2025 BMW X3 vs 2026 Mazda CX-70

$49,950 · Crossover

$42,250 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between a luxurious established player and a promising newcomer can be tricky when looking for a new crossover. If you are agonizing over saving a substantial initial investment versus enjoying established premium refinement, this comparison between the 2025 BMW X3 and the 2026 Mazda CX-70 cuts through the noise. The X3 starts at an MSRP of $49,950, while the CX-70 undercuts it significantly at $42,250, saving you $7,700 right away. Interestingly, the CX-70 delivers more raw power with 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque compared to the X3's 255 hp and 295 lb-ft. However, the efficiency trade-off is noticeable: the X3 achieves a higher combined MPG of 29, utilizing premium fuel, whereas the Mazda gets 25 combined MPG on regular unleaded. Additionally, the Mazda offers more room, boasting 39.6 cu ft of cargo space versus the BMW's 31.5 cu ft.

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 combined MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Mazda CX-70

The 2026 Mazda CX-70 is the better family choice because it offers substantially more usable cargo space at 39.6 cubic feet.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mazda CX-70

Enthusiasts will favor the 2026 Mazda CX-70 as it provides a higher output with 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2026 Mazda CX-70

The Mazda CX-70 is the clear value winner, starting $7,700 less than the BMW X3 while offering more power.

Choose the BMW X3 if...

You prioritize efficiency and can consistently achieve the 33 MPG highway rating.
You prefer a more compact footprint, as the X3 is 13.6 inches shorter than the CX-70.
You prefer the established driving dynamics associated with the BMW X3 starting at $49,950.

Choose the Mazda CX-70 if...

Saving $7,700 on the initial purchase price is a primary concern.
You need maximum cargo hauling capability, benefiting from 39.6 cu ft of space.
You prefer running on regular unleaded fuel instead of premium unleaded.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	BMW X3	Mazda CX-70
Length	187.2"	200.8"
Width	75.6"	-
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	—	✓
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	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	BMW	Mazda
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	—
Speaker System	—	8
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

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

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	2
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Front Head Room	—	39.7 in.
Front Hip Room	—	56.2 in.
Seat Material: Leather	—	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	—	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Driver Seat Ventilation	—	✓
Passenger Seat Ventilation	—	✓

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	—	✓
Heated Rear Seats (Multi-Level)	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	BMW	Mazda
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	19 x 8.5 in	21 x 9.5 in.
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	✓	275/45R21
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted

Suspension

Feature	BMW	Mazda
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear 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 2026 Mazda CX-70.

How does the required fuel type impact the real-world cost difference between these two crossovers?

Although the BMW X3 gets 4 MPG better combined (29 vs 25), it mandates premium unleaded fuel. The Mazda CX-70 accepts regular unleaded, which often means the actual yearly fuel cost savings from the BMW's better MPG might be significantly eroded by the premium fuel requirement.

Which vehicle is physically larger, and does that translate to more usable space?

The 2026 Mazda CX-70 is physically larger overall and offers notably more space, providing 39.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the 2025 BMW X3's 31.5 cu ft. This extra 8.1 cubic feet will make a significant difference for trips or hauling gear.

Despite the price gap, does the BMW X3 offer comparable performance?

The BMW X3 offers 255 hp, which is less than the CX-70’s 280 hp, but its torque comes on strongly at 295 lb-ft. While the X3 is less powerful on paper, both utilize similar 8-speed automatic transmissions for smooth power delivery.

How do the dimensions compare for city driving and parking?

The BMW X3 is noticeably more compact, measuring 187.2 inches long, which might make navigating tight city streets and parking garages easier than the much longer 200.8-inch CX-70.

Is the fuel efficiency difference substantial enough to sway a buyer away from the more powerful Mazda?

The 4 MPG gap in combined efficiency is noticeable; if you drive heavily on highways, the X3's 29 combined MPG rating will save money over the CX-70’s 25 combined MPG, but you sacrifice 25 horsepower.

Why is the Mazda CX-70 listed with a lower MSRP than the BMW X3?

The $42,250 MSRP for the CX-70 reflects Mazda's current positioning strategy against established luxury brands like BMW, offering higher base performance and utility for a lower starting price point.