Compare the2024 BMW X3VS 2024 Genesis GV70

The BMW X3 has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags helps prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The GV70 doesn’t offer a front passenger side knee airbag.

The X3 has standard Active Head Restraints, which use a specially designed headrest to protect the driver and front passenger from whiplash. During a rear-end collision, the Active Head Restraints system moves the headrests forward to prevent neck and spine injuries. The GV70 doesn’t offer a whiplash protection system.

With its standard Active Driving Assistant, the BMW X3 is better at preventing collisions with pedestrians than the Genesis GV70, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety:

The X3 has a standard PostCrash iBrake, which automatically applies the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The GV70 doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

Compared to metal, the X3’s plastic fuel tank can withstand harder, more intrusive impacts without leaking; this decreases the possibility of fire. The Genesis GV70 has a metal gas tank.

Both the X3 and the GV70 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, driver alert monitors, available all wheel drive and around view monitors.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety does 40 MPH moderate front offset crash tests on new cars. In this updated test, results indicate that the X3 is much safer than the GV70:

The BMW X3 has achieved the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) highest rating of “Top Safety Pick Plus” for the 2024 model year. This distinction is based on its exceptional performance in IIHS’ rigorous battery of safety tests. Specifically, it earned a “Good” rating in the latest, more stringent moderate overlap front crash test, a “Good” result in the updated side impact test, and a “Good” score in the revised pedestrian crash prevention test. The GV70 is only a standard “Top Safety Pick” for 2024.

The X3’s corrosion warranty is 5 years longer than the GV70’s (12 vs. 7 years).

There are over 44 percent more BMW dealers than there are Genesis dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the X3’s warranty.

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the X3’s reliability 40 points higher than the GV70.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2024 Auto Issue reports that BMW vehicles are more reliable than Genesis vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks BMW 9 places higher in reliability than Genesis.

The X3 M40i’s standard 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder hybrid produces 7 more horsepower (382 vs. 375) than the GV70’s optional 3.5 turbo V6.

As tested in Car and Driver the X3 M40i 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder hybrid is faster than the Genesis GV70 turbo V6:

On the EPA test cycle the X3 gets better mileage than the GV70:

Regenerative brakes improve the X3’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The GV70 doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

The X3 stops much shorter than the GV70:

For better traction, the X3 has larger standard tires than the GV70 (245/50R19 vs. 235/55R19).

The X3’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 50 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the GV70’s standard 55 series tires. The X3’s optional 275/35R21 rear tires have a lower 35 series profile than the GV70 Sport’s optional 40 series tires.

Changing a flat tire near traffic can be dangerous and inconvenient. The run-flat tires standard on the X3 can be driven up to 50 miles without any air pressure, allowing you to drive to a service station for a repair. The GV70 doesn’t offer run-flat tires.

The X3 has vehicle speed sensitive variable-assist power steering, for low-effort parking, better control at highway speeds and during hard cornering, and a better feel of the road. The GV70 doesn’t offer variable-assist power steering.

The X3 M40i xDrive handles at .88 G’s, while the GV70 Advanced pulls only .82 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The X3 M40i xDrive executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 1 seconds quicker than the GV70 Advanced (25.9 seconds @ .72 average G’s vs. 26.9 seconds @ .65 average G’s).

For greater off-road capability the X3 has a greater minimum ground clearance than the GV70 (8 vs. 7.3 inches), allowing the X3 to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

The front grille of the X3 uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The GV70 doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

The X3 has a larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the GV70 with its rear seat folded (62.7 vs. 56.9 cubic feet).

A low lift-over cargo hatch design makes loading and unloading the X3 easier. The X3’s cargo hatch lift-over height is 28.5 inches, while the GV70’s liftover is 29.9 inches.

The X3’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the GV70’s (4400 vs. 3500 pounds).

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that BMW service is better than Genesis. J.D. Power ranks BMW 7th in service department satisfaction (above the industry average). With a 30% lower rating, Genesis is ranked 23rd.

The X3 offers a remote vehicle starting system, so the vehicle can be started from inside the driver's house. This allows the driver to comfortably warm up the engine before going out to the vehicle. The climate system will also automatically heat or cool the interior. The GV70 doesn’t offer a remote starting system.

If the windows are left open on the X3 the driver can close them all at the outside door handle or from a distance using the remote. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows from a distance using the keyless remote or with the driver’s door power window switch. The driver of the GV70 can only close the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

To help drivers avoid possible obstacles, the X3 offers optional cornering lights to illuminate around corners when the turn signals are activated. The GV70 doesn’t offer cornering lights. The X3 also has standard adaptive headlights to illuminate around corners automatically by reading vehicle speed and steering wheel angle.

The X3 is available in both rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive configurations. The GV70 doesn’t offer a two-wheel drive configuration.

Consumer Reports® recommends the BMW X3, based on reliability, safety and performance. The Genesis GV70 isn't recommended.

The BMW X3 outsold the Genesis GV70 by over two to one during 2023.