2024 Toyota Land Cruiser vs 2025 BMW X3

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser was a nod to its iconic past with a boxy design and flat roof, reminiscent of its predecessors. It was available in two trims and two packages in Canada, each featuring elements that paid homage to earlier models. The heritage grille with "TOYOTA" spelled out was a throwback to the 40 series, while the round headlights on the First Edition echoed the 20 series. The rectangular headlights on other models referred to the FJ62. All lighting was LED, blending classic inspiration with modern standards. Higher trims boasted colour-selectable fog lights from RIGID Industries, adding a contemporary twist. The beltline was lowered for better visibility, and all models came with 18-inch alloy wheels, with 20-inch wheels available in the Premium Package. The First Edition included off-road gear like a roof rack and skid plate. Inside, the base trim had cloth seats, while others featured SofTex or real leather with unique logos. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard, with additional features like a moonroof and ventilated seats in higher trims. The cabin was comfortable, with cushy seats and attractive stitching, allowing drivers to focus on the terrain without discomfort.

The 2025 BMW X3, redesigned with a seductive appearance, featured an oversized grille and aerodynamically honed flanks. Its long hood and athletic proportions gave it a sporty look, emphasized by expressive 21-inch wheels. The test model's Arctic Race Blue paint, with chilly silver undertones, complemented the machined wheel finish and gloss black M Sport details. Inside, the cabin was simple yet spacious, with a dashboard that housed a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and a 14.9-inch touchscreen. The Veganza artificial leather seats were comfortable, though rear seats were less so, positioned low with hard front seat-back panels. The cargo area offered 892 litres of space, with a lightweight cargo cover and additional storage under the load floor. The X3's interior felt wider and larger than most compact crossovers, with angular trim elements that illuminated at night, visually extending the cabin's width.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser was equipped with a hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a 1.87-kWh battery pack and a 48-hp electric motor, producing a total of 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. It featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard full-time four-wheel drive, with an electronically controlled two-speed transfer case for high and low range. The Multi-Terrain Select system, available on all but the base models, operated in both 4Hi and 4Lo. The Land Cruiser also had an automatic limited-slip differential and rear- and centre-locking differentials. A push-button disconnect for the front sway bar was new, allowing for more articulation off-road. The updated CRAWL control function, with five speed settings, managed braking and acceleration over challenging terrain, operating silently. The transmission was unobtrusive, enhancing the off-road experience.

The 2025 BMW X3 30 xDrive featured a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. Despite its 1,894-kilogram weight, it achieved a zero-to-100 km/h time of 6.3 seconds, aided by an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard xDrive AWD system. The engine's power curve provided peak torque from 1,600 rpm to near redline at 6,500 rpm. A 48-volt mild-hybrid system improved responsiveness and made the start-stop system nearly imperceptible. The M50 xDrive variant 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 test vehicle's M Sport package included a sport-tuned suspension and 21-inch wheels, enhancing the driving experience on twisty roads. However, the ride quality on imperfect pavement was less comfortable. The turbo-four engine delivered impressive fuel economy, though our test yielded 11.7 litres per 100 kilometres, above the official rating.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser featured two rows of seating, with headroom measuring 917 mm in the front and 897 mm in the back, and legroom at 838 mm front and 678 mm rear. The centre console provided easy access to off-road features, with buttons for the stabilizer-bar disconnect and lockers. Climate and media controls were conveniently placed below the infotainment screen. The cargo area, with a raised load floor and rubber mat, offered 1,063 litres of space, equipped with a 120-volt AC outlet and USB-C ports in higher trims.

The 2025 BMW X3's interior felt spacious, with a simple dashboard featuring a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and a 14.9-inch touchscreen. The power-adjustable front seats, with Veganza artificial leather, were comfortable, though rear seats were less so. The cargo area measured 892 litres, with a lightweight cargo cover and additional storage under the load floor. The 40/20/40 split-folding rear seat allowed for carrying longer items and passengers simultaneously.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser's Multi-Terrain Monitor system, standard above the base trim, was useful on the off-road course, activating automatically at low speeds. The 12.3-inch centre touchscreen displayed the MTM system and infotainment features, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard. The upgraded trim offered a 10-speaker sound system, with a 14-speaker JBL premium sound system available in higher packages.

The 2025 BMW X3 featured the BMW Curved Display with iDrive 9 software, offering a Quick Select user experience. However, creating profiles and accessing BMW Digital Services proved challenging. The system occasionally froze, but wireless Apple CarPlay worked flawlessly. The navigation system, with augmented video, provided accurate directions. Despite frustrations with the infotainment tech, it was possible that issues were unique to the test vehicle.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but Toyota's track record and the Tundra's Top Safety Pick award provided confidence in its safety. It came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, including adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and more. The Premium Package added lane-change assist and front cross-traffic alert.

The 2025 BMW X3 offered standard safety features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. The Premium Package added adaptive cruise control and Steering Assistant technology. The Parking Assistant Professional Package included semi-automated parking tech. The X3 earned a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with four-star ratings in the frontal-impact crash test.