2025 BMW X3 vs 2025 Land Rover Defender

The 2025 BMW X3 was a striking example of a two-box SUV with a seductive appearance. 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, gloss black M Sport details, and Calm Beige upholstery. Inside, the cabin was straightforward, with nifty plastic trim elements that glowed with ambient lighting. However, some interior materials revealed the X3's price point, particularly the plastic used lower in the cabin, which lacked liners to reduce noise and vibration.

In contrast, the 2025 Land Rover Defender had a rugged appeal, with the Defender 110 four-door model representing the sweet spot in design. The Defender offered endless customization options, with base prices ranging from $58,525 to $120,525, depending on the model and options. Our test vehicle, a Defender 130 in X trim, featured the Extended Black Exterior Pack, upgraded interior materials, and all of Land Rover's off-roading technology as standard. The test model's Gondwana Stone paint didn't complement the orange brake calipers or the delicate-looking twin-spoke wheels. Inside, the Defender X boasted premium Windsor hides and Kvadrat fabric, with an industrial-themed interior that prioritized purpose over luxury. The cabin was spacious, with three rows of seating and a panoramic sunroof, but the side-hinged cargo door and high load floor posed challenges for loading.

The 2025 BMW X3 30 xDrive featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. Despite its 4,176-pound weight, the X3 achieved a zero-to-60 mph time of six seconds, thanks to its eight-speed automatic transmission and standard xDrive AWD system. The 48-volt mild-hybrid system improved off-the-line responsiveness and made the engine's automatic start-stop system nearly imperceptible. For those seeking more power, the M50 xDrive offered a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with 393 horsepower and 428 pound-feet of torque, reaching 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. The X3's sport-tuned suspension and optional 21-inch wheels provided a thrilling driving experience, though the ride quality was firm on imperfect roads. Fuel economy was impressive, with an observed 24.2 mpg, despite falling short of the EPA rating of 29 mpg.

The 2025 Land Rover Defender 130 X was equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine, delivering 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. Coupled with a mild-hybrid system and an eight-speed automatic transmission, the Defender accelerated to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds. The adaptive air suspension, hill descent control, and Terrain Response 2 driving modes enhanced its off-road capabilities. The Defender's maximum tow rating was 8,200 pounds, and it provided 11.4 inches of ground clearance. On-road, the Defender's ride was smooth, absorbing bumps and potholes with ease. However, its 5,685-pound curb weight and slow steering made it less suited for spirited driving on twisty roads. The observed fuel economy was 16.2 mpg, below the expected 19 mpg.

The 2025 BMW X3 offered a spacious interior with a power-adjustable driver's seat providing excellent visibility. The dashboard featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and a 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The front seats were comfortable, with power adjustment, heating, and optional ventilation. However, the rear seats were less comfortable, with hard front seat-back panels. The cargo area measured 31.5 cubic feet, with a lightweight cargo cover and additional storage under the load floor.

The 2025 Land Rover Defender 130 provided three rows of spacious seating, with 12-way power-adjustable front seats featuring heating and ventilation. The panoramic sunroof and large windows created an open and airy feel. The second-row captain's chairs were heated and ventilated, while the third-row seat was roomy and supportive. The Defender's cargo area offered 15.3 cubic feet of space behind the third row, expanding to 43.7 cubic feet with the third row folded. The side-hinged cargo door and high load floor posed challenges for loading.

The 2025 BMW X3 featured the BMW Curved Display with iDrive 9 software, offering a Quick Select user experience. However, the system experienced issues with profile creation and access to BMW Digital Services. The navigation system provided accurate directions, and wireless Apple CarPlay worked flawlessly. Despite the frustrating experience with the infotainment system, it was possible that the issues were unique to the test vehicle.

The 2025 Land Rover Defender was equipped with the Pivi Pro infotainment system, featuring an 11.4-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system's response to voice commands was slower than preferred, but its accuracy was impressive. The user experience was more intuitive, and the Meridian premium sound system was impressive. The test vehicle also included a head-up display, a ClearSight digital rearview mirror, and a surround-view camera system.

The 2025 BMW X3 came with the Active Driving Assistant suite, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and active blind-spot monitoring. The Premium Package added adaptive cruise control and Steering Assistant technology. The optional Driving Assistant Professional Package included hands-free Traffic Jam Assistant and Lane Change Assistant. The X3 earned a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2025 Land Rover Defender featured automatic high-beam headlights, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. The lane-keep assist was decisive, and the adaptive cruise control operated smoothly. Crash-test ratings for the Defender were unavailable at press time.