VS
At a Glance
Power
393hp @ 5200
326hp @ 6000
Torque
428lb-ft @ 1900
465lb-ft
Fuel
28 mpg est.
24 mpg est.
Towing
4850lbs
6000lbs
Engine
3.0 L/183ci
2.4 L/146ci
Choosing between the BMW X3 and the Toyota 4runner is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The BMW X3 delivers 393hp @ 5200 while the Toyota 4runner produces 326hp @ 6000. On fuel, the X3 returns 28 mpg est. while the 4runner uses 24 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $64,700 for the X3 and $64,160 for the 4runner. 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 X3M50 xDrive Sports Activity Vehicle 2025 - From $64,700
Toyota 4runnerHybrid Platinum 4WD (Natl) 2026 - From $64,160
Performance
Power Output (hp)
393hp @ 5200
326hp @ 6000
Torque (lb-ft)
428lb-ft @ 1900
465lb-ft
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
3.0 L/183ci
2.4 L/146ci
Engine Layout
Inline
—
Cylinders
6
4
Fuel Type
—
Hybrid
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
8
8
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
Four Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
28 mpg est.
24 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
25mpg
23 (2025)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
30mpg
24 (2025)mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
17.2gal
19gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
187.2in
194.9in
Width (in)
75.6in
77.9in
Height (in)
65.4in
73.1in
Wheelbase (in)
112.8in
112.2in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4535lbs
5390lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
4850lbs
6000lbs
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
—
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
BMW X3
2 / 4 categories
Performance
X3
Fuel Economy
X3
Value
Tied
Practicality
4runner
Pros & Cons
BMW X3
Better fuel economy (28 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Toyota 4runner
Lower starting price ($64,160)
Higher towing capacity (6000lbs)
Higher fuel consumption (24 mpg est.)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the X3 or 4runner?
The X3 gets 28 mpg est. and the 4runner 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 4runner?
The X3 produces 393hp @ 5200 and 428lb-ft @ 1900 of torque while the 4runner delivers 326hp @ 6000 and 465lb-ft of torque. The X3 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the X3 and 4runner?
The X3 starts from $64,700 and the 4runner from $64,160, a difference of just $540, 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 4runner?
The X3 has a braked towing capacity of 4850lbs and the 4runner can tow 6000lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the X3 or the 4runner?
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.