X3 vs NX 250
The X3 and the NX 250 sit in the same compact luxury suv class, but BMW and Lexus don’t always agree on what matters most. It’s a tight one. Few of the gaps between these two are big enough to change how the car fits into your day.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance X3 wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance4.0
- Engine & Performance0.0
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
-
The X3 has 52 hp more power
Put simply, the X3 is far ahead here: 255 hp compared with 203 hp. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
-
The X3 has 111 lb-ft more torque
The X3’s 295 lb-ft leaves the NX 250’s 184 lb-ft well behind, so if this spec matters to you, the choice is easy. More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
Design & Size
Engine & Performance
X3 leads
The X3 clearly takes the engine & performance round. The X3 gives you 52 hp more power. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board. Bottom line for engine & performance: the X3 has the edge.
Total system output
X3: 255 hp NX 250: 203 hp The X3’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
Torque
X3: 295 lb-ft NX 250: 184 lb-ft The X3’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
In the space & practicality category, the X3 and the NX 250 land in almost the same place. Both cover space & practicality well enough that other priorities should break the tie.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
Neither the X3 nor the NX 250 has a real advantage in the off-road & towing category. So off-road & towing is a non-factor here; move on to the areas where they actually differ.
Safety & Tech
The X3 and the NX 250 differ on safety & tech in ways that are described rather than measured. The table has the details.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | X3 | NX 250 |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas (48V mild hybrid) | Gas |
| Engine | 2.0L turbo I4 | 2.5L I4 |
| Total system output | 255 hp (winner) | 203 hp Least powerful in class |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft (winner) | 184 lb-ft Least torque in class |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD (xDrive) | FWD (AWD available) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | X3 | NX 250 |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | N/A (not specified) | 22.7 cu ft |
| Cargo (seats folded) | N/A (not specified) | 46.9 cu ft Least room, seats folded |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | X3 | NX 250 |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | X3 | NX 250 |
|---|---|---|
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
Price
| Spec | X3 | NX 250 |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $49,500 | N/A (not specified) |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the X3 if…
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (255 hp vs 203 hp)
- you often drive loaded up or with a trailer (295 lb-ft vs 184 lb-ft of torque)
- you’re loyal to BMW and happy with it
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the X3 or the NX 250?
On the specs compared here, the X3 makes more sense for most buyers; the NX 250 doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Executive Summary
Here’s my take on BMW’s X3 versus Lexus’s NX 250. Start with the headline difference (the X3 has 52 hp more power), and a lot of the decision falls into place.
The X3 is for you if engine & performance tops your list; the NX 250 is for you if the things a spec sheet can’t capture does.
My pick: the X3.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.