2025 BMW X3 vs 2025 Mazda CX-90

The 2025 BMW X3 presented a seductive appearance for a two-box SUV, with its redesigned features capturing attention. Its oversized grille and aerodynamically honed flanks were complemented by a long and tall hood, a captivating dashboard-to-axle ratio, and a tapering greenhouse and roofline, all contributing to its athletic look. The test vehicle's expressive 21-inch wheels emphasized its taut, crouched appearance. The Arctic Race Blue paint, with its chilly silver undertones, paired perfectly with the machined surface wheel finish and gloss black M Sport details. Inside, the cabin was straightforward, with quality materials in expected areas, though some plastic elements revealed the X3's price point. The interior's ambient lighting added a nifty touch, but the lack of liners in lower storage bins was a minor drawback.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90, on the other hand, exuded a luxury SUV vibe with its lustrous paint, polished chrome trim, and intricate 21-inch wheels. Its sculptural sheet metal created a compelling interplay of light and shadow, while the short front overhang and long hood contributed to a low, athletic appearance. Inside, the CX-90's interior was elegantly rendered, featuring polished metallic trim and Nappa leather with contrast stitching. However, the ergonomics had some design-related complaints, such as a confusing electronic shifter and a counterintuitive climate panel. Despite these issues, the CX-90's interior looked and felt sophisticated, offering a premium experience compared to most midsize three-row crossover SUVs.

The 2025 BMW X3 30 xDrive featured a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 255 horsepower from 4,700 to 6,500 rpm and 295 pound-feet of torque between 1,600 and 4,500 rpm. 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 that improved off-the-line 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's sport-tuned suspension and performance tires provided a thrilling driving experience, though the ride quality on imperfect pavement was less comfortable.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 offered three powertrain variants, with the standard-output 3.3 Turbo generating 280 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque. The high-output version delivered 319 hp and 369 lb-ft, or 340 hp with premium gas. The power flowed through an eight-speed automatic transmission and a standard AWD system, with a rear-wheel bias for better driving dynamics. The CX-90's maximum towing capacity was 2,268 kilograms, and it offered various driving modes, including Normal, Sport, Off-Road, and Towing. However, drivetrain refinement was lacking, with unpredictable power delivery and transmission behaviour shortly after engine start-up. Despite these issues, the CX-90 provided impressive ride and handling, with a firm suspension that erased unwanted body motions.

The 2025 BMW X3 offered a spacious interior with a power-adjustable driver's seat providing an excellent view of the hood and front fenders. The dashboard featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and a 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, visually extending the cabin's width. The front seats were comfortable, with power adjustment, heating, and optional ventilation. However, the rear seats were less comfortable, with passengers positioned too low and hard front seat-back panels causing discomfort. The cargo area measured 892 litres, with a lightweight, easy-to-remove cargo cover and additional storage under the load floor.

In contrast, the 2025 Mazda CX-90's interior featured Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. However, the three-zone climate control system was slow to cool the cabin. The panoramic sunroof provided ample natural light, and second-row passengers enjoyed comfortable seating with height-adjustable armrests. The third row was best suited for children, with limited space for adults on longer trips. The CX-90's cargo space measured 451 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,155 litres with the third row folded and 2,129 litres with the second row flattened. However, storage space in the centre console was limited, with an emphasis on style over practicality.

The 2025 BMW X3 featured the BMW Curved Display with iDrive 9 software, offering a Quick Select user experience for easier navigation. However, creating profiles and accessing BMW Digital Services proved challenging during testing. The system occasionally froze and became unresponsive, but wireless Apple CarPlay connectivity worked flawlessly. The navigation system provided accurate directions and arrival estimates, though the overall infotainment experience was frustrating.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's dashboard featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, with a traditional gauge cluster and display. The infotainment screen was touch-sensitive only when using wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, requiring the use of a knob and buttons for the native Mazda Connect platform. The voice recognition system was hit and miss, but the 12-speaker Bose audio system provided a rewarding listening experience. The Active Driving Display offered helpful data, including blind-spot alerts.

The 2025 BMW X3 came equipped with standard safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. The Premium Package added adaptive cruise control and Steering Assistant technology, while the Parking Assistant Professional Package offered semi-automated parking tech. The 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.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings in all NHTSA crash tests, with a four-star rollover resistance rating. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane departure warning. Higher trim levels added steering assist, emergency lane-keeping assist, and a surround-view camera system. The CX-90's driver aids met expectations, though the speed reduction feature was irritating.