2021 BMW X3 vs 2022 Lexus RX

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 refined BMW's small SUV formula, offering an exterior and interior presence reminiscent of larger, more expensive BMW models. The X3's exterior resembled a downsized BMW X5, while its interior featured the cold, mechanical styling typical of BMW, prioritizing functionality over aesthetics. The 2021 X3 came in various trims, including the 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 numerous options for added luxury and convenience.

The 2022 Lexus RX, available in base 350, F Sport, and L trim levels, continued its modern and sporty design introduced in the 2020 facelift. The RX stood out with its aggressive styling, featuring razor-sharp character lines and angular features. The F Sport trim added performance-oriented elements and a more athletic appearance, while the base and L models offered 18-inch wheels and various LED lighting features. Inside, the RX maintained a luxury appeal with nearly a dozen color combinations and high-quality materials. However, the center stack felt dated, and the F Sport seats lacked comfort. The limited-edition Black Line trim added exclusive black-colored features and premium touches.

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 had all-wheel drive. The xDrive30e plug-in hybrid delivered 288 hp and a 17-mile electric-only range, with recharging times of 3.5 hours using a 240-volt charger or almost 12 hours with a 120-volt outlet. For those seeking more performance, the M40i featured a 382-hp twin-turbo inline-six, offering robust acceleration and responsive cornering. The X3 M performance model boasted an impressive 473 hp.

The 2022 Lexus RX 350 came with a standard 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, while the hybrid RX 450h added two electric motors for a combined output of 308 hp. All RX models featured an eight-speed automatic transmission, with front-wheel drive standard on the RX 350 and all-wheel drive available. The hybrid RX models came exclusively with AWD. Despite the F Sport designation, the RX's performance was underwhelming, with a lackluster engine note and unimpressive acceleration. The F Sport Handling package added adaptive suspension and other tuning bits, but the driving experience remained uninspiring. The RX excelled in comfort and cabin quietness, making it a pleasant companion for long drives. Fuel efficiency for the RX 350 was 20 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 23 combined, with the hybrid RX 450h achieving 30 mpg combined.

The 2021 BMW X3 offered impressive cargo space, with up to 62.7 cubic feet available 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 provided 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 Lexus RX, in its standard two-row configuration, provided 99.8 cubic feet of passenger volume, comfortably seating four adults, with a snug fit for five. Headroom measured 39.4 inches in the front and 39.1 inches in the rear, while legroom was 44.1 inches up front and 38.0 inches in the back. The three-row L models offered limited cargo space, with only 7.45 cubic feet available with all seats upright, increasing to 58.48 cubic feet with both back rows down. The rear seats did not fold completely flat, and the high load-in height made cargo access challenging. However, the RX featured thoughtful interior elements like a dedicated smartphone slot, adjustable-height cup holder, and a flat-bottomed cargo net.

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 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 2022 Lexus RX featured an 8-inch touchscreen display as standard, with a 12.3-inch version available as an option. Despite being moved closer to the driver, the touchscreen's positioning remained ergonomically unfriendly. The screen's cove design created access issues, and the touchpad controller was frustrating to use. However, the RX offered a range of quality tech features, including six USB ports, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration, wireless charging, Amazon Alexa compatibility, a WiFi hotspot, and various premium audio systems. The Lexus App provided additional connectivity and personalization options.

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 2022 Lexus RX came equipped with the Lexus Safety System 2.0+, which included adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality, lane-departure warning with steering assist, road-sign recognition, lane-keeping assist, lane-tracing assist, a pre-collision system with cyclist and pedestrian detection, and intelligent high beams. Additional standard safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, a head-up display, and Lexus Enform Safety Connect. The RX was named a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS when equipped with optional triple-beam LED headlights and received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA.