2021 BMW X3 vs 2020 Toyota 4Runner

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner had a timeless design characterized by tall slab sides, a high beltline, short overhangs, and a near-vertical front fascia. Its utilitarian attitude was reminiscent of an XJ Jeep Cherokee, with flared wheel wells designed to accommodate bulky off-road tires and short overhangs for tackling steep pitches and sharp declines. The hood scoop, a visual cue for the off-road-focused TRD trim, was one of the few non-functional elements. Small, angular headlights highlighted the front end, and the grille varied by trim, with body-color bars on most trims and blacked-out accents on the TRD Pro. The trim lineup included SR5, SR5 Premium, TRD Off-Road, TRD Off-Road Premium, TRD Pro, Limited, Nightshade Special Edition, and the new Venture Special Edition.

Our test model, a Limited trim, aimed at comfort rather than capability, featured leather upholstery and an 8-inch touchscreen. Despite the chrome and leather, the 4Runner's utilitarian DNA was evident with plenty of plastic and a seating position designed for off-roading rather than highway cruising. The Nightshade and Venture trims added a stealth aesthetic with blacked-out trim pieces, and the Venture trim included 17-inch TRD wheels and a Yakima Megawarrior roof rack.

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 outward appearance 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.

Trims for the 2021 BMW X3 included sDrive30i, xDrive30i, M40i, and the xDrive30e plug-in hybrid. The sDrive30i and xDrive30i came standard with 18-inch alloy wheels, push-button start, synthetic leather upholstery, tri-zone climate control, a 10.2-inch infotainment system, navigation, and 10-way power-adjustable front seats. Options included genuine leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, a hands-free power liftgate, heated-and-ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and wireless device charging. The M40i trim featured 19-inch alloy wheels, 14-way power-adjustable front seats, unique exterior styling, and an M Sport suspension.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner featured a 4-liter V6 engine with a 5-speed automatic transmission, producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. This engine was designed for durability and off-road capability rather than smoothness and efficiency. It offered a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds but had poor fuel economy, with EPA estimates of 16 mpg city, 19 highway, and 17 combined. Over 400-plus miles, we managed 17.7 mpg. The 4Runner excelled off-road, with body-on-frame construction and advanced traction systems like Toyota's CRAWL control and Multi-Terrain Select. The Limited trim featured a full-time 4WD system, while the TRD models had a part-time system for better off-road performance.

The 2021 BMW X3 sDrive30i and xDrive30i came equipped with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 248 horsepower, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The sDrive30i had rear-wheel drive, while the xDrive30i featured all-wheel drive. The xDrive30e plug-in hybrid powertrain delivered 288 horsepower and brisk acceleration, with a 17-mile electric-only range and recharging times of 3.5 hours with a 240-volt Level 2 charger or almost 12 hours with a 120-volt outlet. The M40i trim boasted a 382-horsepower twin-turbo inline-six engine, offering robust acceleration and responsive cornering. For those seeking even more performance, the X3 M model delivered 473 horsepower.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner offered excellent outward visibility and a relatively tidy turning radius of 18 feet, 7 inches. The interior featured large, chunky knobs for HVAC controls and slightly smaller knobs for the stereo, with physical buttons lining the 8-inch touchscreen. The steering wheel had an array of buttons for various controls, but they were not illuminated, making them difficult to use in the dark. The 4Runner's tall seating position provided a commanding view of the road, and power-retractable running boards made entry and exit easier. The optional third row of seats was best suited for short and occasional use, with limited legroom and narrow, thin cushions.

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 offered 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 for drivers and passengers alike.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Toyota's proprietary system was not difficult to understand, but the onboard navigation system was challenging to manage. The 4Runner also offered Amazon Alexa compatibility, Bluetooth connectivity, a single USB media port, and various subscription services like Sirius XM Radio, Safety Connect, and WiFi Connect. Higher trims included a JBL stereo and navigation system. Despite these updates, the 4Runner lagged behind competitors in total features and usability, with the most advanced features hidden in the powertrain.

The 2021 BMW X3 came standard with a 10.2-inch touchscreen running the iDrive infotainment system, which was easy to use 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 Apple CarPlay as standard, with Android Auto as an option. Other options included wireless device charging, a fully digital instrument panel, a 16-speaker Harman Kardon premium stereo system, and gesture control for basic functions.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P), which included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, and automatic high beams. It also featured eight standard airbags. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the 4Runner four out of five stars overall, with three out of five in the rollover test. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave it a Good rating in most crash tests, except for a Marginal rating in the small overlap front: driver-side test. The adaptive cruise control worked well, but the high center of gravity and imprecise steering made a more active lane-keeping assist system desirable.

The 2021 BMW X3 came standard with advanced driver-assistance features such as automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, and lane departure warning. It also included 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.