BMW and Toyota come in different forms and sizes, and at one time Toyota had the most comparable but different models the same as BMW. BMW has most models that try to look similar but differ in many aspects such as BMW X3 and Toyota Highlander. In this article, we will review BMW X3 and Toyota Highlander models by comparing their interior, exterior, engine, and practicality. The BMW X3 and Highlander both come in SUV style and can be hard to influence one from the other—or which one you should buy!
Our review of the BMW X3 and Highlander is full of information about the styling, design, interior, and exterior of both models, plus what fitted under the bonnet. Please let’s go through it. Both BMW X3 and Toyota Highlander have advanced safety features.
N.B: Prices are reflective of average BE FORWARD pricing as of August 2022.
BMW X3 Toyota Highlander
Capacity/Doors 5 door/5 seater 5 door/8 seater
Torque 290 Nm – 600 Nm 239 Nm
Top Speed 260 km/h 189 km/h
0-100 km/h 5.8 sec – 9.9 sec 6.7 sec – 8.4 sec
Max Power 180 hp – 360 hp 155 hp - 295 hp
Engine 2.0L – 3.0L 2.0L – 3.5L
Fuel Tank Capacity 67L 68L
Key Features SRS Airbags, Curtain airbags,
DCS and TCS, ABS, Electronic
Stability Control, Adaptive
HeadlightsToyota Safety SenseTM 2.5+ (TSS
2.5+) – Pre-Collision System with
Low-Light Pedestrian Detection,
Lane Departure Alert, Steering
Assist, Full-Speed Range Dynamic
Radar Cruise Control, Lane Tracing
Assist, etc. Blind Spot Monitoring
with Rear-Cross Traffic Alert
Fuel Consumption 19.68 Km/L - 22.23 Km/L 8.93 km/L – 12.33 km/L
Length x Width x Height 4.65×1.88×1.67 m 4.88×1.92×1.78 m
BE FORWARD PRICE USD 4,530 – USD 75,040 USD 5,530 – USD33,660
Interior & Exterior Comparison
BMW X3
(a) Cabin Storage
The BMW X3 is a spacious car for its size, given with enough space for legs and head in the driver cabin. The passenger cabin can carry 3 adult passengers without any limitation. The legroom for the center seat passenger is somehow limited especially for a tall passenger due to the transmission tunnel, but the 2 adult passengers will be more comfortable and all variants come dressed with leather seats.
BROWSE LOW COST USED BMW X3 from $4,530
Inside the X3, you will find storage facilities that are useful for storing items such as smartphones, goggles, beverages, handbags, etc. In the driver cabin, you will find the center box, 4 cup-holders, door panel storage, and a glove box. In the passenger cabin, passengers will have 4 cup holders, door pockets, and front seat jacket pockets.
(b) Cargo Space
BROWSE LOW COST USED BMW X3 from $4,530
The boot area is justly great and can carry luggage for a family of five. When extra space is required, the rear seats can fold flat in a split format to create even bigger cargo space.
Exterior
BROWSE LOW COST USED BMW X3 from $4,530
The exterior is smooth, well-shaped and angular front to the curvy back. The M Sport comes with bigger alloy rims and extra detailing that makes it an impressive pose with all higher variants.
Toyota Highlander
The Toyota Highlander, also known as the Toyota Kluger, is a 3-row seating, mid-size crossover SUV manufactured by Toyota since 2000. The Toyota Highlander became one of the first car-based mid-size crossovers or mid-size SUVs. The Highlander is Toyota’s best-selling SUV before being beaten by the smaller RAV4 in 2006.
(a) Cabin Storage
The cabin is modern, attractive and roomy to the modern car-like Highlander, the driver cabin is well placed and designed. Inside the Highlander, you will find numerous storage facilities that fit to store coins, documents, etc.
BROWSE LOW COST USED TOYOTA HIGHLANDER from $5,530
In the driver row, you will find the glove box, 2 cup holders, door panel storage, and a center box, in the passenger row, you will find a front-seat pocket, 2 cup holders, and the door panel storage between the 2nd -row seats and the 3rd -row storage facilities found on both sides.
(b) Cargo Space
BROWSE LOW COST USED TOYOTA HIGHLANDER from $5,530
The cargo space behind the 3rd-row fits an ordinary 4 carry-on suitcases; the Traverse fits 6.
Exterior
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The exterior appearance tries to resemble the latest Toyota RAV4 that’s aggressive-looking with proper headlights attached well with a front grille and bumper. The headlights are well placed and designed. The fog lights are standard for all variants.
Engine, Performance & Fuel Consumption
BMW X3
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(a) Engine & Performance
The 3rd –generation BMW X3 is powered by different engine size choices, B58B30/S58B30T0 3.0L I6 turbo/twin-turbo, B48B20B 2.0L I4 turbo petrol engines, petrol plug-in hybrid B47D20 2.0L I4 turbo, B48B20 2.0L I4 turbo with an electric motor, and B57D30M0 3.0L I6 turbo diesel engine. All these engines are coupled to 8-speed ZF 8HP automatic Single-speed with fixed ratio (iX3) and for the petrol plug-in hybrid combined with a 12 kWh Lithium-ion (PHEV) and 80 kWh Lithium-ion (iX3).
(b) Fuel Consumption
Depending on several factors such as engine fitted, fuel used, and driving habits the fuel consumption is around 19.68 Km/L to 22.23 Km/L.
Toyota Highlander
BROWSE LOW COST USED TOYOTA HIGHLANDER from $5,530
(a) Engine & Performance
The 2022 Highlander is powered by several engines choices such as T24A-FTS turbo 2.4L I4 gasoline engine for 2022–present models, 2GR-FKS V6 3.5L for 2020–2022 models, A25A-FXS 2.5L I4 for the hybrid version, and A25B-FXS 2.5L I4 for hybrid, China version.
The hybrid version couples to an electric motor 2x Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors 5NM + that generates an additional 54 hp. These engines are mated to an 8-speed UA80F “Direct Shift” ECTi automatic or eCVT with sequential shift mode for the hybrid version.
(b) Fuel Consumption
The Highlander claims to use 8.93 km/L – 12.33 km/L.
Final Verdict
BMW and Toyota are the top automobile manufacturers who produce good cars that are going anywhere without stress. The BMW X3 and the Toyota Highlander are those models that are boundless in almost every aspect. The BMW X3 is better in fuel consumption than the Highlander, but the new Highlander offers better comfort and is more capable in off-roading.
In terms of space, the Highlander has a modern and spacious interior equipped with standard features rather than BMW X3 but both vehicles are well in speed though the top speed of the BMW X3 is 280 kph while the Highlander’s top speed is 189 kph. The interior and exterior of both cars speak for themselves while the latest BMW X3 interior and exterior look new style designed. You can visit BE FORWARD for your selection.
BROWSE LOW COST USED BMW X3 from $4,530
BROWSE LOW COST USED TOYOTA HIGHLANDER from $5,530
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I am a car enthusiast and experienced freelance car writer with over 5 years in automotive journalism. Recognized for delivering engaging and informative content across diverse websites and blogs, prominently featured on platforms like BE FORWARD. A passion for cars, coupled with a proven track record of insightful articles, showcasing a deep understanding of the industry.
With over 5 years of writing expertise in the automotive domain, I specialize in comprehensive coverage of car-related topics. My portfolio spans engaging reviews, up-to-date news, and in-depth features, showcasing a versatile understanding of the automotive landscape. This experience reflects my commitment to delivering insightful content that captivates readers across a broad spectrum of car enthusiasts and general audiences.
My favorite car is the Range Rover Sport for its luxurious design, powerful performance, and unparalleled comfort on and off-road.
