2022 Subaru Forester vs 2021 BMW X3

The 2021 BMW X3, part of the third generation introduced in 2018, boasted several updates by 2020, including the launch of a plug-in hybrid model and M performance variants. BMW had struggled to introduce a small SUV with a true touch of luxury, but with the X3, they effectively finetuned their formula. The X3's exterior was a miniaturized version of the BMW X5, giving it a polished, upscale look typical of larger BMWs. Inside, the X3's interior mirrored BMW's signature cold, mechanical design—functional if not the most visually captivating. The Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class may have offered a more visually appealing dashboard, but the X3's was more practical and user-friendly.

For 2022, the Subaru Forester came with various trim levels: base, Premium, Sport, Wilderness, Limited, and Touring. Prices began at $25,195 for the base model, topping out at $35,295 for the Touring. Each Forester model featured standard all-wheel drive. We evaluated the Forester Wilderness in Oregon's Cascade Mountains. Adorned with white paint and a dark gray, water-repellent interior, our test model featured a unique rugged appearance, enhanced by a suspension lift and massive protective cladding—elements that some may find over-the-top. The oversized cladding gave the Wilderness model a nickname of sorts: a raccoon on wheels.

Inside, the Forester retained its practical, functional design. With hard plastics and soft surfaces, the cabin's quality felt both intentional and cost-effective. Copper-colored stitching and accents distinguished the Wilderness trim, creating a unique yet functional atmosphere.

The 2021 BMW X3 offered a variety of powertrains tailored to different driving needs. The sDrive30i and xDrive30i featured a turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 248 horsepower, managed through an eight-speed automatic transmission. The sDrive30i had rear-wheel drive (RWD), while the xDrive30i came with all-wheel drive (AWD). This engine provided ample power for city commutes and highway merges. The xDrive30e plug-in hybrid delivered a combined 288 horsepower, along with a 17-mile electric-only range. Charging took about 3.5 hours with a 240-volt charger, and almost 12 hours with a standard 120-volt outlet. For a top-tier performance, the M40i’s 382-hp twin-turbo inline-six was the go-to. The ultimate performance variant, the 473-hp X3 M, catered to those who needed both speed and space.

The 2022 Subaru Forester continued with its naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, unchanged from previous years, delivering 182 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 176 pound-feet of torque at 4,400 rpm. All versions used a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and AWD. The Wilderness trim featured a CVT designed to provide a 25% increase in initial torque, doubling the towing capacity from 1,500 pounds to 3,000 pounds. EPA estimates suggested a 26 mpg combined fuel economy. However, in real-world testing, it achieved around 25.9 mpg. While it offered adequate power at sea level, higher altitudes revealed its drawbacks, making a case for a potential turbocharged offering. The long-travel suspension of the Forester Wilderness, coupled with its dual-function X-Mode system, provided excellent off-road capabilities, making it a compelling choice for outdoor adventurers.

The 2021 BMW X3 impressed with a combination of luxury and practicality. With the rear seats in use, it delivered 28.7 cubic feet of cargo space—expandable to 62.7 cubic feet with the seats folded. Such capacity placed it among the best in the small luxury SUV segment. A power liftgate came standard, with an optional hands-free feature available. The driver and passengers benefitted from abundant headroom and legroom, and the real buttons and dials complemented the touchscreen, ensuring an intuitive user experience.

The 2022 Subaru Forester epitomized practicality. Entry and exit were effortless due to its tall seating hip points, making it easy on the knees. Interior materials were geared towards durability, with water-resistant StarTex upholstery and all-weather floor mats. The upgraded roof rails were capable of supporting a roof tent, appealing to adventure seekers. Rear seats were spacious, providing ample comfort with air conditioning vents and quick-charge ports for convenience. Cargo space stood at 28.9 cubic feet without the panoramic sunroof, shrinking slightly to 26.9 cubic feet with it. With the rear seats folded, it expanded to 74.2 cubic feet (69.1 with the sunroof), making it one of the roomiest compact SUVs on the market.

The 2021 BMW X3 came standard with a 10.2-inch touchscreen with the iDrive infotainment system, recognized for its user-friendliness. Unlike competitors like Acura and Lexus, which had more complicated systems, iDrive was akin to the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) in terms of ease of use. Both touch and dial operations provided flexibility for different user preferences. Standard Apple CarPlay was included, but Android Auto was optional. Other optional features encompassed wireless device charging, a fully digital instrument panel, and a 16-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system. Gesture control was available but had the potential for false activations.

Even at its base level, the 2022 Subaru Forester came with a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims featured an 8-inch screen, navigation, and a Harman Kardon premium sound system. The Wilderness trim included a 180-degree forward-view camera beneficial for off-roading. The PIN Code Access feature allowed for secure keyless entry, catering to outdoor activities. While the navigation system was reliable, it lacked a breadcrumb feature that would prove useful for off-road adventures.

The 2021 BMW X3 provided a comprehensive suite of safety features. Standard equipment included 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 features elevated safety with adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and a head-up display.

The 2022 Subaru Forester introduced the next-generation EyeSight 4.0 system, featuring an enhanced field of vision for increased accuracy. Addition of Automatic Emergency Steering provided extra stability during evasive maneuvers at speeds below 50 mph. Features such as automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist were standard. The Forester also had a rear-seat reminder, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear automatic braking. The DriverFocus system in the Touring trim included facial recognition technology to monitor for drowsiness and distraction. Safety ratings included a 5-star overall crash-test rating from NHTSA, with likely continuation of the IIHS “Top Safety Pick+” rating.