BMW 3 Series vs. Toyota Camry

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the BMW 3 Series and Toyota Camry contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the BMW 3 Series and the Toyota Camry.

When comparing the BMW 3 Series's and the Toyota Camry's specifications and ratings, the BMW 3 Series has the advantage in the area of base engine power. The Toyota Camry has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and fuel efficiency, reliability, resale value, interior volume and overall quality score. Based on this comparison of the BMW 3 Series's and the Toyota Camry's specifications and ratings, the Toyota Camry is a better car than the BMW 3 Series.

Pricing: A used 2024 BMW 3 Series ranges from $30,988 to $58,995 while a used 2024 Toyota Camry is priced between $22,990 to $35,854. For a new model, the BMW 3 Series's price is between $44,731 and $67,170, with the Toyota Camry priced between $26,360 and $39,529.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the BMW 3 Series loses 51.4 percent of its value and the Toyota Camry loses 35.5 percent of its value. This means the Toyota Camry retains 16 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the BMW 3 Series.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the BMW 3 Series is 7.7 out of 10 while the Toyota Camry's quality rating is 8.6 out of 10. This results in the BMW 3 Series being ranked 16 out of 35 Best Luxury Small Cars and the Toyota Camry being ranked 3 out of 11 Best Midsize Cars.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the BMW 3 Series is 7.3 out of 10. For the Toyota Camry the reliability rating is 8.0 out of 10. This gives the Toyota Camry a slight advantage in reliability compared to the BMW 3 Series.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the BMW 3 Series’s base engine makes 255 horsepower, and the Toyota Camry base engine makes 203 horsepower. The 3 Series is rated to deliver an average of 29 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 530 miles. The Camry is rated to deliver an average of 32 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 616 miles. This gives the Toyota Camry the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the BMW 3 Series. The 3 Series uses premium unleaded, and the Camry uses regular unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: The Toyota Camry, a midsize car, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front shoulder room, front leg room, rear head room, rear shoulder room and rear leg room. The BMW 3 Series, a compact car, has the advantage in the areas of front head room cargo space.

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the BMW 3 Series and the Toyota Camry have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars. When comparing IIHS evaluations, the Toyota Camry has the advantage with a Top Safety Pick award.