Mazda CX-90 vs BMW X3

The Mazda CX-90 starts from $74,385 before on-road costs, while the BMW X3 opens at $86,100. That makes the Mazda CX-90 the more affordable entry point by $11,715.

Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $81,824 and $94,710 respectively.

Over 5 years, the running costs favour the BMW X3 by roughly $1,995 in fuel alone.

Both the Mazda CX-90 and BMW X3 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 91% for the Mazda CX-90 and 93% for the BMW X3.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Mazda CX-90 packs more ADAS features with 6 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 5 in the BMW X3.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the Mazda CX-90 and 6 in the BMW X3.

The Mazda CX-90 features a 10.3-inch touchscreen, while the BMW X3 gets a 14.9-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Mazda CX-90 stands out with power tailgate that you will not find on the BMW X3. The BMW X3 counters with Harman Kardon audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

The Mazda CX-90 uses a Petrol producing 254kW and 500Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.8 seconds.

The BMW X3 responds with a Petrol making 150kW and 310Nm, paired to a auto driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6 seconds.

The Mazda CX-90 has the clear power advantage at 254kW vs 150kW. In the real-world sprint, the BMW X3 is 1.8s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The Mazda CX-90 measures 5,100mm long on a 3,120mm wheelbase, 345mm longer than the BMW X3 at 4,755mm (2,865mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mazda CX-90 generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 257L in the Mazda CX-90 and 570L in the BMW X3, giving the BMW X3 a 313L advantage. The Mazda CX-90 seats 7 vs 5.

For towing, the BMW X3 leads with a 2,500kg braked capacity vs 2,000kg. That 500kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,337/year for the Mazda CX-90 and $1,938/year for the BMW X3. That is a $399 annual difference in favour of the BMW X3.

Estimated annual total: $2,337 (Mazda CX-90) vs $1,938 (BMW X3). The BMW X3 saves you roughly $399 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.

Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda CX-90) vs 5 years / 999,999km (BMW X3). Both match on warranty length.