The BMW X3 comes standard with a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine producing 248 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. xDrive all-wheel drive is available, and zero to 60 mph occurs in around six seconds. Stepping up to the X3 M40i adds standard xDrive and a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six producing 382 horsepower - rocketing the SAV from zero to 60 mph in around 4.4 seconds. Standard M Sport equipment on the X3 M40i, like lightweight 19-inch wheels, M Sport brakes, and an M Sport suspension, makes the X3 M40i boast surprising agility.

The BMW X5 comes standard with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six, and the newest model produces a compelling 375 horsepower and 398 pound-feet of torque. Zero to 60 mph occurs in an impressive 5.3 seconds, with or without xDrive. The BMW X5 offers two other variants, as well - a plug-in hybrid and a mighty twin-turbo V8. The quickest of these is the V8-powered variant, accelerating from zero to 60 mph in just 4.1 seconds thanks to standard xDrive and 523 horsepower under the hood.

The BMW X3 offers shoppers a spacious 62.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the front seats, while the BMW X5's extra size provides 66 cubic feet of storage. Behind the second-row bench seats, you'll find that the BMW X3 actually offers more space, 28.7 cubic feet, compared to the X5's 23 cubic feet. The BMW X3 also, surprisingly, offers more front headroom (41.1 inches vs. 40.8 inches) and more front leg room (40.3 inches vs. 39.8 inches) than the BMW X5. But, in most other areas, the BMW X5 provides more room for passengers and drivers.

The BMW X3 and BMW X5 also offer different towing capacities. If towing is something you do regularly or require out of your next vehicle, the OEM BMW Trailer Hitch option is a must-have on either the BMW X5 or BMW X3. The BMW X3 can tow up to 4,400 pounds, which is impressive. But the BMW X5 boasts an even more capable towing capacity - 7,200 pounds.

Both the BMW X3 and BMW X5 offer wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, driver assists like blind-spot monitoring and lane-keeping assistance, and a Park Distance Control system. There are some key differences:

• Multi-stage heated front seats come standard on the BMW X5 - they are an optional extra for the BMW X3.
• A panoramic moonroof comes standard on the BMW X5. BMW X3 shoppers can get one by ordering the Convenience Package or adding it as a standalone option.
• The curved display and BMW iDrive 8 are only available on the 2024 BMW X5.