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BMW 3 Series Saloon vs Toyota RAV4 comparison

Compare performance (530 HP vs 309 HP), boot space and price (39,900 £ vs 37,700 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – BMW 3 Series Saloon or Toyota RAV4?

BMW 3 Series Saloon vs Toyota RAV4: Key differences

BMW 3 Series Saloon

  • significantly more power
  • substantially quicker 0–100 km/h
  • barely lighter
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Toyota RAV4

4.8 (8 Reviews)
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  • barely cheaper
  • substantially more efficient
  • visibly more electric range
  • barely more trunk space
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All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.

By Achim Sedelmaier

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

3 Series Saloon

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are often the first things buyers look at. Here it becomes clear which model has the long-term edge – whether at the pump, the plug, or in purchase price.

Toyota RAV4 is barely cheaper – starting at 37,700 £ , while the BMW 3 Series Saloon costs 39,900 £ . That’s a price difference of around 2,237 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Toyota RAV4 uses 1.3 L/100km and is substantially more efficient than the BMW 3 Series Saloon with 2.4 L/100km. The difference is about 1.1 L/100km.

As for electric range, the Toyota RAV4 offers visibly more range – reaching up to 137 km, about 36 km more than the BMW 3 Series Saloon.

RAV4

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration say a lot about how a car feels on the road. This is where you see which model delivers more driving dynamics.

When it comes to engine power, the BMW 3 Series Saloon offers significantly more power – delivering 530 HP compared to 309 HP. That’s roughly 221 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the BMW 3 Series Saloon is substantially quicker – completing the sprint in 3.5 s, while the Toyota RAV4 takes 5.8 s. That’s about 2.3 s quicker.

3 Series Saloon

Space and Everyday Use:

Beyond pure performance, interior space and usability matter most in daily life. This is where you see which car is more practical and versatile.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, BMW 3 Series Saloon is barely lighter – 1,575 kg compared to 1,655 kg. The difference is around 80 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Toyota RAV4 offers barely more boot space – 514 L compared to 480 L. That’s a difference of about 34 L.

When it comes to payload, the Toyota RAV4 carries somewhat more – 610 kg compared to 495 kg. That’s a difference of about 115 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Toyota RAV4 is narrowly ahead in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from £37,700
RAV4

Toyota RAV4

  • Engine Type : Full Hybrid, Plugin Hybrid
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 185 - 309 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 1.3 - 5.3 L/100km
  • Electric Range : 133 - 137 km
BMW 3 Series Saloon
Toyota RAV4

Costs and Consumption

View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance

View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body

View detailed analysis

BMW 3 Series Saloon

The BMW 3 Series saloon is a driver's car in a suit, blending poised handling with a cabin that feels more premium than its practicality suggests. It’s composed enough for daily duties yet playful enough to keep weekend drives interesting, making it a sensible choice for buyers who still want to have fun.

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Toyota RAV4

The Toyota RAV4 is a well-rounded compact SUV that pairs everyday practicality with a comfortable, composed ride and generous cargo space, making it a sensible choice for families and active lifestyles. Its strong reputation for reliability, efficient drivetrains, and straightforward technology gives it wide appeal whether you value economy, comfort, or capability.

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BMW 3 Series Saloon
Toyota RAV4

Costs and Consumption

Price
39,900 - 91,000 £
Price
37,700 - 54,200 £
Consumption L/100km
2.4 - 10.1 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
1.3 - 5.3 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
96 - 101 km
Electric Range
133 - 137 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
54 - 227 g/km
co2
30 - 121 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
Sedan
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,575 - 1,960 kg
Curb weight
1,655 - 1,960 kg
Trunk capacity
375 - 480 L
Trunk capacity
446 - 514 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,827 - 1,903 mm
Width
1,880 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
405 - 495 kg
Payload
515 - 610 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Diesel MHEV, Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid
Engine Type
Full Hybrid, Plugin Hybrid
Transmission
Automatic, Manuel
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox, Manual Gearbox
Transmission Detail
CVT
Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
150 - 530 HP
Power HP
185 - 309 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.5 - 8.6 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
5.8 - 8 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
250 - 700 Nm
Torque
-
Number of Cylinders
4 - 6
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
110 - 390 kW
Power kW
136 - 227 kW
Engine capacity
1,995 - 2,998 cm3
Engine capacity
2,487 cm3

General

Model Year
2,024 - 2,025
Model Year
2026
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, E, F, G, B
CO2 Efficiency Class
C, D, B
Brand
BMW
Brand
Toyota
DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.