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BMW X3 vs Toyota Highlander

Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.

Vehicles

Toyota logo

2026 Toyota Highlander

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Overview

SpecBMW X330 xDriveToyota HighlanderXLE
Selected trim30 xDriveXLE
Body styleSUVSUV
Drivetrainall wheel driveall wheel drive
Fuel typepremium unleaded (required)regular unleaded
Transmission8-speed shiftable automatic8-speed shiftable automatic
Engine typemild hybridgas
Model year20262026

Pricing & market

SpecBMW X330 xDriveToyota HighlanderXLE
MSRP$51,300$46,270 (best)
Lowest listing price$55,522 (best)—
Median listing price$60,087 (best)—
Highest listing price$74,872 (best)—
For sale now7 (best)0

Fuel economy & range

SpecBMW X330 xDriveToyota HighlanderXLE
Combined MPG29 MPG (best)24 MPG
City MPG27 MPG (best)21 MPG
Highway MPG33 MPG (best)28 MPG
Fuel tank17.2 gal17.9 gal (best)

Performance

SpecBMW X330 xDriveToyota HighlanderXLE
Horsepower255 hp265 hp (best)
Torque295 lb-ft310 lb-ft (best)
Engine size2 L2.4 L (best)
CylindersI4I4

Size & capability

SpecBMW X330 xDriveToyota HighlanderXLE
Seating5 seats7 seats (best)
Doors44
Cargo volume67.1 cu ft84.3 cu ft (best)
Towing capacity—5,000 lbs (best)
Payload—1,225 lbs (best)
Curb weight4,176 lbs (best)4,376 lbs
Ground clearance8.5 in (best)8 in
Wheelbase112.8 in (best)112.2 in
Length187.2 in194.9 in (best)
Width75.6 in76 in (best)
Height65.4 in68.1 in (best)

Safety & recalls

SpecBMW X330 xDriveToyota HighlanderXLE
NHTSA overall4 / 5 ★5 / 5 ★ (best)
Frontal crash (driver)4 / 5 ★4 / 5 ★
Frontal crash (passenger)4 / 5 ★4 / 5 ★
Side crash (driver)5 / 5 ★5 / 5 ★
Side crash (passenger)5 / 5 ★5 / 5 ★
Side pole5 / 5 ★5 / 5 ★
Rollover4 / 5 ★4 / 5 ★
Open recalls (YMM scope)2None reported (best)

Highlighted values indicate the better figure for that spec when a clear winner exists. Specs reflect the selected trim for each vehicle. Drag a vehicle header to reorder columns. MSRP and specifications are manufacturer data; listing prices and inventory come from live dealer listings. Safety ratings are from NHTSA.

Trim overview

All available trims with MSRP. The trim selected above is highlighted; comparison specs use that selection.

TrimBMW X3Toyota Highlander
1

30 xDrive

$51,300 MSRP(Currently comparing)

XLE

$46,270 MSRP(Currently comparing)

2

M50 xDrive

$66,500 MSRP

XLE

$48,020 MSRP

3—

XSE

$48,340 MSRP

4—

Limited

$50,725 MSRP

5—

Limited

$52,475 MSRP

6—

Platinum

$53,925 MSRP

7—

Platinum

$55,675 MSRP

Live inventory

BMW X3 vs Toyota Highlander FAQ

Which is better: 2026 BMW X3 or 2026 Toyota Highlander?
It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2026 BMW X3 vs 2026 Toyota Highlander on MSRP, fuel economy, horsepower, seating, towing, NHTSA safety ratings, and live market prices so you can weigh the tradeoffs.
Which costs less: 2026 BMW X3 or 2026 Toyota Highlander?
Based on starting MSRP, the 2026 Toyota Highlander starts lower at $46,270. Live BMW X3 listings start at $55,522.
Which has better startingMsrp: 2026 BMW X3 or 2026 Toyota Highlander?
The 2026 Toyota Highlander leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (46,270).
Which has better combinedMpg: 2026 BMW X3 or 2026 Toyota Highlander?
The 2026 Toyota Highlander leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (35).
Which has better horsepower: 2026 BMW X3 or 2026 Toyota Highlander?
The 2026 BMW X3 leads on horsepower in this comparison (393).
Which has better seats: 2026 BMW X3 or 2026 Toyota Highlander?
The 2026 Toyota Highlander leads on seats in this comparison (7).
Which has better maxTowingLbs: 2026 BMW X3 or 2026 Toyota Highlander?
The 2026 Toyota Highlander leads on maxTowingLbs in this comparison (5,000).
How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2026 BMW X3 vs 2026 Toyota Highlander?
NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: BMW X3 (4/5 NHTSA overall); Toyota Highlander (5/5 NHTSA overall).