BMW X3 vs Mazda CX-5

2026 BMW X3
2026 BMW X3
$51,300MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2025 Mazda CX-5
2025 Mazda CX-5
$29,050MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2026 BMW X3
$51,300MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2025 Mazda CX-5
$29,050MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP

$51,300

MSRP

$29,050

Listings

9308

Listings

9546

Ratings & Reviews

User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

6.7 out of 10

Expert reviews

6.5 out of 10

Pros

  • Fun to drive

  • Comfortable

  • Good value for money

Cons

  • Potentially polarizing design

  • Interior materials feel cheap

  • Quirky technology

Pros

  • Stylish design

  • Fun to drive

  • Premium interior materials

Cons

  • Rear seats aren't as spacious as rivals

  • Limited cargo capacity

  • Below-average fuel economy

Reviews Summary

BMW offers the 2026 X3 in two flavors: 30 xDrive and M50. The latter is tuned for performance, but the base X3 30 xDrive is so good that you might be happy trading the M50’s outright speed and sheer capability for significant savings. BMW redesigned this compact luxury crossover in 2025, and the only tweaks for 2026 make the base model look and feel a little more upscale inside.

Verdict: For this review, we evaluated the BMW X3 M50. It was terrific, but with a sticker price more than $15,000 higher than the rewarding X3 30 xDrive, it’s hard to justify the extra money.

Reviews Summary

Just because you need more practicality, doesn't necessarily mean you'll have to sacrifice driving enjoyment or performance. Among compact SUVs, the 2025 Mazda CX-5 proves that you can satisfy your sporty appetite in an attractive and upscale alternative.

Verdict: The CX-5 offers an enjoyable driving experience, but it falls short in practical areas like fuel economy and cargo space.

No video found

Popular Features & Specs

Engine

2.0L 255 hp I4

Engine

Drive Train

AWD

Drive Train

Seating Capacity

5

Seating Capacity

5

Horsepower

255 hp @ 4700 rpm

Horsepower

MPG City

27

MPG City

MPG Highway

33

MPG Highway

2026 BMW X3
2026 BMW X3
$51,300MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2025 Mazda CX-5
2025 Mazda CX-5
$29,050MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2026 BMW X3
$51,300MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2025 Mazda CX-5
$29,050MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP
$51,300
$29,050
Listings

Ratings & Reviews

User reviews

4.5

4.7

Expert reviews

6.7 out of 10

Read full review

6.5 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons

Pros

  • Fun to drive

  • Comfortable

  • Good value for money

Cons

  • Potentially polarizing design

  • Interior materials feel cheap

  • Quirky technology

Pros

  • Stylish design

  • Fun to drive

  • Premium interior materials

Cons

  • Rear seats aren't as spacious as rivals

  • Limited cargo capacity

  • Below-average fuel economy

Summary

BMW offers the 2026 X3 in two flavors: 30 xDrive and M50. The latter is tuned for performance, but the base X3 30 xDrive is so good that you might be happy trading the M50’s outright speed and sheer capability for significant savings. BMW redesigned this compact luxury crossover in 2025, and the only tweaks for 2026 make the base model look and feel a little more upscale inside.

Verdict: For this review, we evaluated the BMW X3 M50. It was terrific, but with a sticker price more than $15,000 higher than the rewarding X3 30 xDrive, it’s hard to justify the extra money.

Just because you need more practicality, doesn't necessarily mean you'll have to sacrifice driving enjoyment or performance. Among compact SUVs, the 2025 Mazda CX-5 proves that you can satisfy your sporty appetite in an attractive and upscale alternative.

Verdict: The CX-5 offers an enjoyable driving experience, but it falls short in practical areas like fuel economy and cargo space.

Video
No video found

Popular Features & Specs

Engine
2.0L 255 hp I4
Drive Train
AWD
Seating Capacity
5
5
Horsepower
255 hp @ 4700 rpm
MPG City
27
MPG Highway
33
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