2021 BMW X3 vs 2020 Cadillac XT4

The 2020 Cadillac XT4, with its Premium Luxury trim, offered a blend of elegance and comfort, albeit with a less sporty demeanor. It featured front-wheel drive, Silver Radiant metallic paint, and 20-inch aluminum wheels, along with a navigation system and a Bose premium audio system. The XT4's exterior was striking, especially with the 20-inch wheels, showcasing a crisp and tailored design, though the front overhang was somewhat excessive. Inside, the cabin was mostly pleasant, with competitive quality materials, though some elements, like the plain black trim around the power window controls, fell short of luxury expectations.

In contrast, the 2021 BMW X3, part of its third generation, presented a refined and luxurious small SUV experience. The X3's design echoed the larger BMW X5, offering a downsized yet sophisticated appearance. Inside, the X3 maintained BMW's signature cold, mechanical styling, which, while not as visually appealing as some competitors, provided a functional and user-friendly dashboard. The X3 was available in several trims, including the sDrive30i, xDrive30i, M40i, and the xDrive30e plug-in hybrid, each offering a range of standard and optional features to enhance the driving experience.

The 2020 Cadillac XT4 was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 237 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided a lively driving experience, thanks to its broad torque band. However, the front-wheel-drive setup could lead to slip and torque steer, issues that could be mitigated with the optional twin-clutch all-wheel-drive system. The nine-speed automatic transmission offered smooth shifts but was sometimes hesitant to downshift, even in Sport mode. The XT4's ride and handling were mixed, with good steering effort in Tour mode but an artificially heavy feel in Sport mode. The oversized wheels provided impressive grip, but the suspension struggled with speed humps and smaller road imperfections.

The 2021 BMW X3 offered a range of powertrains, starting with the sDrive30i and xDrive30i, both equipped with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivering 248 horsepower. This engine provided solid acceleration for city and highway driving. The xDrive30e plug-in hybrid produced 288 horsepower and offered brisk acceleration, with a 17-mile electric-only range. For those seeking performance, the M40i trim featured a 382-horsepower twin-turbo inline-six engine, delivering robust acceleration and responsive cornering. The X3 M performance model, with 473 horsepower, catered to those with a need for speed and space.

The 2020 Cadillac XT4 provided a comfortable experience for the driver and front passenger, with features like soft leather, heated and ventilated seats, and a heated steering wheel. The rear passenger compartment was spacious, though the seat cushion lacked support. The XT4's air conditioning system was highly effective, quickly cooling the cabin even in hot conditions. The interior offered ample storage space, with innovative features like an angled wireless smartphone charger. However, cargo space was limited, with 22.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 48.9 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2021 BMW X3 excelled in interior space, offering up to 62.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 28.7 cubic feet with them in use. The X3 provided ample headroom and legroom for all passengers, with a commanding driving position in the front. The interior featured real buttons and dials, complementing the main touchscreen and making it user-friendly for drivers and passengers alike.

The 2020 Cadillac XT4 featured the latest version of the Cadillac User Experience (CUE) system, which was more user-friendly than previous iterations. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a WiFi hotspot, and Bluetooth pairing. The 8-inch touchscreen was complemented by intuitive controls on the center console and steering wheel, as well as a voice-recognition system. However, the screen could have been larger, and integrating the climate system with voice commands would have been beneficial. The optional 13-speaker Bose Centerpoint surround audio system provided a satisfying listening experience.

The 2021 BMW X3 came standard with a 10.2-inch touchscreen running the iDrive infotainment system, known for its ease of use. It included Apple CarPlay, with Android Auto as an option. The system allowed for both touch and dial operation, catering to different user preferences. Optional features included wireless device charging, a fully digital instrument panel, and a 16-speaker Harman Kardon stereo system. Gesture control was also available, allowing for basic controls through hand movements.

The 2020 Cadillac XT4 came with standard safety features such as forward-collision warning, front pedestrian braking, and low-speed automatic emergency braking. It also included a rear-seat reminder and Teen Driver technology. Upgrading to Premium Luxury or Sport trim added blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic warning. The Driver Awareness Package offered additional features like automatic high-beam headlights and lane-keeping assistance. The XT4 received a 5-star safety rating from the NHTSA, though the IIHS had not completed all testing.

The 2021 BMW X3 offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, and pedestrian detection. It also included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Optional safety features included adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and a head-up display.