2025 BMW X3 vs 2026 Toyota Highlander

$49,950 · Crossover

$45,270 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 BMW X3 ignites the premium crossover segment with its sharp handling and efficient 29 MPG combined rating, perfect for those who prioritize driving engagement even in an SUV shell. Its base MSRP sits at $49,950, offering 255 horsepower and a distinctly athletic presence. Contrast this with the 2026 Toyota Highlander, which flexes its muscle with superior torque at 310 lb-ft and a higher 265 horsepower output, though its fuel economy dips to 24 MPG combined. The Highlander commands the space, measuring 194.9 inches long compared to the X3's 187.2 inches. Furthermore, the X3 holds a clear advantage in running costs, requiring premium fuel but delivering 5 more MPG overall than the Highlander's regular unleaded requirement, creating a significant long-term economic divergence from the initial $4,680 price gap.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 BMW X3

The BMW X3 wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy of 29 MPG versus the Highlander's 24 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Toyota Highlander

The 2026 Toyota Highlander is better suited for families because it is larger, standing taller at 68.1 inches, which typically translates to better passenger space.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Toyota Highlander

Enthusiasts will favor the Highlander for its greater power output, boasting 265 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque over the X3's 255 hp and 295 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2025 BMW X3

The BMW X3 offers better long-term value through significantly higher fuel efficiency, offsetting its higher initial price point.

Choose the BMW X3 if...

You demand superior fuel efficiency, achieving a notable 29 MPG combined rating.
You prefer a slightly more compact footprint at 187.2 inches long for easier urban maneuvering.
You are willing to pay the $49,950 MSRP for a more premium brand experience and better MPG.

Choose the Toyota Highlander if...

You require maximum raw power, benefiting from 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque.
You need more room, as the Highlander is the larger vehicle in both length (194.9 inches) and height (68.1 inches).
You prefer to use regular unleaded fuel rather than the X3's required premium fuel.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	BMW X3	Toyota Highlander
Length	187.2"	194.9"
Width	75.6"	76.0"
Height	65.4"	68.1"
Wheelbase	112.8"	112.2"

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	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 Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓

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 shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	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.	375.9/501.2 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.2 gal.	17.9 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	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	BMW	Toyota
Infotainment Display	14.9 in	8.0 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
Speaker System	—	6
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	BMW	Toyota
Front Leg Room	40.2 in.	42.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.9 in.	59.0 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	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Front Head Room	—	39.6 in.
Front Hip Room	—	57.2 in.
Front Seat Type: Bucket	—	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way

Rearseats

Feature	BMW	Toyota
Rear Leg Room	36.3 in.	38.7 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.7 in.	58.4 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	✓	—
Rear Head Room	—	39.4 in.
Rear Hip Room	—	57.0 in.
Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓
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	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	✓	P235/65R V
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Underbody Mounted
Wheel Material	—	Alloy
Wheel Diameter	—	18 in

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 Highlander.

How much more does the BMW X3 cost upfront compared to the Highlander?

The 2025 BMW X3 has an MSRP of $49,950, which is $4,680 more than the 2026 Toyota Highlander's starting price of $45,270.

Which crossover has the better highway cruising economy?

The BMW X3 leads in highway efficiency with an EPA rating of 33 MPG, significantly outpacing the Toyota Highlander's 28 MPG on the highway.

Does the power difference between these two vehicles feel substantial?

Yes, the Highlander generates 10 more horsepower (265 hp vs 255 hp) and 15 more lb-ft of torque (310 lb-ft vs 295 lb-ft), suggesting a punchier initial acceleration feel from the Toyota.

How does cargo space compare between the two AWD crossovers?

The specifications indicate the BMW X3 offers substantially more dedicated cargo room with 31.5 cubic feet available, whereas the Highlander lists only 16 cubic feet.

Is the BMW X3 smaller than the Toyota Highlander in physical dimensions?

The X3 is slightly smaller overall; it is 7.7 inches shorter in length (187.2 inches vs 194.9 inches) and slightly shorter in height (65.4 inches vs 68.1 inches).

What is the main fuel consideration when owning either crossover?

The X3 mandates the use of premium unleaded fuel to achieve its 29 MPG combined rating, while the Highlander uses regular unleaded, which is generally cheaper at the pump.