2022 BMW X3 vs 2021 Dodge Durango

The 2021 Dodge Durango maintained its muscular and athletic styling, reminiscent of its Charger and Challenger siblings. Despite its third-generation design dating back to 2011, the Durango's exterior updates for 2021, particularly on the SRT Hellcat model, included a cold-air scoop, twin-pipe exhaust, LED headlamps, and a rear spoiler, giving it a refreshed and aggressive look. The SUV offered a variety of wheel options and came in 11 exterior colors with six interior schemes, allowing for a personalized touch. Inside, the Durango featured a modernized dashboard with a new instrument panel and an updated Uconnect 5 infotainment system, enhancing its appeal. The interior materials ranged from cloth to premium leather, with unique options like Demonic Red seat belts, providing a blend of functionality and style.

The 2022 BMW X3 presented a slightly revised exterior design, featuring a larger kidney grille and slimmer adaptive LED headlights, giving it a more aggressive stance. The rear of the X3 showcased new taillights with a black surround and pincer claw-shaped brake light LEDs, adding a futuristic touch. The X3 offered an M Sport Package for enhanced aerodynamics and sportier aesthetics, with new paint options like Brooklyn Grey and Tanzanite Blue II. The interior of the X3 was well-appointed, with dark oak wood trim, power-adjustable front sport seats, and a tri-zone automatic climate control system. The cabin's design was clean and efficient, with a focus on comfort and practicality, offering a range of seating materials and ambient lighting options for a personalized experience.

The 2021 Dodge Durango offered a range of powerful engine options, including a 3.6-liter V6, a 5.7-liter HEMI V8, a 392 HEMI V8, and a supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8. The V6 engine produced up to 295 horsepower, while the 5.7-liter V8 delivered 360 hp. The 392 HEMI V8 offered 475 hp, and the supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8 in the SRT Hellcat model boasted an impressive 710 hp. All engines were paired with eight-speed automatic transmissions, providing smooth shifts and controlled acceleration. The Durango's steering was precise, but its chassis showed signs of aging, affecting ride comfort on rough roads. The SRT models featured performance pages for track enthusiasts, and the R/T model offered a Tow N Go Package with a towing capacity of 8,700 pounds.

The 2022 BMW X3 featured an eight-speed automatic transmission across all models, with the sDrive30i and xDrive30i powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 248 hp. The X3 M40i model added a 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine with a mild-hybrid system, generating 382 hp. The X3 sDrive30i achieved a 0-60 mph time of 6 seconds, while the M40i reached it in 4.4 seconds. The X3 offered a comfortable and compliant ride, with the M40i providing a more exhilarating driving experience. The mild-hybrid system, available only on the M40i, offered additional power but did not improve fuel economy. The X3's fuel efficiency was competitive within its class, though slightly reduced from previous models.

The 2021 Dodge Durango excelled as a family hauler, offering seating for up to seven across three rows. The front and second-row seats provided ample space for taller passengers, while the optional third row was more spacious than many competitors. The Durango offered 21 seat options, allowing for customization to suit various preferences. Cargo space was average for its class, providing sufficient room for family needs. The Durango's fit and finish had improved over the years, contributing to its reputation for quality.

The 2022 BMW X3 provided seating for five, with a spacious interior for a compact crossover. The rear seats featured a 40/20/40-split, offering flexibility for cargo and passenger needs. The X3's cargo area was generous, accommodating backpacks and additional luggage with ease. The SensaTec seats were comfortable, with the option to upgrade to Vernasca leather for added luxury. The X3's interior ergonomics were improved, with a redesigned center console and larger infotainment system, enhancing user experience.

The 2021 Dodge Durango featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen on lower trims, with a 10.1-inch screen on higher trims running the new Uconnect 5 system. This system was faster and more customizable, offering features like user profiles, connected services, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Durango also offered a family entertainment system with Blu-ray and DVD players. The TomTom navigation system was user-friendly, though a head-up display was not available.

The 2022 BMW X3 came standard with BMW Live Cockpit Plus and iDrive 7, featuring a 10.25-inch infotainment screen and a 5.1-inch instrument panel. The system included navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration. An optional Live Cockpit Professional offered larger 12.3-inch screens and cloud-based navigation. The X3's sound system options included a standard 12-speaker HiFi system and an optional Harman Kardon surround sound system. Additional tech options included a Convenience Package and a Premium Package, enhancing comfort and convenience.

The 2021 Dodge Durango's safety features were limited compared to rivals, with a rearview camera as the only standard active safety feature. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The NHTSA awarded the Durango a five-star side crash-test rating and a four-star rollover rating, but front crash test ratings were not available.

The 2022 BMW X3 received a five-star crash safety rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included adaptive LED headlights, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and active blind-spot monitoring. The X3 offered additional safety packages, such as the Parking Assistance Package and the Driving Assistant Professional Package, which included advanced features like traffic jam assistance and active lane-keep assist.