DecodedCarsBMW X3 vs Cadillac XT4
2025 BMW X3 vs 2025 Cadillac XT4 — two small SUVs compared on efficiency, size, safety and reliability.
The short version
The BMW X3 is more fuel-efficient: 29 vs 26 MPG combined in its best version.
That works out to about $300 a year less in fuel for the BMW X3 (EPA estimate, 15,000 miles).
The BMW X3 is the bigger car, about 6 inches longer.
In NHTSA crash tests the Cadillac XT4 scores higher overall (5 vs 4 stars).
Across all model years since 2005, the Cadillac XT4 has had fewer recall campaigns (8 vs 62).
The two cars
The 2025 BMW X3 is a small SUV offered with 2 engines (2.0L 4-cyl turbo and 3.0L 4-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version and all-wheel drive. It measures about 187 inches long and 76 inches wide on a 113-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,535 lb.
The 2025 Cadillac XT4 is a small SUV offered with a 2.0L 4-cyl turbo engine and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. It measures about 181 inches long and 77 inches wide on a 109-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,896 lb (4dr SUV AWD).
Buying used? The 2023 X3 and the 2023 XT4 have the fewest problems in our data; avoid the 2020 X3 and the 2020 XT4.
Basics
Efficiency
Performance & space
Safety & reliability
Interest
Green = clearly better. Prices are not included. How we calculate this →
Which one should you choose?
Choose the BMW X3 if…
- You want lower fuel bills (29 vs 26 MPG)
- You want more room (6 in longer)
- You want a hybrid or electric option
Choose the Cadillac XT4 if…
- You want something easier to park (6 in shorter)
- Crash-test stars matter most (5 vs 4)
- You want more standard driver-assist tech
- You put reliability history first (8 vs 62 recalls since 2005)
Pros & cons of each
2025 BMW X3
- Strong performanceUp to 393 hp, versus about 312 hp for similar 2025 models.
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
- 9 recallsMore than similar models (about 2). Confirm repairs with the VIN.
2025 Cadillac XT4
- AWD / 4WD available
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
- Lots of standard safety tech4 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Full 2025 BMW X3 specs →Full 2025 Cadillac XT4 specs →Compare fuel costs for your driving →Compare size & garage fit →