2026 BMW 3 Series vs 2026 Toyota Crown

$47,500 · Sedan

$41,440 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

Choosing between sophisticated sportiness and sheer practicality often boils down to budget and fuel savings. The 2026 BMW 3 Series starts at a higher $47,500 MSRP and demands premium fuel, offering 255 hp from its turbocharged engine for spirited drives. Conversely, the 2026 Toyota Crown undercuts the BMW significantly at $41,440 and runs on regular unleaded, immediately saving owners money upfront. The efficiency gap is notable: the Crown achieves an impressive 41 combined MPG, while the RWD BMW manages 31 combined MPG, leading to substantial long-term fuel cost differences. While the BMW is slightly more compact at 185.9 inches long, the taller Crown stands at 60.6 inches high, offering a different driving perspective. Ultimately, the decision hinges on prioritizing performance prestige (BMW) versus long-term economical, all-weather capability (Toyota).

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Toyota Crown

The Toyota Crown wins for commuters due to its significantly better 41 combined MPG and ability to use regular unleaded fuel.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Toyota Crown

The Crown's 60.6-inch height and standard All-Wheel Drive offer more practical accessibility and security for family duties.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 BMW 3 Series

The BMW 3 Series provides superior outright performance with 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque compared to the Crown's 236 hp.

💰 Best Value

2026 Toyota Crown

The Crown provides an immediate $6,060 lower MSRP and saves money through its superior 41 MPG efficiency.

Choose the BMW 3 Series if...

You prioritize a more engaging rear-wheel-drive performance experience with 255 hp.
You prefer a slightly smaller footprint, with the BMW measuring 185.9 inches in length.
You are willing to pay the higher $47,500 MSRP and cover the cost of required premium unleaded fuel.

Choose the Toyota Crown if...

Maximizing fuel economy is critical, given the Crown’s 41 combined MPG rating.
You prefer the peace of mind and traction offered by standard All-Wheel Drive.
You want to save $6,060 upfront and use less expensive regular unleaded gasoline.

Key Dimensions

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

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	BMW	Toyota
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Self-Leveling 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	✓	✓
Blind Spot Monitor	—	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓

Engine

Feature	BMW	Toyota
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	hybrid
Horsepower	255 hp @ 4700 rpm	236 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	295 lb-ft @ 1600 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	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	rear wheel drive	all wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	BMW	Toyota
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	28/35 MPG	42/41 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	31 MPG	41 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	436.8/546.0 mi.	609.0/594.5 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	15.6 gal.	14.5 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	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

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

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

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

Rearseats

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

Tires and Wheels

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

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.
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	10 yr./ 150000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Which sedan is significantly cheaper to own long-term based on fuel costs?

The 2026 Toyota Crown is the clear winner for long-term fuel savings. It achieves 41 combined MPG versus the BMW's 31 combined MPG, and crucially, it runs on regular unleaded gasoline while the BMW requires premium.

Is the BMW 3 Series actually faster than the Toyota Crown?

Yes, the 2026 BMW 3 Series offers a noticeable performance edge, producing 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque compared to the Crown’s 236 hp.

How do the cargo capacities compare between the two?

The BMW 3 Series offers slightly more usable space with 16.9 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The Toyota Crown provides 15.2 cubic feet, which is slightly less, although the Crown is significantly taller overall.

Which car is better for snowy or slick driving conditions?

The 2026 Toyota Crown is better equipped for slick conditions because it features standard All-Wheel Drive, whereas the BMW 3 Series comes standard with Rear Wheel Drive.

What is the difference in price for these two sedans?

The 2026 Toyota Crown has a starting MSRP of $41,440, which is $6,060 less expensive than the 2026 BMW 3 Series starting MSRP of $47,500.

Does the BMW 3 Series feel substantially smaller than the Crown?

While both are sedans, the Crown is noticeably larger, measuring 196.1 inches long compared to the BMW's 185.9 inches. Additionally, the Crown sits much higher at 60.6 inches tall versus the BMW's 56.8 inches.