BMW X3 vs Toyota C-HR

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP lists the BMW X3 at 5 stars (2025) and the Toyota C-HR at 5 stars (2024). ANCAP tested these in different years (2025 vs 2024). Its criteria get stricter about every three years, so the stars are not like for like. Adult occupant protection scored 88% for the BMW X3 and 85% for the Toyota C-HR, under different test years.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 7 of 10 key ADAS systems on the BMW X3, against 5 on the Toyota C-HR.

Both include the essentials: lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the BMW X3 and 10 in the Toyota C-HR.

Recalls on our record

A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.

Feature Showdown

The BMW X3 features a 14.9-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Toyota C-HR gets a 12.3-inch display and 7-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The BMW X3 stands out with wireless charging, heated front seats, power tailgate and Bowers & Wilkins audio — features our data doesn't list for the Toyota C-HR. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the BMW X3 gets merino leather upholstery while the Toyota C-HR offers cloth. Climate control is 4-zone in the BMW X3 and 2-zone in the Toyota C-HR.

Drivetrain

The BMW X3 uses a Petrol producing 140kW and 310Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.5 seconds.

The Toyota C-HR responds with a Petrol making 103kW and 142Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 10.2 seconds.

The BMW X3 has the clear power advantage at 140kW vs 103kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the BMW X3 is 1.7s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Space & Comfort

The BMW X3 measures 4,755mm long on a 2,865mm wheelbase, 393mm longer than the Toyota C-HR at 4,362mm (2,640mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BMW X3 generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 570L in the BMW X3 and 388L in the Toyota C-HR, giving the BMW X3 a 182L advantage.

For towing, the BMW X3 leads with a 2,400kg braked capacity vs 725kg. That 1,675kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Neither U-turns in one sweep on a 7 m local street (both need a three-point turn); the Toyota C-HR's turning circle is 1.7 m tighter, 10.4 m against 12.1 m kerb to kerb. The street estimate is indicative, worked from the published turning circles.

Cost to own

At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the BMW X3 costs about $2,138 a year (7.5 L/100km) and fuel for the Toyota C-HR about $1,140 a year (4 L/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh.

Warranty: 5 years / Unlimited (BMW X3) and 5 years / Unlimited (Toyota C-HR).

Where each one leads

The BMW X3: more power (140kW against 103kW), the bigger boot with the seats up (570L against 388L) and the higher braked towing limit (2,400kg against 725kg).

The Toyota C-HR: the lower starting price ($46,940 against $86,100).

The Verdict

Toyota C-HR scores higher, 80 vs 73

The Toyota C-HR scores 80 to the BMW X3's 73 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 1 of the 5 spec rows that separate them, at the lower price. The biggest gaps: practicality (BMW X3 ahead by 24 points), performance (BMW X3 ahead by 22 points). Boot space with the seats up: 570L in the BMW X3, 388L in the Toyota C-HR.

Common questions