79.6"
Height	65.4"	71.0"
Wheelbase	112.8"	120.9"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	BMW	Buick
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	2
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	—	✓
Rear Folding Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	BMW	Buick
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	gas
Horsepower	255 hp @ 4700 rpm	328 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque	295 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm	326 lb-ft @ 3500 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	Buick
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	Buick
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	27/33 MPG	20/27 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	29 MPG	23 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	464.4/567.6 mi.	388.0/523.8 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.2 gal.	19.4 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	BMW	Buick
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	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	—	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	—	✓
Leatherette Steering Wheel	—	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	—	✓
Sun Sensor	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	BMW	Buick
Infotainment Display	14.9 in	30.0 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
Premium Speaker Brand	—	Bose
Speaker System	—	12
Subwoofer Count	—	1
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	—	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	BMW	Buick
Front Leg Room	40.2 in.	44.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.9 in.	62.2 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	Power
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Front Head Room	—	42.6 in.
Front Hip Room	—	58.7 in.
Front Seat Type: Bucket	—	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	—	6-way
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	2-way

Rearseats

Feature	BMW	Buick
Rear Leg Room	36.3 in.	41.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.7 in.	62.1 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Rear Head Room	—	40.0 in.
Rear Hip Room	—	58.5 in.
Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	BMW	Buick
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	19 x 8.5 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	✓	P255/55R20
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Underbody Mounted
Wheel Diameter	—	20 in.

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	BMW	Buick
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.	6 yr./ 100000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	1 yr./ unlimited mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 BMW X3 and 2026 Buick Enclave.

Is the extra horsepower in the 2026 Buick Enclave worth the lower MPG?

The Enclave has 328 hp versus the X3's 255 hp, a significant 73 hp advantage. However, the Enclave only achieves 23 MPG combined while requiring regular fuel, whereas the X3 gets 29 MPG combined on premium fuel; commuters prioritizing savings at the pump should favor the X3.

How does the driving experience differ given the different drive types?

The 2025 BMW X3 comes standard with all-wheel drive, typically enhancing traction in varied conditions. In contrast, the 2026 Buick Enclave utilizes front-wheel drive, which is generally more fuel-efficient but may offer less grip when loaded or during inclement weather.

Which vehicle offers better utility for large items?

The 2026 Buick Enclave is substantially larger overall (207.6 inches long), but the 2025 BMW X3 provides superior vertical storage space with 31.5 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Enclave's 22.9 cu ft.

What is the long-term fuel cost difference between these two models?

The X3's 6 MPG advantage (29 vs. 23 combined) is meaningful, especially since the X3 requires more expensive premium unleaded fuel, while the Enclave runs on regular unleaded; this offsets some of the X3's initial efficiency gain.

Does the price difference reflect the power difference between the two crossovers?

The Buick Enclave costs $3,750 less than the BMW X3, yet it provides 73 more horsepower and 31 lb-ft more torque, indicating a strong performance-per-dollar metric for the Enclave.

Are there any significant differences in size dimensions for parking?

Yes, the Buick Enclave is 20.4 inches longer (207.6 in) and 5.6 inches taller (71.0 in) than the BMW X3 (187.2 in length, 65.4 in height), making the X3 notably easier to maneuver and fit into tighter parking structures.