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BMW X3 vs Cadillac XT4

2025 BMW X3 vs 2025 Cadillac XT4 — two small SUVs compared on efficiency, size, safety and reliability.

BMW X3

2025 BMW X3

Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WDAWD/4WDHybrid/EV
VS2 – 4Cadillac XT4 wins 4 of 6 categories
Cadillac XT4

2025 Cadillac XT4

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 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

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)
24 city
$2,850
Fuel cost per year (EPA)
$3,150

Performance & space

393 hp
Horsepower (most powerful)
–
187.4 in
Length
181.1 in
75.6 in
Width
76.8 in
65.4 in
Height
64.2 in
4,535 lb
Curb weight (lightest)
3,660 lb

Safety & reliability

★★★★
NHTSA overall rating
★★★★★
11
Driver-assist features standard
–
9
Recalls (2025)
1
62
Recalls, all years since 2005
8
38
Owner complaints (latest year)
10

Interest

24,272
Wikipedia views, 30 days
3,000

Buying used

2023
Best used year
2023
2020
Year to avoid
2020

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 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.
  • 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 →