2021 BMW X3 vs 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

The 2021 BMW X3, representing the third generation since its 2018 redesign, continued to embody BMW's commitment to luxury and refinement. The X3 exuded the aura of a downsized X5, capturing the essence of the brand's larger SUVs. Its mechanical interior styling might not have been as visually captivating as the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, but it compensated with a highly functional dashboard. The model offered a range of trims - sDrive30i, xDrive30i, M40i, and xDrive30e plug-in hybrid - each presenting different elements of refinement and luxury. Standard features for the lower trims included 18-inch alloy wheels, push-button start, synthetic leather upholstery, tri-zone climate control, a 10.2-inch infotainment system, navigation, and power-adjustable front seats. Buyers had the option to add genuine leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, heated-and-ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and wireless charging. The M40i trim came with additional luxury elements like 19-inch alloy wheels and a sport suspension.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, particularly the well-equipped Limited trim tested, didn’t immediately give away its premium status. It featured a rugged exterior design, complemented by practical 18-inch wheels, but lacked the Adventure trim found on non-hybrid versions of the RAV4. This vehicle projected a tougher look befitting a cute-ute SUV, even though it would have benefited from bolder wheels. Inside, the RAV4 Hybrid balanced style with functionality and practicality. The interiors were a mix of impressive materials and typical glossy hard plastics. A notable downside was a rattle from the license plate on the tailgate. The interior offered generous space, with decently comfortable rear seating and multiple features aimed at enhancing passenger comfort.

The 2021 BMW X3 offered robust performance across its different trims. The sDrive30i and xDrive30i ran on a turbocharged four-cylinder engine generating 248 horsepower, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The sDrive30i featured rear-wheel drive, while the xDrive30i offered all-wheel drive. This powertrain ensured solid pickup for both city and highway driving. The xDrive30e plug-in hybrid boosted power to 288 hp, providing brisk acceleration at low speeds with a 17-mile electric-only range, rechargeable in about 3.5 hours using a 240-volt Level 2 charger. For those craving more performance, the M40i trim came with a 382-hp twin-turbo inline-six engine, promising robust acceleration and enhanced cornering capabilities. The X3 M, with 473 horsepower, catered to driving enthusiasts needing both speed and space.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gas engine with front and rear electric motors, producing a total of 219 horsepower. This hybrid powertrain provided standard all-wheel drive via the rear electric motor. Despite being 83 hp less powerful than the plug-in RAV4 Prime, this setup delivered lively acceleration. The RAV4 Hybrid offered multiple driving modes: Eco, Normal, Sport, Trail, and EV, with the latter emitting a whirring noise to alert pedestrians. While its CVT operated smoothly and the regenerative braking system was effective, the four-cylinder engine's noise at high revs was a downside. The RAV4 Hybrid averaged 39.7 mpg in combined driving, very close to the EPA’s 40 mpg estimate. The suspension system and steering provided a balanced ride and handling experience, although the P225/60R18 Michelin Primacy tires offered lower grip levels.

The 2021 BMW X3 excelled in interior space and utility. With rear seats folded, it provided up to 62.7 cubic feet of cargo space, among the best in its class. With seats in use, it still boasted 28.7 cubic feet. Features like power and optional hands-free power liftgate added convenience. Inside, the X3 offered ample space for all passengers. The front row had plentiful headroom and legroom with a commanding seating position, while the rear seats comfortably accommodated adults on long trips. The functional layout included real buttons and dials alongside the touchscreen, easing usability.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid's interior was equally impressive in terms of comfort. The test model featured an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. Though the passenger seat lacked height adjustment, it remained comfortable. Rear-seat legroom was decent, with excellent foot space, though the seat felt slightly low. Air conditioning vents and heated rear seats added to passenger comfort. The RAV4 Hybrid’s cargo area offered 37.5 cubic feet with seats in place, expanding to 69.8 cubic feet with seats folded. The dashboard featured convenient storage shelves and intuitively placed controls. The roomy cargo area and thoughtful interior design made it highly functional for everyday use.

The 2021 BMW X3 came standard with a 10.2-inch touchscreen running the intuitive iDrive system. This system allowed both touch and dial operation, catering to varied user preferences. While standard Apple CarPlay was provided, Android Auto was optional, unlike many rivals offering both as standard. Optional features included wireless device charging, a fully digital instrument panel, and a 16-speaker Harman Kardon stereo. Gesture control was another high-tech option, allowing basic functions to be controlled via hand movements.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid offered different infotainment systems based on trim levels, including a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen. Standard features across all systems included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Top trims boasted an 11-speaker JBL audio system, dynamic navigation, and voice recognition, with generous subscription plans for connected services. The 8-inch display, mounted atop the dashboard, was user-friendly, with shortcut buttons and knobs for volume and tuning. The dynamic voice recognition was generally impressive, although it had limitations. The JBL sound system provided satisfactory audio quality. Camera-based technology like a 360-degree surround-view camera system and a rearview camera mirror further enhanced the tech offerings.

The 2021 BMW X3 came equipped with various standard 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 comprised adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, bending headlights, and a head-up display.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 (TSS 2.0) as standard, offering advanced driving assistance systems like adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, lane-centering assist, automatic high-beam headlights, and road-sign recognition. Except for the Hybrid LE trim, it also included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic warning. The Limited trim exclusively offered rear automatic braking. The RAV4 Hybrid received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and top scores from the IIHS, except for its adaptive front headlights.