VS
At a Glance
Power
255hp @ 4700
265hp @ 6000
Torque
295lb-ft @ 1600
310lb-ft @ 1700
Fuel
30 mpg est.
24 mpg est.
Towing
4001lbs
5000lbs
Engine
2.0 L/122ci
2.4 L/146ci
Choosing between the BMW X3 and the Toyota Highlander is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The BMW X3 delivers 255hp @ 4700 while the Toyota Highlander produces 265hp @ 6000. On fuel, the X3 returns 30 mpg est. while the Highlander uses 24 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $49,950 for the X3 and $50,025 for the Highlander. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Specification
BMW X330 xDrive Sports Activity Vehicle 2025 - From $49,950
Toyota HighlanderLimited AWD (Natl) 2026 - From $50,025
Performance
Power Output (hp)
255hp @ 4700
265hp @ 6000
Torque (lb-ft)
295lb-ft @ 1600
310lb-ft @ 1700
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.0 L/122ci
2.4 L/146ci
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
—
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
8
8
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
30 mpg est.
24 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
27mpg
21 (Est)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
33mpg
28 (Est)mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
17.2gal
17.9gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
187.2in
194.9in
Width (in)
75.6in
76in
Height (in)
65.4in
68.1in
Wheelbase (in)
112.8in
112.2in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4176lbs
4453lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
4001lbs
5000lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
—
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Toyota Highlander
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Highlander
Fuel Economy
X3
Value
Tied
Practicality
Highlander
Pros & Cons
BMW X3
Better fuel economy (30 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($49,950)
Few notable weaknesses
Toyota Highlander
Higher towing capacity (5000lbs)
Higher fuel consumption (24 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the X3 or Highlander?
The X3 gets 30 mpg est. and the Highlander gets 24 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The X3 is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the X3 or Highlander?
The X3 produces 255hp @ 4700 and 295lb-ft @ 1600 of torque while the Highlander delivers 265hp @ 6000 and 310lb-ft @ 1700 of torque. The Highlander is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the X3 and Highlander?
The X3 starts from $49,950 and the Highlander from $50,025, a difference of just $75, which is negligible. At this price point the two are essentially tied on starting price. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the X3 or Highlander?
The X3 has a braked towing capacity of 4001lbs and the Highlander can tow 5000lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the X3 or the Highlander?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.