2025 BMW X3 vs 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander
Comparison Overview
When deciding between the luxurious performance of the 2025 BMW X3 and the sheer size of the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander, the core dilemma often boils down to premium badges versus practical savings. The BMW starts at a significantly higher MSRP of $49,950, contrasted with the Toyota's $41,360 price tag—an $8,590 difference favoring the Grand Highlander. While the X3 offers superior fuel economy at 29 combined MPG using premium fuel, the Grand Highlander achieves 24 combined MPG on regular unleaded, a key long-term operating cost factor. Power is competitive, with the X3 making 255 hp against the Grand Highlander's 265 hp, but the Toyota leads in torque (310 lb-ft vs. 295 lb-ft). Interestingly, despite the Toyota's greater length (201.4 inches vs. 187.2 inches), the smaller BMW boasts more accessible cargo space at 31.5 cu ft compared to the Grand Highlander's 20.6 cu ft, suggesting a focus on cabin refinement over sheer bulk capacity for the BMW.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 BMW X3
The 2025 BMW X3 wins for commuters due to its superior 29 combined MPG rating, which minimizes trips to the pump.
2026 Toyota Grand Highlander
The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander is better for families because its significantly larger exterior dimensions (201.4 inches long and 70.1 inches tall) suggest superior interior volume potential.
2026 Toyota Grand Highlander
The Grand Highlander appeals more to enthusiasts based purely on specs, delivering higher peak torque at 310 lb-ft compared to the X3's 295 lb-ft.
2026 Toyota Grand Highlander
The Toyota Grand Highlander offers superior immediate value, costing $8,590 less at the base MSRP while providing more horsepower.
Choose the BMW X3 if...
- You prioritize efficiency, benefiting from the X3's 29 combined MPG rating.
- You prefer the confident handling provided by standard All-Wheel Drive.
- You want a premium badge experience despite the required use of premium unleaded fuel.
Choose the Toyota Grand Highlander if...
- Your budget is tighter, as the starting MSRP is $8,590 less than the X3.
- You need the maximum available passenger volume hinted at by its 201.4-inch length.
- You prefer regular unleaded fuel compatibility over the X3's premium requirement.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | BMW X3 | Toyota Grand Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 187.2" | 201.4" |
| Width | 75.6" | 78.3" |
| Height | 65.4" | 70.1" |
| Wheelbase | 112.8" | 116.1" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | BMW | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | BMW | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.4 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | mild hybrid | gas |
| Horsepower | 255 hp @ 4700 rpm | 265 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm | 310 lb-ft @ 1700 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 | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | — |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | — |
Fuel
| Feature | BMW | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (required) | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 27/33 MPG | 21/28 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 29 MPG | 24 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 464.4/567.6 mi. | 373.8/498.4 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.2 gal. | 17.8 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | BMW | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | BMW | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 3 months |
| Speaker System | — | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | BMW | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | BMW | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Front Leg Room | 40.2 in. | 41.7 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.9 in. | 60.2 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | 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 | — | 41.5 in. |
| Front Hip Room | — | 56.5 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | — | 8-way |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | BMW | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Leg Room | 36.3 in. | 39.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.7 in. | 58.8 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Room | — | 40.2 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | — | 57.0 in. |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | BMW | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 19 x 8.5 in | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | ✓ | 255/65R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
Suspension
| Feature | BMW | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | BMW | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | 2 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 2 yr./ 25000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 BMW X3 and 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander.
Is the BMW X3 or the Toyota Grand Highlander more powerful?
The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander technically outputs slightly more power with 265 hp compared to the 2025 BMW X3's 255 hp. Furthermore, the Toyota leads in torque, offering 310 lb-ft versus the BMW's 295 lb-ft.
Which crossover has better fuel economy?
The 2025 BMW X3 is significantly more efficient, achieving 29 combined MPG (27 city/33 highway). The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander manages 24 combined MPG (21 city/28 highway).
Why is the BMW X3's MSRP so much higher than the Grand Highlander?
The BMW X3 starts at $49,950, which is $8,590 more than the Grand Highlander's $41,360 MSRP, reflecting the difference in brand positioning and likely standard feature sets, even though both are crossovers.
Does the larger Grand Highlander offer more cargo space?
Surprisingly, no, based on the listed specs. The smaller BMW X3 offers 31.5 cu ft of cargo capacity, while the much longer 201.4-inch Toyota Grand Highlander only provides 20.6 cu ft.
Are there differences in the fuel required for these vehicles?
Yes, the BMW X3 requires premium unleaded fuel for its engine operation. Conversely, the Toyota Grand Highlander is designed to run efficiently on regular unleaded gasoline.
Which vehicle comes standard with All-Wheel Drive?
The 2025 BMW X3 is listed with All-Wheel Drive as standard equipment. The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander, based on these specs, comes with Front Wheel Drive.
More Mid-Range SUVs ($30k-$50k)
View allVehicle Details
Compare More Vehicles
Use our interactive comparison tool to compare up to 4 vehicles at once
Open Comparison Tool