2021 BMW X3 vs 2020 Honda CR-V

The 2020 Honda CR-V, part of Honda’s fifth generation of compact crossovers, had a design that was both familiar and enjoyable. Its exterior featured curvy, car-like lines with a family resemblance to Honda’s sedan lineup, giving it a station wagon-like appearance rather than a traditional SUV look. This design made it a modern family transportation staple. However, the interior was a mix of high and low-quality materials. While pricier models boasted wood-look trim and leather upholstery, these upscale touches clashed with the low-quality plastics, reminding drivers that even the expensive versions were upgrades of a commodity car rather than true premium products.

In contrast, the 2021 BMW X3, introduced in its third generation in 2018, received updates in 2020, including a plug-in hybrid model and M performance variants. The redesign refined the X3 formula, giving it the exterior and interior presence of larger, more expensive BMW models. The X3’s exterior resembled a downsized BMW X5, while the interior featured the same cold, mechanical styling found across the BMW lineup. Although not as aesthetically pleasing as the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, the X3’s dash was more functional. The trims for the 2021 X3 included sDrive30i, xDrive30i, M40i, and the xDrive30e plug-in hybrid, with the high-performance X3 M covered separately.

For the 2020 model year, the Honda CR-V lineup was simplified by replacing the previous base engine with a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine, making 190 horsepower and 179 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). This powertrain provided a well-matched performance for the CR-V, with the CVT offering a credible imitation of a conventional automatic transmission. The CR-V’s road manners were excellent, driving much like a small sedan with nimble handling and a firm yet comfortable chassis. Its low curb weight of 3,337 pounds for the FWD LX model contributed to its agility and fuel efficiency, with FWD models rated at 30 miles per gallon combined and AWD models at 29 mpg.

The 2021 BMW X3 sDrive30i and xDrive30i came equipped with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 248 horsepower through an eight-speed automatic transmission. The sDrive30i had rear-wheel drive, while the xDrive30i featured all-wheel drive. The xDrive30e plug-in hybrid powertrain made 288 hp, offering brisk acceleration and a 17-mile electric-only range. The M40i trim featured a 382-hp twin-turbo inline-six engine, delivering robust acceleration and responsive cornering abilities. For those seeking even more performance, the 473-hp X3 M performance model was available.

The 2020 Honda CR-V excelled in interior space and clever storage solutions. Its cabin was as roomy as the class giant, the Volkswagen Tiguan, with excellent head- and legroom for both the driver and passengers. The cargo compartment matched the Tiguan in volume, offering 75.8 cubic feet of space with the rear seats folded. The CR-V featured a deep center console with a sliding cover, influenced by Honda’s Odyssey minivan, and a two-position load floor in the rear for maximizing cargo space or creating a flat floor. Even the door pockets were spacious, making the CR-V easy to live with.

The 2021 BMW X3 provided 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 a hands-free option available. The X3’s cabin was spacious for all passengers, with plenty of headroom and legroom in the front row and adult-friendly rear seats. The driver and front passenger benefited from real buttons and dials to complement the main touchscreen, making the X3 user-friendly.

The 2020 Honda CR-V showed its age in terms of infotainment. The base LX trim featured a 5-inch screen with limited functionality, while higher trims had a 7-inch touchscreen that still felt small compared to competitors. The infotainment system lacked hard buttons, making it challenging to operate, and even Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration felt tacked on. However, the CR-V did offer plenty of USB ports in the EX trim and above, with two in the front and two high-powered ports in the backseat. The Touring trim added a wireless phone charger for 2020.

The 2021 BMW X3 came standard with a 10.2-inch touchscreen running the iDrive infotainment system, which was user-friendly compared to other luxury systems. The combination of touch operation and the iDrive dial in the center console catered to different user preferences. The X3 included standard Apple CarPlay, with Android Auto as an option. Other available features included wireless device charging, a fully digital instrument panel, and a 16-speaker Harman Kardon premium stereo system. Gesture control was also an option, allowing basic controls through hand movements.

The 2020 Honda CR-V came standard with the “Honda Sensing” system, which included forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, road-departure mitigation, and adaptive cruise control with lane-keeping assist. EX trims and above added blind-spot monitoring and cross-traffic monitoring. The CR-V earned five stars in NHTSA crash testing and a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS, with the Touring trim’s LED headlights improving nighttime visibility.

The 2021 BMW X3 included standard advanced driver-assistance features such as 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 safety features included adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, headlights that bend with the road, and a head-up display.