2021 BMW X3 vs 2020 Toyota RAV4

The 2020 Toyota RAV4, following its 2019 redesign, showcased a bolder and more angular appearance, enhancing its tough and durable reputation. The Adventure trim, introduced in the previous year, improved off-roading capabilities with a torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system, multiple driving modes, and downhill assist control. The 2020 model introduced the TRD Off-Road trim, featuring matte-black 18-inch alloy wheels, all-terrain tires, and a TRD suspension setup, providing a versatile ride on various surfaces. The TRD Off-Road trim was distinguishable by its unique wheels, tires, and badges, and the test vehicle's Lunar Rock gray paint with a white roof was particularly effective at hiding dirt. Inside, the TRD Off-Road version included TRD logos, rubber floor mats, and a rubber cargo mat, contrasting with some inexpensive-looking plastic elements.

The 2021 BMW X3, part of the third generation introduced in 2018, received updates in 2020, including a plug-in hybrid model and M performance variants. The redesign refined the X3's formula, giving it the exterior and interior presence of larger BMW models. The X3's exterior resembled a downsized BMW X5, while the interior maintained BMW's cold, mechanical styling, which, although not as aesthetically pleasing as the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, was more functional. The 2021 X3 offered trims such as sDrive30i, xDrive30i, M40i, and the xDrive30e plug-in hybrid, with the high-performance X3 M covered separately. Standard features included 18-inch alloy wheels, synthetic leather upholstery, tri-zone climate control, and a 10.2-inch infotainment system, with various options for additional luxury and convenience.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 came with a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. The RAV4 Hybrid, a separate model, offered 219 horsepower and up to 40 mpg in combined driving but was not available in the TRD Off-Road trim. The test vehicle's non-turbo, non-hybrid powertrain provided adequate performance, especially in Sport mode, though a turbocharged engine would have been preferable for high-altitude driving. The 8-speed automatic transmission generally performed well but occasionally struggled with gear selection. The TRD Off-Road model featured a torque-vectoring AWD system, multi-terrain select settings, and 8.6 inches of ground clearance, making it capable on challenging trails. The RAV4 averaged 23.4 mpg, slightly below the EPA estimate of 27 mpg.

The 2021 BMW X3 sDrive30i and xDrive30i were 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 offered 288 horsepower and a 17-mile electric-only range, with recharging times of 3.5 hours using a 240-volt charger and almost 12 hours with a 120-volt outlet. The M40i trim boasted a 382-horsepower twin-turbo inline-six engine, providing robust acceleration and responsive cornering. For those seeking even more performance, the X3 M model delivered 473 horsepower.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 offered easy entry and exit, with a low and sporty driving position in the 8-way adjustable driver's seat. The front passenger seat lacked height adjustment but provided good thigh support. The TRD Off-Road trim featured SofTex upholstery, which could trap sweat on hot days, but the Weather Package added heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The rear seat provided generous legroom, and interior storage was ample, with a dashboard shelf and 37.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seat, expandable to 69.8 cubic feet. The test vehicle also had a robust roof rack and an optional hands-free power liftgate.

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 a hands-free option available. The X3 provided ample headroom and legroom for front passengers, with a commanding driving position. The rear seats were comfortable for adults, even on long trips. The driver and front passenger benefited from real buttons and dials, complementing the main touchscreen and reducing the learning curve for new users.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 featured a user-friendly infotainment system with a 7- or 8-inch touchscreen, depending on the trim level. The system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, SiriusXM satellite radio, and multiple connected services packages. A 4G LTE WiFi hotspot was free for three months or 2GB of data usage. The TRD Off-Road trim's 8-inch system had some glare issues but was otherwise easy to use, with menu shortcut buttons and knobs for volume and tuning. The optional Technology Package added wireless smartphone charging, a 360-degree surround-view camera, and a digital rear-view mirror with adjustable camera settings.

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 X3 included Apple CarPlay as standard, with Android Auto as an option. Additional options included wireless device charging, a fully digital instrument panel, and a 16-speaker Harman Kardon premium stereo system. The optional gesture control allowed basic controls through hand movements, though it could result in false positives for those who talk with their hands.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 included Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 (TSS 2.0) as standard, featuring advanced driving assist safety features such as Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, radar adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert with steering assist, front and rear parking assist with automated braking, and blind spot assist with rear cross-traffic alert. Toyota also provided a free one-year subscription to Safety Connect services, including automatic collision notification and enhanced roadside assistance. The RAV4 received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS for models with full LED, curve adaptive headlights.

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 safety features included adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, headlights that bend with the road, and a head-up display.