Shopping for a luxury SUV can feel like a big adventure, especially with so many great choices out there. Two popular options for 2025 are the BMW X3 and the Acura RDX. Both bring modern styling, strong performance, and plenty of features to the table. Drivers may wonder which one fits their needs best. Let’s look at how these two crossovers compare in design, performance, comfort, and technology to help make that decision a little easier.
Fresh Style and Smart Design Choices
The 2025 BMW X3 arrives looking sharp and modern. It has a new face that feels bold but not too flashy. People say the grille is big, but it’s not as wild as on some other BMWs. Inside, the X3’s cabin feels very fresh. A beautiful curved display grabs your eyes right away. Even the dashboard can be covered in soft woven fabric made from recycled materials. It makes the cabin look special and feel soft to the touch. The Acura RDX got an update for 2025, but its look feels more like a tweak than a total change. It has a new grille and some dark trim for a sporty touch. Yet the changes are mostly skin-deep. Inside, Acura did improve storage and screen options, but there’s still quite a lot of plastic around. The centre screen is smaller and the cabin doesn’t feel as modern or unique as the X3’s space.
Power That Feels Effortless
Driving the BMW X3 is a treat. Even the base 30 xDrive comes with a strong 2.0L turbo engine that makes 255 horsepower. It’s quick and smooth, getting you to 100 km/h in around 6.5 seconds. If you want more punch, the M50 xDrive has a turbocharged inline-six with 393 horses. It’s a blast to drive, and the power flows like butter. Every X3 uses an eight-speed automatic that shifts very gently. Over in the Acura RDX, there’s just one engine. It’s a 2.0L turbo four-cylinder that makes 272 horsepower. That’s a good number on paper, but it has to work harder to move the RDX’s weight. Some drivers say it can feel a bit busy when shifting up or down quickly. The BMW’s engines simply feel smoother and more flexible.
Better Fuel Numbers for Your Wallet
The 2025 BMW X3 uses less fuel than you might think, even with its strong engines. The base X3 is rated at 8.1 L/100 km combined. Even the bigger six-cylinder version comes in at 8.6 L/100 km. That’s quite efficient for such solid performance. Meanwhile, the Acura RDX is thirstier. It drinks 9.9 L/100 km combined, and even more if you pick the sportier trims. That can add up at the pump, especially for folks driving longer stretches.
Safety That Feels Like a Co-Pilot
Safety tech comes standard on the BMW X3. You get forward collision mitigation, lane keep help, blind spot detection and parking helpers, even on the base trim. Add the Pro pack and the X3 can park itself. The Acura RDX also has lots of safety features. But there’s no option for automated parking. And while its systems work well, BMW’s technology has a smoother feel. The X3’s driving assistant responds gently and feels less jumpy in traffic.
An Interior That Feels Special
Slide into the BMW X3 and it feels high-end. The curved display stretches wide and looks crisp. The recycled fabric on the dash is something you won’t see in many other SUVs. Buttons and switches feel solid. It’s quiet, too, which makes highway drives peaceful. The Acura RDX’s interior is roomy and has nice seats. But the look is more traditional. The screen is smaller and set back from the driver. The Acura does not feel as modern or as unique as the X3. BMW’s cabin design simply feels more luxurious and advanced.
Space for Life’s Big Plans
The BMW X3 is roomy enough for family trips or camping gear. It has 570 litres of cargo room behind the seats and grows to 1,700 litres when you fold them down. That’s a good size for groceries, hockey bags or luggage. The Acura RDX offers less cargo room. With seats up, it’s only 835 litres, and 1,668 litres folded down. That’s smaller than the X3, so big loads might feel tighter in the RDX.
Come Experience the Difference
At Edmonton BMW, we’d love to show you how the 2025 BMW X3 makes driving feel special. Come by for a test drive and see how it fits your life in Alberta. Whether it’s the city streets of Edmonton or a road trip, the X3 is ready for the journey. Let’s make it yours today!