2022 Toyota Highlander 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 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 brand's signature cold, mechanical styling. Although not as aesthetically pleasing as the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, the X3's dashboard was more functional. Trims for the 2021 X3 included sDrive30i, xDrive30i, M40i, and the xDrive30e plug-in hybrid, with the high-performance X3 M covered separately. Standard features on the sDrive30i and xDrive30i included 18-inch alloy wheels, synthetic leather upholstery, and a 10.2-inch infotainment system, with numerous options available for added luxury and convenience.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander boasted a modern, somewhat aggressive front-end design, with flared fender arches and a distinctive third-row window. Despite its spacious interior, the Highlander appeared smaller from the outside. Inside, it offered ample cabin space and clever storage solutions. The XSE trim, in particular, stood out with its bold red leather interior and unique exterior styling. Trims for the Highlander included L, LE, XLE, XSE, Limited, and Platinum, with the base L trim featuring 18-inch alloy wheels, three-zone climate control, and an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. Higher trims added features like LED fog lights, a power liftgate, and a JBL premium stereo system, with the Limited and Platinum trims offering even more luxury and tech features.

The 2021 BMW X3 offered a range of powertrains to suit different driving preferences. The sDrive30i and xDrive30i were 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. The xDrive30e plug-in hybrid delivered 288 horsepower and had a 17-mile electric-only range, with recharging times of about 3.5 hours using a 240-volt Level 2 charger or nearly 12 hours with a 120-volt outlet. For those seeking a performance-oriented experience, the M40i offered a 382-horsepower twin-turbo inline-six engine, providing robust acceleration and responsive cornering. The X3 M performance model took it a step further with a 473-horsepower engine.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander came with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered standard front-wheel drive and available all-wheel drive, with a tap-shift function and steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters on certain trims. The Highlander also featured drive modes (Sport, Normal, Eco) and AWD modes (Mud/Sand, Rock, Normal). While the V6 provided adequate pickup, it excelled more at cruising and highway speeds, with a throaty exhaust note during acceleration. The Highlander handled well in various scenarios, with the XSE trim's sport-tuned suspension reducing body roll while maintaining a comfortable ride. When properly equipped, the Highlander could tow up to 5,000 pounds, with a max payload of 1,685 pounds in the FWD L and LE trims.

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 Toyota Highlander provided even more cargo space, with up to 84.3 cubic feet available with the second- and third-row seats folded. With the second-row seats in use, there was 48.4 cubic feet of space, and 16 cubic feet with all seats deployed. The Highlander featured quick-release latches for easy seat folding and pull-straps for lifting them back up. Every trim above the base L came with a power liftgate, with hands-free operation on the Limited and Platinum trims. The interior was designed for convenience, with deep cargo pockets, extra ledges, and spacious compartments. The XSE trim's second-row captain's chairs provided a center aisle to the third row, which was more suitable for short trips for adults.

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 offered both touch operation and a dial in the center console, 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 Toyota Highlander featured a WiFi hotspot, five USB ports, and an 8-inch touchscreen supporting Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. The infotainment system had a straightforward layout with hard buttons on either side of the screen. Higher trims offered a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen, a digital instrument panel screen, and an 11-speaker JBL premium stereo system. The XSE trim included a wireless charging pad and a combination of USB and USB-C ports.

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 Toyota Highlander came standard with the Toyota Safety Sense suite, which included forward collision avoidance, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, traffic-sign recognition, and automatic high beams. All trims above the base L included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Optional or higher-trim features included front and rear parking sensors, rain-sensing windshield wipers, a surround-view parking monitor, a head-up display, and adaptive headlights. The lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist systems were very active, sometimes feeling overly sensitive on certain roads.