Compare the2024 BMW X3VS 2024 Lexus NX

The X3’s pre-crash front seatbelts will tighten automatically in the event the vehicle detects an impending crash, improving protection against injury significantly. The NX doesn’t offer pre-crash pretensioners.

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 NX doesn’t offer a whiplash protection system.

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 NX 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.

Both the X3 and the NX have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, plastic fuel tanks, 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 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 NX is only a standard “Top Safety Pick” for 2024, though it hasn’t yet been rated in the updated moderate overlap frontal test, a requirement for the “Top Safety Pick Plus” award.

The X3’s corrosion warranty is 6 years longer than the NX’s (12 vs. 6 years).

BMW pays for scheduled maintenance on the X3 for 2 years and 26000 miles longer than Lexus pays for maintenance for the NX (3/36,000 vs. 1/10,000).

There are over 43 percent more BMW dealers than there are Lexus dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the X3’s warranty.

The X3 has more powerful engines than the NX:

As tested in Motor Trend the X3 s/xDrive30i 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder is faster than the Lexus NX:

Regardless of its engine, regenerative brakes improve the X3’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. Lexus only offers a regenerative brake system on the NX 350h/450h.

Both the X3 and the NX have a standard automatic start/stop engine feature to stop unnecessary fuel waste and pollution at stoplights and heavy traffic. All X3s have a standard disable switch for the system, so a driver can keep the engine from shutting off when the vehicle stops temporarily. The NX 350h/450h+ doesn’t offer a way to disable start/stop.

The X3 has 2.7 gallons more fuel capacity than the NX (17.2 vs. 14.5 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

The X3 M40i’s launch control uses engine electronics to hold engine RPM’s precisely in order to provide the most stable and rapid acceleration possible, using all of the available traction. The NX doesn’t offer launch control.

For better stopping power the X3 M40i’s brake rotors are larger than those on the NX:

The X3 stops much shorter than the NX:

For better traction, the X3 has larger standard tires than the NX (245/50R19 vs. 235/60R18). The X3’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the NX (F:245/45R20 & R:275/40R20 vs. 235/60R18).

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 NX’s standard 60 series tires. The X3’s optional 245/40R21 front and 275/35R21 rear tires have a lower 40 series front and 35 series rear profile than the NX’s optional 50 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the X3 has standard 19-inch wheels. Smaller 18-inch wheels are standard on the NX. The X3’s optional 21-inch wheels are larger than the 20-inch wheels optional on the NX.

The X3 offers an optional space-saver spare tire so you can replace a flat tire and drive to have the flat repaired or replaced. A spare tire isn’t available on the NX; it requires you to depend on its run-flat tires, which limits mileage and speed before they are repaired. If a run-flat is damaged beyond repair by a road hazard your vehicle will have to be towed.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the X3’s wheelbase is 6.9 inches longer than on the NX (112.8 inches vs. 105.9 inches).

The X3’s front to rear weight distribution is more even (49% to 51%) than the NX’s (57% to 43%). This gives the X3 more stable handling and braking.

The X3 M40i xDrive handles at .88 G’s, while the NX 350 AWD pulls only .81 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The X3 M40i xDrive executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 2.5 seconds quicker than the NX 450h AWD (25.9 seconds @ .72 average G’s vs. 28.4 seconds @ .57 average G’s).

For greater off-road capability the X3 has a greater minimum ground clearance than the NX (8 vs. 7.7 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 NX doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

As tested by Car and Driver while cruising at 70 MPH, the interior of the X3 M40i xDrive is quieter than the NX 350 AWD (69 vs. 70 dB).

The X3 has 2.4 inches more front headroom, 1.3 inches more front shoulder room, .3 inches more rear legroom and 2 inches more rear shoulder room than the NX.

The X3 has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat up than the NX with its rear seat up (28.7 vs. 22.7 cubic feet). The X3 has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the NX with its rear seat folded (62.7 vs. 46.9 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 NX’s liftover is 30.8 inches.

The X3’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the NX’s (4400 vs. 0 pounds).

The engine in the X3 is mounted longitudinally (North-South), instead of sideways, as in the NX. This makes it easier to service and maintain, because the accessory belts are in front.

The power windows standard on both the X3 and the NX have locks to prevent small children from operating them. When the lock on the X3 is engaged the driver can still operate all of the windows, for instance to close one opened by a child. The NX prevents the driver from operating the other windows just as it does the other passengers.

The X3’s rain-sensitive wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically based on the amount of rainfall on the windshield. This allows the driver to concentrate on driving without constantly adjusting the wipers. The NX’s standard manually variable intermittent wipers have to be constantly adjusted.

Manual rear side window sunshades are available in the X3 to help block heat and glare for the rear passengers. The NX doesn’t offer rear side window sunshades.

Consumer Reports® recommends both the BMW X3 and the Lexus NX, based on reliability, safety and performance.