The luxury crossover SUV market continues to be competitive, with consumers seeking the versatility of an SUV combined with the style and sophistication of a luxury car. The 2025 Lexus NX and BMW X3 are two of the best luxury crossovers available, each featuring their own unique style and lush features. We know purchasing a new vehicle is a big investment. To ensure you make an informed decision before signing on the dotted line, it’s important to take an in-depth look at car reviews and comparisons.
At Lexus of Stevens Creek, we want to help you compare car features before buying your next vehicle. If you’re currently shopping for a luxury crossover SUV, these car comparison specs will help you make the best decision.
Design and Styling
Both the NX and the X3 feature compact styling with refined touches. While both luxury compact SUVs have similar basics, several unique features differentiate one from the other.
2025 NX Exterior
The 2025 NX delivers a low center of gravity that helps this SUV hug the road on curves. Passengers will enjoy ample cabin space with a long front and truncated rear. The front grille is eye-catching and aerodynamic, distinguishing the NX as a luxury vehicle, not your ordinary SUV. Sleek LED headlights are paired with signature L-shaped LED taillights and a full-width blade rear combination lamp to complete the look.
2025 NX Interior
Inside the cabin, drivers and passengers benefit from quality materials and innovative touches that enhance the driving experience. The base trim features NuLuxe synthetic leather upholstery, an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with two-way power lumbar support, an eight-way power passenger seat, and heated front seats. You’ll also find dual-zone automatic climate control, a power-tilt and telescoping steering column, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, one-touch up or down power windows, and a 60/40-split power-folding rear seat for your convenience.
2025 X3 Exterior
The X3 is less sporty, featuring a redesign that makes this SUV appear longer and lower than previous models. Rather than one streamlined grille like the NX, the X3 features two separate grilles placed higher on the front of the vehicle. This redesign also removed cladding around the wheel arches, which some may view as a downgrade compared to previous models.
2025 X3 Interior
Inside the X3, you’ll find similar features to the NX, including SensaTec faux leather upholstery, a memory driver’s seat, an Anthracite headliner, dark oak wood interior trim, dual-zone climate control, a universal garage door opener, and multicolor ambient lighting. The 2025 model includes standard heated and ventilated power-adjustable sport seats for added comfort.
Performance and Efficiency
While both the NX and the X3 feature powerful engines and smooth transmissions, there are some clear differences between what Lexus and BMW offer in their compact SUVs. Most notably, Lexus offers several engine options to drivers, while BMW’s offerings are more limited.
2025 NX Engine and Transmission
The 2025 NX has four powertrain options across its available trim levels. The base NX 250 trim contains a 203-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, while the upgraded NX 350 trim is equipped with a 275-horsepower turbocharged 2.4-liter engine. Both engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The NX 250 has either front- or all-wheel drive, while the NX 350 has standard all-wheel drive. The NX also offers drivers hybrid options. The NX 350h pairs two electric motors with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine to generate 240 horsepower. The exciting NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid produces an impressive 304 horsepower.
2025 X3 Engine and Transmission
The X3 features two different engine options, both hybrids but not plug-ins. The 30 xDrive trim is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 255 horsepower. The M50 xDrive features a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six that shares the same hybridization system and reaches 393 horsepower. Both trim levels pair their engines with an eight-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel-drive system.
BMW x3 vs. Lexus NX Fuel Economy Comparison
The multiple engine options for the NX lead to varying fuel efficiencies. The entry-level NX 250 is rated at 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. The turbocharged NX 350 sees slightly lower ratings at 21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. The hybrid options are the most fuel-efficient, with 41 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway.
Even though both of the X3’s engine options are hybrid, they don’t achieve the same levels of fuel efficiency as the NX. The 30 xDrive achieves 27 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway, while the M50 is rated at 25 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway.
Safety and Reliability
Safety and reliability are expected when it comes to luxury vehicles; there is a clear winner between these two. According to the J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study, which tracks owner-reported problems during ownership, the Lexus NX ranks highest in the compact premium SUV segment. In addition, the NX’s powertrain warranty lasts six years or 70,000 miles, compared to the X3’s four years or 50,000 miles.
Pricing, Value, and Conclusion
These two SUVs are competitive in style, features, and quality, but the difference in price makes one stand out for its exceptional value. The NX starts at $41,990 for front-wheel drive and $43,590 for all-wheel drive. This is much lower than the X3’s base price of $70,560.
While both SUVs feature sleek and sophisticated styling with comfortable interiors, the NX stands out for its additional engine options, plug-in hybrid version, and exceptional safety and reliability ratings. These qualities and its notably lower starting price make the Lexus NX the clear winner in the luxury compact SUV market. At Lexus of Stevens Creek, we’ll be happy to show you all the NX has to offer. Contact us today for a test-drive.
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