2025 Toyota Crown vs 2026 BMW 3 Series

$41,440 · Sedan

$47,500 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Toyota Crown bursts onto the scene as a sophisticated hybrid crossover, commanding attention with its 41 MPG combined efficiency and standard All-Wheel Drive, offering a commanding height of 60.6 inches for superior visibility. Contrast this with the legendary precision of the 2026 BMW 3 Series, which captivates driving enthusiasts with its potent 255 horsepower and superior 295 lb-ft of torque, promising an engaging Rear-Wheel Drive experience despite requiring premium fuel. The Crown starts appealingly at $41,440, significantly undercutting the BMW's $47,500 MSRP. While the BMW provides a tighter package at 185.9 inches long and offers slightly more utility with 16.9 cu ft of cargo space versus the Crown's 15.2 cu ft, the Toyota's massive 10 MPG fuel economy advantage seals its appeal for long-haul drivers prioritizing long-term savings.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Toyota Crown

The 2025 Toyota Crown wins for commuters due to its outstanding 41 MPG combined fuel economy, minimizing weekly fuel stops.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 BMW 3 Series

The 2026 BMW 3 Series offers slightly more practical utility with 16.9 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Crown's 15.2 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 BMW 3 Series

The 2026 BMW 3 Series appeals more to enthusiasts with its 255 horsepower, 295 lb-ft of torque, and traditional Rear-Wheel Drive dynamics.

💰 Best Value

2025 Toyota Crown

The 2025 Toyota Crown presents superior value, boasting a $6,060 lower starting MSRP and a significant 10 MPG efficiency lead.

Choose the Toyota Crown if...

You prioritize long-term running costs, thanks to the 41 MPG combined rating achieved on regular unleaded fuel.
You prefer the commanding view and easier entry/exit provided by the Crown's 60.6-inch height.
You require All-Wheel Drive capability right from the base MSRP of $41,440.

Choose the BMW 3 Series if...

You demand the sharp feedback and balance of a Rear-Wheel Drive platform paired with an 8-speed automatic.
You seek higher performance figures, evident in the BMW's 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque.
You need the maximum available utility, as the BMW provides 16.9 cu ft of cargo space versus 15.2 cu ft.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Toyota Crown	BMW 3 Series
Length	196.1"	185.9"
Width	72.4"	71.9"
Height	60.6"	56.8"
Wheelbase	112.2"	112.2"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Toyota	BMW
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	—
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic 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
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Brake Drying	—	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Toyota	BMW
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	hybrid	mild hybrid
Horsepower	236 hp @ 6000 rpm	255 hp @ 4700 rpm
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓
Torque	—	295 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm

Drive Train

Feature	Toyota	BMW
Transmission Type	continuously variable-speed automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	rear wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Toyota	BMW
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	42/41 MPG	28/35 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	41 MPG	31 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	609.0/594.5 mi.	436.8/546.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	14.5 gal.	15.6 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Toyota	BMW
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	—
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	—
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	—
Heated Steering Wheel	✓	—
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Toyota	BMW
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	14.9 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	10
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	12 months
Stereo Power	—	205W
Subwoofer Count	—	2

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Toyota	BMW
Front Head Room	38.2 in.	38.7 in.
Front Leg Room	42.1 in.	42.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.1 in.	56.0 in.
Front Hip Room	55.2 in.	—
Seat Material: Leather	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	—
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	10-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	10-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Driver Seat Ventilation	✓	—
Passenger Seat Ventilation	✓	—
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Front Seat Type: Sport	—	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	—	2-way
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Driver Seat Memory Settings	—	2
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	2-way
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Toyota	BMW
Rear Head Room	37.5 in.	37.6 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.9 in.	35.2 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.1 in.	54.6 in.
Rear Hip Room	53.1 in.	—
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	—
Heated Rear Seats (Multi-Level)	✓	—
Folding Rear Seat Feature	—	✓
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Toyota	BMW
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	19 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	—
Tire Size	225/55R19	225/45R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	—
Wheel Size	—	18 x 7.5 in
Run Flat Tires	—	✓

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Toyota	BMW
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Hybrid Component Warranty	10 yr./ 150000 mi.	—
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	12 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	2 yr./ unlimited mi.	4 yr./ unlimited mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	2 yr./ 25000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Toyota Crown and 2026 BMW 3 Series.

Which sedan is better for maximizing fuel savings?

The 2025 Toyota Crown is the clear winner here, achieving an impressive 41 MPG combined. The 2026 BMW 3 Series, while capable, only manages 31 MPG combined and requires the more expensive premium unleaded fuel.

Does the difference in size impact usability?

Yes, the Crown is noticeably taller at 60.6 inches, offering more headroom and an elevated ride height. However, the BMW 3 Series is shorter overall (185.9 inches vs. 196.1 inches), making it slightly easier to manage in tight city parking spots.

Is the BMW 3 Series significantly more powerful than the Crown?

The BMW has a slight edge in pure power, boasting 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque compared to the Crown's 236 hp. Crucially, the BMW mandates premium fuel to achieve these figures, whereas the Crown runs on regular unleaded.

Why is the Toyota Crown cheaper to purchase initially?

The 2025 Toyota Crown starts at $41,440, saving buyers $6,060 compared to the 2026 BMW 3 Series base MSRP of $47,500. This lower barrier to entry, combined with better fuel economy, makes the Crown significantly more cost-effective upfront and over time.

Which car features a more engaging driving setup?

For pure driving engagement, the BMW 3 Series wins with its Rear-Wheel Drive layout and performance-tuned 8-speed automatic transmission. The Crown uses an AWD system with a Continuously Variable Transmission, prioritizing smoothness and efficiency over outright sportiness.