2022 BMW X3 vs 2021 Honda Odyssey

The 2021 Honda Odyssey had a familiar look that was subtly updated for the new model year. It featured a new grille and front bumper, standard LED headlights with automatic high-beam operation across all trims, and a new gloss black spear with a chrome insert stretching the width of the taillights. New wheel designs were introduced for the top three trim levels, modernizing the Odyssey by reducing brightwork. The test vehicle, a Lunar Silver Metallic Elite trim, included perforated leather upholstery with contrast stitching and piping, new dashboard ambient lighting, and handsome new 19-inch wheels with Shark Gray paint and machined surfaces, giving it a more luxurious feel.

The 2022 BMW X3 was available in four variants: sDrive30i, xDrive30i, M40i, and M. It featured a revised exterior design with a slightly more aggressive stance, a larger kidney grille, and a black sensor bar positioned between the grilles. The headlights were adaptive full LEDs, slimmer by 0.4 inches, and the taillights had a new design with a black surround and pincer claw-shaped brake light LEDs. The rear also had larger redesigned exhaust tips and a new bumper. The X3 offered nine exterior finishes, with new colors Brooklyn Grey and Tanzanite Blue II. The interior featured dark oak wood trim, an anthracite headliner, eight-way power-adjustable front Sport seats, and new perforated SensaTec synthetic leather upholstery, with a panoramic moonroof standard on the M40i.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine and a ten-speed automatic transmission, producing 280 horsepower. It included Normal, Sport, Econ, and Snow driving modes, as well as paddle shifters. The V6 engine featured variable cylinder management for fuel efficiency, with an EPA rating of 22 mpg combined. The Odyssey averaged 21.8 mpg during testing. It lacked all-wheel drive, which was a disadvantage in snowy regions. The new electronic brake booster improved brake pedal feel and response, and the adaptive cruise control now had stop-and-go capability. The Odyssey's ride and handling were enjoyable, with firm but comfortable suspension and well-managed body motions. However, the brakes showed signs of fade during heavy use in hot conditions.

The 2022 BMW X3 featured an eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. The sDrive30i and xDrive30i models had a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 248 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, with a 0-60 mph time of 6 seconds. The sDrive30i had an EPA rating of 23 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined, while the xDrive30i had 21 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 24 mpg combined. The M40i model had a 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine with a mild-hybrid system, producing 382 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, with a 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds. The M40i had an EPA rating of 21 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined. The X3 offered a comfortable and compliant ride, with the M40i providing a more exhilarating driving experience.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey offered legible instrumentation, logical controls, and ample storage. The 12-way power-adjustable driver’s seat was standard in all but the base LX trim, with the Elite trim adding a heated steering wheel and heated and ventilated front seats. The second-row Magic Slide seats allowed for various seating configurations, and the third-row seats accommodated both children and adults comfortably. Cargo space measured 32.8 cubic feet behind the third row, 88.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 144.9 cubic feet with the second row removed. However, removing the second-row seats was cumbersome.

The 2022 BMW X3 provided seating for five adults, with a 40/20/40-split rear seat. The cargo area was spacious enough for backpacks and additional luggage, with a power tailgate standard and hands-free opening optional. The SensaTec faux-leather seats were comfortable, with the Vernasca leather upgrade adding softness. The thigh-support cushion control handle was a minor inconvenience for some drivers. The redesigned center console featured a 10.25-inch infotainment screen, with an optional 12.3-inch touchscreen. The layout was user-friendly, with push-button and rocker-style controls for climate and audio functions.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey, starting with EX trim, featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, HD Radio, text-messaging support, basic HondaLink connectivity, and a Cabin Control smartphone app. Touring trim added navigation, HondaLink subscription services, WiFi capability, a CabinWatch interior camera, and a CabinTalk PA system. Elite trim included an 11-speaker premium sound system and wireless smartphone charging. The rear-seat entertainment system had a 10.2-inch screen, Blu-Ray player, and built-in streaming apps. However, the lack of a tuning knob and subpar voice-recognition technology were drawbacks.

The 2022 BMW X3 came standard with BMW Live Cockpit Plus with iDrive 7 telematics, featuring a 5.1-inch color display instrument panel and 10.25-inch infotainment screen. It included navigation, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa integration, two USB ports, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and various connected digital features. The optional Live Cockpit Professional enlarged both screens to 12.3 inches. The standard 12-speaker 205-watt HiFi sound system could be upgraded to a 16-speaker 600-watt Harman Kardon surround sound system. The Convenience Package added keyless entry, a panoramic sunroof, and lumbar support, while the Premium Package included heated seats, a heated steering wheel, a head-up display, and gesture control.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey featured Honda Sensing as standard, which included adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, pedestrian braking, road-sign recognition, and a new Honda Sensing menu button. EX trim and above added blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning. The Odyssey received top five-star ratings from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rating for rollover resistance. The IIHS was expected to award it a Top Safety Pick recommendation.

The 2022 BMW X3 received a five-star crash safety rating from the NHTSA. It included adaptive LED headlights, a rearview camera, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, active blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rear collision avoidance, park distance control, forward-collision warning, and active pre-collision protection systems. The Parking Assistance Package added parking assistance plus, active park distance control, and a 360-degree camera view. The Driving Assistant Professional Package included traffic jam assistance, back-up assistant, front cross-traffic alert, active lane-keep assist, and side collision avoidance.