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BMW X3 vs Nissan Pathfinder

What's the difference?

VS
BMW X3
BMW X3

$86,100 - $128,900

2025 price

Nissan Pathfinder
Nissan Pathfinder

$53,290 - $85,881

2024 price

Summary

2025 BMW X3
2024 Nissan Pathfinder
Safety Rating

Engine Type
Turbo 4, 2.0L

V6, 3.5L
Fuel Type
Premium Unleaded Petrol

Premium Unleaded Petrol
Fuel Efficiency
0.0L/100km (combined)

10.5L/100km (combined)
Seating
5

8
Dislikes
  • Panoramic sunroof doesn't open
  • Gear selector seems fiddly
  • Strictly a five-seater

  • Fuel economy
  • No third-row top tethers
  • Space saver spare
2025 BMW X3 Summary

If you’ve ever wondered when cars will stop getting bigger…continue to wonder. Because if you’re BMW, it hasn’t happened yet.

The new, fourth-generation BMW X3 is here now and as well as being bigger in every dimension apart from height, it also ushers in revised versions of existing tech, a standardisation of what was once optional and has brought hybridisation to every model in the new line-up.

Just as the 3 Series was once BMW’s bread-and-butter model, in the SUV age, at least some of that responsibility must fall at the X3’s feet. So it’s an important model and one that BMW must get right. At the same time, the new X3 brings into the spotlight the latest corporate design language and BMW, as much as any carmaker, knows how risky that can be.

The brand also understands how divisive the latest interface technology can be, but has elected to fit it to the X3 anyway. That’s faith in the product, right there. But will punters be of the same opinion?

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Interested in a BMW X3?
2024 Nissan Pathfinder Summary

The Nissan Pathfinder has evolved over the years from what was quite a rough-and-tumble Ford Everest style vehicle to a remarkably plush three-row family SUV.

Although it took a while to reach Australia, when the fifth-generation version landed in late 2022 it was a huge leap over its predecessor. And yet it has been a relatively slow seller in Australia.

In the first half of 2024 only 405 were registered, less than a tenth of the segment benchmark Toyota Kluger (5861 sales).

This can be largely attributed to a lack of choice in the Pathfinder range, following Nissan culling entry-grade variants early on leaving only the relatively expensive Ti and Ti-L grades, both fitted with a V6 petrol engine. 

To increase customer choice, Nissan has reintroduced the ST-L mid-spec trim with the option of front-wheel drive for under $60,000, before on-road costs. But is it a good buy?

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Interested in a Nissan Pathfinder?

Deep dive comparison

2025 BMW X3 2024 Nissan Pathfinder

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