2025 BMW X3 vs 2024 Lexus TX

The 2024 Lexus TX was based on the Toyota Grand Highlander, yet it distinguished itself as a luxury SUV. It presented an upscale appearance, contrasting with the Grand Highlander's resemblance to a larger RAV4. The test model featured striking 22-inch wheels in a silver finish, part of the TX 350 Executive packages, enhancing its visual appeal and presence. The TX's styling was more subdued compared to other Lexus models, resulting in a conservative, almost anonymous look. This design approach might have appealed to those previously put off by Lexus's bolder designs. The TX was available in TX 350, TX 500h F Sport Performance, and TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid models, with prices ranging from $72,036 to $87,486, including destination charges and dealer fees. The TX 350, likely the volume-selling version, came with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and standard all-wheel drive, offering a luxurious interior with options for upgraded features.

The redesigned 2025 BMW X3 was seductive in appearance for a two-box SUV. It featured a long and tall hood, captivating dashboard-to-axle ratio, and tapering greenhouse and roofline, giving it an athletic look. The test vehicle's expressive 21-inch wheels emphasized its taut, crouched appearance. The Arctic Race Blue paint, with chilly silver undertones, complemented the machined surface wheel finish, gloss black M Sport details, and Calm Beige upholstery. The Veganza artificial leather, with its perforated and quilted surfaces, closely resembled real leather. The X3's cabin was simple yet functional, with quality materials in expected areas. However, some interior elements revealed its price point, particularly the plastic used lower in the cabin. The X3 was available in 30 xDrive and M50 xDrive models, with prices ranging from $62,979 to $79,179, including destination charges. The X3 30 xDrive test vehicle, with its well-equipped configuration, offered good value, priced at $72,779, including destination.

The 2024 Lexus TX 350 was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. Despite initial concerns about this engine choice for a midsize, three-row luxury SUV, it performed adequately for typical driving situations with up to four passengers. Lexus claimed it could accelerate to 100 km/h in roughly eight seconds, though it felt quicker due to the torque swell. The official fuel economy rating was 10.3 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, slightly better than the previous RX L model. During testing, the TX 350 averaged 13.8 L/100 km. The ride and handling were well-balanced, with a firm yet comfortable suspension, commendable body motion control, and accurate steering. The interior remained quiet on the highway, though the brake pedal felt too soft in the test vehicle.

The 2025 BMW X3 30 xDrive featured a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. Despite its 1,894-kilogram weight, the X3 was not sluggish, achieving a zero-to-100 km/h time of 6.3 seconds. The eight-speed automatic transmission and standard xDrive AWD system contributed to its performance, along with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system enhancing responsiveness. For those seeking more power, the M50 xDrive offered a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine with 393 hp and 428 lb-ft of torque, reaching 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds. The X3 30 xDrive's turbo-four engine provided a robust power band and impressive fuel economy, though it averaged 11.7 litres per 100 kilometres during testing. The M Sport package with sport-tuned suspension and performance tires enhanced the driving experience, though it made the ride quality more akin to a go-kart on imperfect roads. The X3 excelled on twisty mountain roads, offering a delightful driving experience for a compact crossover SUV.

The 2024 Lexus TX addressed previous shortcomings in Lexus's three-row SUVs. It offered a more affordable and practical option compared to the GX, LX, and RX L models. The TX 350 test unit featured premium semi-aniline leather and artificial suede upholstery, with standard heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, and a heated steering wheel. The second-row bench seat was standard, with optional captain's chairs available. While the front seats lacked a massage function, they provided a supportive driving position. The second-row seat, though not as welcoming, offered triple-zone climate control, USB charging ports, and manual side window shades. The third-row seat was habitable for adults, with a stadium-style bottom cushion and large side windows. However, sliding the second-row seat forward for third-row comfort compromised second-row legroom. The TX offered 572 litres of cargo space behind the third-row seat, expanding to 1,625 litres with the third-row seats folded, and 2,746 litres with the second-row seats down.

The 2025 BMW X3 provided an unexpected treat with its power-adjustable driver's seat, offering a sports car-like view of the hood framed by sharply creased front fenders. The X3 felt wider and larger inside than most compact crossovers, with a simple dashboard featuring the BMW Curved Display housing a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and a 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The front seats offered power adjustment, heating, and Veganza artificial leather upholstery, with optional ventilation. The rear seats, however, positioned passengers too low, and longer-legged individuals found the hard front seat-back panels uncomfortable. The cargo area measured 892 litres, with a lightweight, easy-to-remove cargo cover, netted storage area, grocery bag hook, and illumination. The 40/20/40 split-folding rear seat allowed for carrying longer items and passengers simultaneously.

The 2024 Lexus TX featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a digital rearview mirror, with additional features in the Executive packages, including a head-up display, surround-view camera, and semi-autonomous parking assist. The head-up display, however, replaced properly marked steering wheel controls with unmarked dual-purpose ones, causing driver distraction. The Lexus Interface infotainment system, with its 14-inch touchscreen display, offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a Drive Connect subscription for cloud-based navigation and a digital assistant. The TX also provided free 10-year subscriptions to Service Connect and Safety Connect, and a three-year Remote Connect subscription. The optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system delivered impressive fidelity.

The 2025 BMW X3's BMW Curved Display featured the new Operating System 9 software, an evolution of iDrive 8.5. It offered a Quick Select user experience for easier navigation through menus and settings. Owners could create profiles using the MyBMW smartphone app, though attempts to access BMW Digital Services were unsuccessful during testing. The system occasionally froze and became unresponsive, prompting reliance on wireless Apple CarPlay connectivity, which worked flawlessly. The navigation system, with its optional augmented video feature, provided accurate directions and arrival time estimates. Despite frustrations with the infotainment system, it was possible that the issues were unique to the test vehicle or user error.

The 2024 Lexus TX was equipped with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, featuring adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centring assist, road sign assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. Proactive Drive Assist, part of LSS+ 3.0, offered braking and steering assistance, though it was not entirely transparent. Additional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a safe exit assist system. The Executive packages added front and rear parking sensors, front cross-traffic alert, lane change assist, and traffic jam assist. The traffic jam assist system provided hands-free driving on approved highways, though Lexus did not offer a higher-speed hands-free system.

The 2025 BMW X3 offered a rewarding experience with its driver assistance features. Standard safety equipment included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and parking sensors. The Premium Package added adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and Steering Assistant technology. The Parking Assistant Professional Package offered semi-automated parking tech, remotely operable via the MyBMW app. Steering Assistant, however, detracted from the driving experience, and it was recommended to use lane-keeping assist and lane-centring assist only on highways. The 2025 BMW X3 earned a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with four-star ratings for the driver and front passenger in the frontal-impact crash test.