2021 BMW X3 vs 2020 GMC Acadia

The 2020 GMC Acadia was marketed as a premium SUV, positioned between Chevrolet and Cadillac in terms of luxury. Built on the same platform as the Cadillac XT5, the Acadia shared many components with its sibling brands. The Denali trim, in particular, aimed to convey upscale aspirations with its brightwork and intricate detailing on the front grille. The cabin, while featuring leather upholstery and real open-pore wood trim, still contained a mix of soft surfaces and hard plastic panels, which somewhat diluted its premium feel.

In contrast, the 2021 BMW X3, introduced in its third generation in 2018, received updates including a plug-in hybrid model and M performance variants. The X3's design aimed to mirror the larger, more expensive BMW models, presenting a downsized version of the X5. Inside, the X3 featured a functional yet cold, mechanical interior styling typical of BMW. While not as aesthetically pleasing as the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, the X3's dashboard was more functional, providing a balance between luxury and practicality.

The 2020 GMC Acadia offered three engine options. Lower trims came with a 193-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. The SLT trim featured a new turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 230 hp and 258 pound-feet of torque. The AT4 and Denali trims boasted a 310-hp 3.6-liter V6 engine. All engines were paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, with front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) options. The AT4 trim had a unique dual-clutch AWD system and all-terrain tires. The V6 engine provided smooth, refined power and a towing capacity of up to 4,000 pounds. The test vehicle averaged 20.1 mpg in combined driving, slightly below the EPA rating of 21 mpg.

The 2021 BMW X3 sDrive30i and xDrive30i trims came with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 248 horsepower and paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The sDrive30i featured rear-wheel drive (RWD), while the xDrive30i had all-wheel drive (AWD). The xDrive30e plug-in hybrid offered 288 hp and a 17-mile electric-only range, with recharging times of 3.5 hours using a 240-volt charger or almost 12 hours with a 120-volt outlet. The M40i trim featured a 382-hp twin-turbo inline-six engine, providing robust acceleration and responsive cornering. For those seeking even more performance, the X3 M model delivered 473 hp.

The 2020 GMC Acadia could seat five, six, or seven passengers, depending on the trim level and configuration. The Denali trim featured standard second-row captain’s chairs, with an option for a bench seat. The front seats were wide, supportive, and 10-way power-adjustable, with heating and ventilation. The second-row captain’s chairs were also heated, and rear passengers had access to air conditioning vents, USB ports, and a household-style power outlet. Cargo space measured 12.1 cubic feet behind the third-row seat, expanding to 41.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 79 cubic feet with the second row folded.

The 2021 BMW X3 offered up to 62.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, and 28.7 cubic feet with the seats in use. A power liftgate was standard, with an optional hands-free power liftgate. The X3 provided ample headroom and legroom for front and rear passengers, with a commanding driving position. The interior featured real buttons and dials to complement the main touchscreen, making it user-friendly.

The 2020 GMC Acadia came standard with Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and GMC Connected Services, including a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The 8-inch touchscreen had a higher resolution display, simplified user experience, and improved voice recognition. Additional technology included new USB-C ports, a more powerful wireless charging pad, a high-definition surround-view camera, and a rear camera mirror.

The 2021 BMW X3 featured a 10.2-inch touchscreen running the iDrive infotainment system, which was user-friendly. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, with Android Auto as an option. Other options included wireless device charging, a fully digital instrument panel, and a 16-speaker Harman Kardon premium stereo system. Gesture control was also available, allowing basic controls through hand movements.

The 2020 GMC Acadia included standard safety features such as a rear-seat reminder system, Teen Driver technology, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic warning. However, advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) like forward collision warning and low-speed automatic emergency braking were only available on higher trims. The Acadia received 5-star ratings in most NHTSA crash tests but had incomplete IIHS data.

The 2021 BMW X3 came standard with advanced driver-assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and front-and-rear parking sensors. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, headlights that bend with the road, and a head-up display.