2021 BMW X3 vs 2022 Genesis GV70

The 2021 BMW X3, part of the third generation introduced in 2018, had undergone several updates by 2020, including the addition of a plug-in hybrid model and M performance variants. This generation of the X3 was a significant refinement, offering a luxury level of refinement that BMW had previously struggled to achieve in its smaller SUVs. The X3's exterior mirrored the larger X5, providing a downsized yet premium appearance. Inside, the X3 featured a cold, mechanical interior styling typical of BMW, which, while not as visually appealing as the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, offered a more functional dashboard.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 inherited some styling elements from other Genesis models but maintained a unique appearance. It featured quad LED strips for headlights and taillights, a large shield-shaped grille, and a sloping roofline that gave it a fastback look. The GV70 combined the visual bulk of an SUV with athletic, car-like elements, making it appear both rugged and sleek. The Sport Prestige models added unique styling features, including 21-inch wheels with a web pattern and dark chrome trim. The interior had an elliptical theme inspired by an airplane wing, with minimalistic design elements and a rotary gear selector, creating a baroque spaceship-like feel.

The 2021 BMW X3 offered a range of powertrains, starting with the sDrive30i and xDrive30i, both equipped 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 came with all-wheel drive, providing solid pickup for city and highway driving. The xDrive30e plug-in hybrid delivered 288 horsepower and brisk acceleration, with a 17-mile electric-only range. For those seeking a performance edge, the M40i offered a 382-horsepower twin-turbo inline-six engine, delivering robust acceleration and responsive cornering.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 came with two powertrain options: a base 2.5-liter turbo-four engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 generating 375 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The GV70 included a rear electronic limited-slip differential and launch control, emphasizing its sporty character. However, while the powertrain could be aggressive, the chassis felt big and heavy, lacking the sharpness of competitors like the BMW X3. The GV70 excelled in highway cruising but had a firm ride with 21-inch wheels.

The 2021 BMW X3 offered impressive interior space, with up to 62.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 28.7 cubic feet with them in use. It featured a power liftgate as standard, with an optional hands-free power liftgate. The X3 provided ample headroom and legroom for front passengers, with a commanding driving position. The rear seats were adult-friendly, even on longer trips. The interior included real buttons and dials, complementing the main touchscreen and reducing the learning curve for new drivers.

The 2022 Genesis GV70's interior space was mid-pack for the segment, offering similar headroom to the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class and BMW X3. It provided 28.9 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats in place and 56.9 cubic feet with them folded. The daring interior design compromised storage space, with a slim center console and thin door pockets. The front seats in the Sport Prestige model were heavily bolstered, offering heating, ventilation, massage, and posture-assist functions. However, some controls were buried in touchscreen menus, making them less accessible.

The 2021 BMW X3 featured a 10.2-inch touchscreen running the iDrive infotainment system, known for its ease of use. It offered 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 stereo system. Gesture control was also available, allowing basic controls through hand movements, though it could result in false positives for those who talk with their hands.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 boasted a 14.5-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Its tile-based layout and crisp graphics made it user-friendly. The infotainment system included a glass rotary controller with pinch-and-zoom functionality. Higher trims offered a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with a 3D effect and a 12-inch head-up display. The GV70 featured a digital-key option, a fingerprint scanner for starting the car, and a radar-based rear-seat monitor. Genesis Connected Services provided remote camera activation and other features, free for three years.

The 2021 BMW X3 came standard with advanced driver-assistance features, including 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, and a head-up display.

The 2022 Genesis GV70, being a new model, did not have crash-test ratings from the IIHS or NHTSA. It came standard with safety features like lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, blind-spot and forward collision-avoidance assist, and rear cross-traffic alert. It also included Highway Driving Assist, which added automated lane centering to adaptive cruise control. Optional features included Highway Driving Assist 2 with lane-change functionality and navigation-based adaptive cruise control.