2025 BMW X3 vs 2025 Toyota Sienna

The 2025 BMW X3 presented a seductive appearance for a two-box SUV, with its redesigned features capturing attention. Despite the oversized grille, the vehicle's aerodynamically honed flanks and overall proportions contributed to its athletic look. The long and tall hood, captivating dashboard-to-axle ratio, and tapering greenhouse and roofline emphasized its sporty stance. The test model, adorned in BMW’s Arctic Race Blue paint, paired with machined surface wheels and gloss black M Sport details, exuded a sophisticated aura. Inside, the cabin featured quality materials, though some plastic elements revealed the X3’s price point. The interior was functional, with nifty ambient lighting, but the lower cabin plastics detracted from the overall luxury feel.

In contrast, the 2025 Toyota Sienna maintained its minivan identity, despite Toyota's efforts to add style. The trapezoidal grille and upswept body lines gave it a distinctive look, but it still resembled a traditional minivan. The Sienna's design included hidden sliding door tracks and swollen rear fenders, drawing a family resemblance to the Camry sedan. The test vehicle, a top-of-the-line Limited with the Platinum package, featured the new Magnetic Grey paint. Inside, Toyota updated the interior with a woodgrain finish, though opinions on its aesthetics varied. The Sienna prioritized practicality, offering ample seating and cargo space, but its design remained true to its minivan roots.

The 2025 BMW X3 30 xDrive featured a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. Despite its 1,894-kilogram weight, the X3 delivered a credible zero-to-100 km/h time of 6.3 seconds, thanks to its 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, aided by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. For those seeking more power, the M50 xDrive variant offered a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine with 393 hp and 428 lb-ft of torque, achieving 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds. The X3's sport-tuned suspension and performance tires enhanced its driving dynamics, though the ride quality on imperfect roads was less comfortable.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna relied on a hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with a CVT. The system delivered 245 net horsepower, with front-wheel drive standard and an optional AWD system. Despite its modest power, the Sienna felt responsive, especially in city driving, thanks to the electric assist motor. The hybrid system prioritized fuel economy, with an official rating of 6.6 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. However, during testing, the Sienna averaged 8.9 L/100 km. While the Sienna offered predictable handling, it lacked the driving excitement of the X3. The ride was smooth and absorbent, providing comfort for passengers, but the CVT's noise during hard acceleration detracted from the overall experience.

The 2025 BMW X3 offered a spacious interior, with a power-adjustable driver's seat providing a sports car-like view of the road. The cabin felt wider and larger than most compact crossovers, featuring a simple dashboard with a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and a 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The front seats, upholstered in Veganza artificial leather, were comfortable and equipped with 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 provided 892 litres of space, with a lightweight, easy-to-remove cargo cover and additional storage under the load floor.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna excelled in form and function, offering practical seating and cargo solutions. The front seats were power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated, though they felt hard after extended driving. The second-row captain's chairs with ottoman-style leg rests were popular with passengers, and the third-row seat accommodated adults comfortably. The Sienna's sliding side doors and hands-free power liftgate facilitated easy loading and unloading. Storage space was generous, with a wide tray under the centre console, though finding secure places for large water bottles was challenging. The Sienna provided 949 litres of cargo space behind the third-row seat, expanding to 2,129 litres with the third row stowed. Maximum cargo capacity was 2,860 litres, less than rivals due to the non-removable second-row seats.

The 2025 BMW X3 featured the BMW Curved Display with iDrive 9 software, offering a user-friendly Quick Select experience. However, creating profiles and accessing BMW Digital Services proved challenging during testing. The system occasionally froze, and the default Guest profile lacked access to certain features. Despite these issues, the navigation system with augmented video provided accurate directions. Wireless Apple CarPlay connectivity worked flawlessly, offering a reliable alternative to the native infotainment features.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna's higher-spec models included a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch touchscreen for the Toyota Audio Multimedia system. The Limited with Platinum package featured a four-zone automatic climate control system, a 10-inch head-up display, and a camera-based digital rearview mirror. The TAM system offered connected services with varying subscription periods, including a digital assistant that responded accurately to commands. The infotainment system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a 12-speaker JBL premium audio system providing sound, though it required adjustments for optimal clarity. The four-zone climate control system and digital rearview camera enhanced passenger comfort and convenience.

The 2025 BMW X3 came equipped with a range of driver assistance features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. 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, operable via the MyBMW smartphone app. However, using Steering Assistant without adaptive cruise control detracted from the driving experience. The X3 earned a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with four-star ratings for frontal-impact crash tests.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The system performed well, though lane-centring assist occasionally wavered. The Sienna added a new rear-seat reminder technology, alerting drivers to movement within the cabin. The NHTSA awarded the Sienna a five-star overall rating, though it received four stars for frontal crash tests and three stars for driver protection in frontal impacts.