2021 BMW X3 vs 2021 Honda Passport

The 2021 BMW X3, part of the third generation introduced in 2018, received several updates in 2020, including a plug-in hybrid model and M performance variants. This generation of the X3 aimed to refine the small SUV formula, offering an exterior and interior presence reminiscent of larger BMW models. The X3's exterior resembled a downsized BMW X5, while the interior featured BMW's signature cold, mechanical styling. Although not as aesthetically pleasing as the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, the X3's dashboard was more functional. Trims for the 2021 X3 included sDrive30i, xDrive30i, M40i, and the xDrive30e plug-in hybrid, with the high-performance X3 M available separately. Standard features included 18-inch alloy wheels, synthetic leather upholstery, and a 10.2-inch infotainment system, with various options for added luxury and convenience.

The 2021 Honda Passport, essentially a shortened version of the Pilot, featured two rows of seats instead of three. The Passport's styling closely mirrored that of the Pilot, including the awkward "button shifter" design. Despite this, the Passport boasted a spacious interior with high-quality materials. Trim levels included Sport, EX-L, Touring, and Elite. The entry-level Sport offered features like 20-inch alloy wheels and a seven-speaker audio system. The EX-L added leather upholstery and a power moonroof, while the Touring trim included front-and-rear parking sensors and a hands-free liftgate. The top-tier Elite trim featured heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. Unlike the X3, the Passport did not offer option packages, with all features neatly distributed across the trims.

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

The 2021 Honda Passport came standard with a 3.5-liter V6 engine across all trims, producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, managed by a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Passport offered standard front-wheel drive and optional all-wheel drive. The V6 engine provided strong acceleration, though the stop-start system could be abrupt. The Passport's ride balanced comfort and handling, with 8.1 inches of ground clearance and AWD models featuring Intelligent Traction Management with Snow, Sand, and Mud modes. The FWD Passport could tow up to 3,500 pounds, while the AWD version could tow up to 5,000 pounds.

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 space for 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, complementing the main touchscreen and reducing the learning curve for new users.

The 2021 Honda Passport offered a generous 100.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, and 50.5 cubic feet with the second row in use. An additional 2.5 cubic feet of storage was available in an under-floor tray. The EX-L trim featured a power liftgate, while the Touring and Elite trims included a hands-free power liftgate. The Passport's upright seating position provided excellent visibility and a commanding view of the road. The center console included a deep bin and an open cargo tray, with deep in-door pockets for both front and rear seats. The rear seats offered ample headroom and legroom, with the ability to recline and slide for added comfort.

The 2021 BMW X3 came standard with a 10.2-inch touchscreen running the iDrive infotainment system, known for its ease of use. The system combined touch operation with an iDrive dial in the center console, catering to different user preferences. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, with Android Auto available as an option. Other 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 2021 Honda Passport made Android Auto and Apple CarPlay standard, included with the newly-standard 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. This was a distinct advantage over the three-row Pilot, which required a higher trim for these features. Despite this, the Passport's infotainment system had dated graphics, a confusing menu layout, and a volume dial that felt like an afterthought. The audio interface lacked a tuning dial, which could be frustrating for users.

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.

The 2021 Honda Passport was well-equipped with advanced safety features, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and front-and-rear parking sensors. The Passport received an overall rating of five out of five stars from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and top "Good" scores in most crash tests from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). However, it received "Acceptable" ratings for headlights, child-seat anchor ease of use, and front crash prevention tech.