BMW X3 vs Kia Sportage
What's the difference?

BMW X3

$88,100 - $131,400

2026 price

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Kia Sportage

$29,999 - $64,220

2025 price

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Summary

2026 BMW X3

2025 Kia Sportage

By Mark Oastler

By Andrew Chesterton

Safety Rating

Engine Type

—

Inline 4, 2.0L

Fuel Type

—

Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

—

8.1L/100km (combined)

Seating

—

Likes

M performance
Rear seat knee/headroom
Versatile family/driver’s car

Svelte styling
Sorted ride
Spacious backseat and boot

Dislikes

No ANCAP
Prefers premium fuel
Rear seat shoulder room for three adults

Slightly weird slow-speed steering
Feels under-specced in cheaper grades
Short and expensive service intervals for hybrid

2026 BMW X3 Summary

BMW has recently launched its fourth-generation (G45) X3 range, which comprises three petrol variants including the entry-level 20 xDrive, mid-grade 30e xDrive PHEV and top-shelf M50 xDrive.

The new trio brings revised powertrains, new exterior and interior styling, increased standard equipment, enhanced technology and an emphasis on the use of sustainable materials.

We recently trialled the five-seater flagship to see if it has the right mix of performance and practicality to maintain the X3’s enduring appeal for Aussie families.

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2025 Kia Sportage Summary

An updated Sportage is a big deal for Kia. It's the brand's best-selling model in Australia and around the world, and arguably has never faced more and stiffer competition.

There's a new Mazda CX-5 around the corner, this time with a hybrid, and Toyota has just whipped the covers off its new RAV4. And that's before you mention Hyundai, Volkswagen, Honda or the litany of Chinese newcomers all here for slice of the pie.

Kia tells us this mid-life update is designed to look better, drive better, offer better tech, better safety and better equipment right across a vast range that includes petrol, diesel, hybrid, two-wheel drive, all-wheel drive, turbo and non-turbo alike.

So the question is, is all of that enough to keep the Sportage fresh in the face of all this new competition? Let's go find out.

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Deep dive comparison

2026 BMW X3 2025 Kia Sportage

Verdict

This is a highly competent all-rounder, given that it has the comfort and practicality for urban family duties yet with its revered M breeding can produce a level of performance which, in competent hands, could hold its own at a track day where its capabilities could be safely explored.

Verdict

The Sportage still feels like a super solid offering in its segment, plus the addition of more hybrid options is only going to help.

It does feel a little under-specced in the lower grades, though, considering the everything-and-the-kitchen-sink approach taken by its Chinese rivals.

I feel like I should almost whisper this bit, given it's a dirty word at the moment, but that diesel engine, it's a real peach, and if I wasn't afraid of being run out of Sydney's inner west with pitchforks, that's probably the one I'd be choosing.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with meals provided.

BMW X3 vs Kia Sportage What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

BMW X3 vs Kia Sportage
What's the difference?