2022 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2021 BMW X3

The 2021 BMW X3, part of the third generation introduced in 2018, received significant 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 the brand's signature cold, mechanical styling. Although not as aesthetically pleasing as the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, the X3's dashboard was more functional. The 2021 X3 came in various trims, including the 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, and a 10.2-inch infotainment system, with numerous options for added luxury and convenience.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT, one of five gasoline trims, was priced between the SE and SEL trims and the turbocharged Limited and Calligraphy trims. The XRT included equipment from the SEL and its Convenience Package, with a starting price of $34,095. The test vehicle, in Portofino Gray with a black cloth interior, offered little visual contrast. Despite the XRT's lack of upscale feel compared to the Limited or Calligraphy trims, it demonstrated thoughtful design and high quality for its price point. The XRT's interior featured patterns and brightwork that made it a pleasant place to spend time, even if it didn't match the higher trims' luxury.

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

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT was equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. While not designed for speed, the engine was adequate for freeway driving and road trips, sounding refined when accelerating and undetectable when cruising. For more power, the Limited and Calligraphy trims offered a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine with 281 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque. The XRT's eight-speed automatic transmission performed well, with Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow driving modes available. The test vehicle averaged 22.3 mpg, with an EPA rating of 24 mpg. The Santa Fe Hybrid models offered better fuel efficiency, returning between 32 mpg and 34 mpg combined. The XRT's ride and handling were composed and refined, with excellent suspension isolation and a quiet cabin, making it a pleasant vehicle for various driving conditions.

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, making it one of the best in its segment. A power liftgate was standard, with an optional hands-free power liftgate. 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 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT featured a dual-zone automatic climate control system with a Clean Air ionizer, rear air conditioning vents, and an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat with stain-resistant fabric. The front seats were heated, but the front passenger seat lacked height adjustment. The rear seats offered excellent accommodations, with ample room for a family of four and features like rear side-window shades, air conditioning vents, and USB charging ports. The Santa Fe XRT had 36.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seat, expandable to 72.1 cubic feet with the rear seatbacks folded. The hands-free power-opening "Smart Tailgate" added convenience, though it could sometimes open unintentionally.

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, catering to different user preferences. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, with Android Auto optional. 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 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, satellite radio, and Bluelink connected services with a complimentary three-year subscription. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with large knobs for power/volume and tuning, clean graphics, and logical menu structures. The XRT also had Hyundai's digital key technology, allowing Android-based smartphones to unlock doors and start the engine. The Leading Vehicle Departure Alert system was a thoughtful addition, alerting drivers when traffic ahead started moving.

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 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT was equipped with Hyundai SmartSense, a collection of driver-assist and collision-avoidance systems. Standard features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian and cyclist detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability. The XRT also had Junction Turning Detection, Safe Exit Assist, and an ultrasonic rear occupant alert system. Bluelink added safety features like automatic emergency assistance and a panic notification function. The Santa Fe earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rollover resistance score.