2021 BMW X3 vs 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

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. The 2018 redesign refined the X3's formula, giving it the exterior and interior presence of larger, more expensive BMW models. The X3's exterior resembled a downsized BMW X5, while its interior featured the same cold, mechanical styling found across the BMW lineup. Though 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. Standard features on the sDrive30i and xDrive30i included 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. Optional features included genuine leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, and a hands-free power liftgate. The M40i trim added 19-inch alloy wheels, 14-way power-adjustable front seats, unique exterior styling, and an M Sport suspension.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport, launched in 2005 and still in its second generation, received an interior and exterior refresh for the 2018 model year, which carried over into 2021. This refresh introduced the dual-screen center console that defined Land Rover interiors. A plug-in hybrid variant and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto became available in 2020.

Trims for the Range Rover Sport included SE, HSE Silver, HST, HSE Dynamic, Autobiography, SVR, and SVR Carbon Edition. The base SE trim featured leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, an eight-speaker Meridian premium sound system, a WiFi hotspot, and the dual-screen infotainment system. The HSE Silver added quad-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a 19-speaker Meridian sound system. The HSE Dynamic featured a supercharged V8 engine, a limited-slip differential, and a two-speed transfer case. The Autobiography trim offered 22-way power-adjustable front seats and power soft-close doors. The SVR performance model included a more powerful V8 engine, performance-oriented front-and-rear sport seats, and a stiffer suspension.

The 2021 BMW X3 offered several powertrain options. The sDrive30i and xDrive30i came 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 hp and had a 17-mile electric-only range, recharging in about 3.5 hours with a 240-volt Level 2 charger. The M40i trim boasted a 382-hp twin-turbo inline-six engine, providing robust acceleration and responsive cornering. The high-performance X3 M model offered a 473-hp engine for those seeking speed and space.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport provided various powertrain options. The base P360 mild-hybrid powertrain, found in the SE and SE Silver Edition, combined a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with a 48-volt electrical system, producing 355 hp and 365 lb-ft of torque. The HST model featured the P400 powertrain, rated at 395 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. The HSE Silver Edition offered plug-in hybrid and diesel powertrains, with the P400e plug-in hybrid delivering 398 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque, and the 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 producing 254 hp and 443 lb-ft. The HSE Dynamic and Autobiography trims featured a supercharged 5.0-liter V8 engine with 518 hp and 461 lb-ft of torque. The SVR and SVR Carbon Edition trims had a more powerful version of this engine, making 575 hp and 516 lb-ft. All models had an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel drive. The Range Rover Sport's height-adjustable air suspension and Terrain Response system allowed for impressive off-road capabilities and cornering abilities. Most variants could tow up to 7,716 pounds, except the SVR, which could tow 6,613 pounds.

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 rear seats in use. A power liftgate was standard, with a hands-free power liftgate available as an option. The X3 provided ample space 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, complementing the main touchscreen and reducing the learning curve for new users.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport provided a maximum of 63.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, and 31.7 cubic feet with the second row in use. An optional third row increased seating capacity from five to seven, though it offered only 10.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the third row in use. Both the first and second rows provided ample headroom and legroom, while the optional third row was best suited for children.

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. 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. Gesture control was also available, allowing basic controls through hand movements.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport featured a dual-screen center console, with the lower screen controlling climate and vehicle settings, and the upper screen housing the infotainment system. The system had a learning curve and earlier models had bugs, but the lower screen's dials could switch between multiple functions. The upper screen had reasonably sized icons for menu navigation and switching between the native system and Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. A real volume button was located at the base of the lower screen.

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.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport came equipped with standard driver assistance features such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and front-and-rear parking sensors. Adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert were available as options. Other available features included a surround-view parking camera, traffic sign recognition, driver drowsiness monitoring, parallel and perpendicular park assist, and a head-up display.