Toyota LandCruiser 70 vs BMW X3
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular cars compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The Toyota LandCruiser 70 starts from $65,690 before on-road costs, while the BMW X3 opens at $86,100. That makes the Toyota LandCruiser 70 the more affordable entry point by $20,410.
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 $72,259 and $94,710 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the BMW X3 by roughly $5,560 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Toyota LandCruiser 70 and BMW X3 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 85% for the Toyota LandCruiser 70 and 93% for the BMW X3.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. Both models are evenly matched with 5 out of 10 key ADAS systems.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 2 in the Toyota LandCruiser 70 and 6 in the BMW X3.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems.
The BMW X3 counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging and Harman Kardon audio that the Toyota LandCruiser 70 does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Toyota LandCruiser 70 uses a Diesel producing 151kW and 430Nm of torque, sent through a manual to a 4WD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 12 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 Toyota LandCruiser 70 has the clear power advantage at 151kW vs 150kW. In the real-world sprint, the BMW X3 is 6.0s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Toyota LandCruiser 70 measures 4,990mm long on a 3,085mm wheelbase, 235mm longer than the BMW X3 at 4,755mm (2,865mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Toyota LandCruiser 70 generally means more rear legroom.
0For towing, the Toyota LandCruiser 70 leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 2,500kg. That 1,000kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.8m to 12.1m
Based on 11.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 12.1m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $3,050/year for the Toyota LandCruiser 70 and $1,938/year for the BMW X3. That is a $1,112 annual difference in favour of the BMW X3.
Estimated annual total: $3,050 (Toyota LandCruiser 70) vs $1,938 (BMW X3). The BMW X3 saves you roughly $1,112 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Toyota LandCruiser 70) vs 5 years / 999,999km (BMW X3). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Toyota LandCruiser 70 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need stronger towing, or prefer Toyota's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the BMW X3 if: You want lower running costs, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Toyota LandCruiser 70 and BMW X3 trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The BMW X3 will save you roughly $1,112 a year in fuel. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Toyota LandCruiser 70 and BMW X3?
The Toyota LandCruiser 70 is the cheapest at $65,690 before on-road costs. That undercuts the BMW X3 by $20,410.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The BMW X3 uses the least fuel at 6.8L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Toyota LandCruiser 70 and BMW X3 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The BMW X3 has the largest boot at 570L.
Which can tow the most?
The Toyota LandCruiser 70 has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Toyota LandCruiser 70 makes the most power at 151kW. The BMW X3 is quickest to 100km/h in 6s.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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