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BMW X3 vs Infiniti QX50

2025 BMW X3 vs 2025 Infiniti QX50 — two small SUVs compared on efficiency, size, safety and reliability.

BMW X3

2025 BMW X3

Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WDAWD/4WDHybrid/EV
VS2 – 5Infiniti QX50 wins 5 of 7 categories
Infiniti QX50

2025 Infiniti QX50

Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WDAWD/4WD

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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 2 inches longer.

In NHTSA crash tests the Infiniti QX50 scores higher overall (5 vs 4 stars).

Across all model years since 2005, the Infiniti QX50 has had fewer recall campaigns (7 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 Infiniti QX50 is a small SUV offered with a 2.0L 4-cyl turbo engine and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. It measures about 185 inches long and 75 inches wide on a 110-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,173 lb.

Buying used? The 2023 X3 and the 2015 QX50 have the fewest problems in our data; avoid the 2020 X3 and the 2019 QX50.

Basics

Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Hybrid
Fuel
Premium Gasoline
2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.0L 4-cyl turbo
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl turbo
All-Wheel Drive
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive

Efficiency

29 MPG
Best combined MPG
26 MPG
27 city
City / highway MPG (best)
23 city
$2,850
Fuel cost per year (EPA)
$3,150

Performance & space

393 hp
Horsepower (most powerful)
–
187.4 in
Length
185 in
75.6 in
Width
75.2 in
65.4 in
Height
66.1 in
4,535 lb
Curb weight (lightest)
4,173 lb

Safety & reliability

★★★★
NHTSA overall rating
★★★★★
11
Driver-assist features standard
13
9
Recalls (2025)
0
62
Recalls, all years since 2005
7
38
Owner complaints (latest year)
1

Interest

24,272
Wikipedia views, 30 days
3,342

Buying used

2023
Best used year
2015
2020
Year to avoid
2019

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 a hybrid or electric option

Choose the Infiniti QX50 if…

  • Crash-test stars matter most (5 vs 4)
  • You want more standard driver-assist tech
  • You put reliability history first (7 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 Infiniti QX50

  • AWD / 4WD available
  • 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
  • Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
  • No recalls so far
  • Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.

Full 2025 BMW X3 specs →Full 2025 Infiniti QX50 specs →Compare fuel costs for your driving →Compare size & garage fit →