2025 BMW X3 vs 2026 Mazda CX-90

$49,950 · Crossover

$38,800 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 BMW X3 arrives bringing familiar, refined sport luxury, boasting a compelling 29 MPG combined and a lower 187.2-inch length for nimbler city maneuvering. Conversely, the 2026 Mazda CX-90 unleashes potent standard power with 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque, enticing drivers who prioritize muscle, despite achieving only 25 MPG combined. This matchup pits Bavarian precision against potent Japanese craftsmanship. The X3 starts commanding a significantly higher MSRP of $49,950, making the CX-90, priced at $38,800, a compelling alternative for budget-conscious buyers seeking immediate performance gains, benefiting from 25 more horsepower than the BMW. While the Mazda is physically larger at 200.8 inches long, the X3 offers superior utility with 31.5 cu ft of cargo space compared to the CX-90’s 14.9 cu ft.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 BMW X3

The BMW X3 wins for commuters due to its significantly better fuel economy, delivering 29 MPG combined versus the CX-90's 25 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 BMW X3

Car1 is better for families because it offers nearly double the usable storage space, with 31.5 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to car2's 14.9 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mazda CX-90

The 2026 Mazda CX-90 thrills enthusiasts by offering 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, significantly more muscle than the BMW's output.

💰 Best Value

2026 Mazda CX-90

Car2 provides exceptional value by offering 25 more horsepower for $11,150 less than the starting price of car1.

Choose the BMW X3 if...

You require the higher efficiency, achieving 33 MPG on the highway.
You prioritize maximizing cargo utility with 31.5 cubic feet of space.
You prefer the smaller footprint, with a length of only 187.2 inches for easier parking.

Choose the Mazda CX-90 if...

You need maximum available power right off the line, leveraging 280 horsepower.
Your budget is strictly capped near the $38,800 MSRP, saving $11,150.
You prefer using readily available regular unleaded fuel instead of premium fuel.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	BMW X3	Mazda CX-90
Length	187.2"	200.8"
Width	75.6"	78.5"
Height	65.4"	68.3"
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	23/28 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	29 MPG	25 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	464.4/567.6 mi.	425.5/518.0 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 2026 Mazda CX-90.

How much more power does the Mazda CX-90 offer over the BMW X3?

The 2026 Mazda CX-90 holds a distinct performance advantage, producing 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, which is 25 more horsepower and 37 more lb-ft of torque than the 2025 BMW X3’s 255 hp and 295 lb-ft.

What is the real-world impact of the premium fuel requirement in the BMW X3?

The BMW X3 mandates premium unleaded fuel, which adds to the running costs compared to the Mazda CX-90 that accepts regular unleaded; this difference impacts the cost per mile alongside the 4 MPG efficiency gap.

Is the BMW X3 significantly smaller than the Mazda CX-90?

Yes, the X3 is smaller in every dimension, being 13.6 inches shorter in length (187.2 inches vs. 200.8 inches) and slightly narrower and lower, which might appeal to those navigating tight urban streets.

Which vehicle is the better long-term value proposition considering the price gap?

The Mazda CX-90 represents superior upfront value, saving buyers $11,150 at the $38,800 starting price while delivering higher standard performance metrics.

How does the cargo capacity difference affect daily hauling?

The BMW X3 offers substantially more cargo room at 31.5 cu ft, which is over double the 14.9 cu ft available in the Mazda CX-90, making the BMW much more practical for large shopping trips or luggage.