2022 BMW X3 vs 2021 Honda Passport

The 2021 Honda Passport was essentially a shortened version of the Pilot, featuring two rows of seats instead of three. This similarity was evident in its design, both externally and internally. The Passport's dashboard layout was nearly identical to the Pilot's, including Honda's awkward "button shifter" design for the automatic transmission. Despite these corporate design choices, the Passport boasted a spacious interior with high-quality materials throughout. Trim levels ranged from Sport to Elite, each adding more features such as leather upholstery, power moonroof, and advanced navigation systems.

The 2022 BMW X3, available in four variants, showcased a revised exterior design with a more aggressive stance. The kidney grille was larger, and the headlights were slimmer, featuring adaptive full LEDs. The rear design included new taillights with a black surround and pincer claw-shaped brake light LEDs. The X3 offered nine exterior finishes and new wheel designs optimized for better fuel economy. Inside, the X3 presented a clean and efficient design with dark oak wood trim, eight-way power-adjustable front Sport seats, and a panoramic moonroof. The interior color choices varied by material and model, with options for both synthetic and genuine leather upholstery.

The 2021 Honda Passport came standard with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. It offered standard front-wheel drive (FWD) and optional all-wheel drive (AWD). The Passport's ride was a blend of comfort and refined handling, with 8.1 inches of ground clearance and Intelligent Traction Management for AWD models. The FWD Passport could tow up to 3,500 pounds, while the AWD version could tow up to 5,000 pounds.

The 2022 BMW X3 featured an eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. The X3 sDrive30i and xDrive30i were powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 248 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The X3 M40i added a 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine with a mild-hybrid system, producing 382 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The X3 sDrive30i achieved 23 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined, while the xDrive30i offered 21 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 24 mpg combined. The X3 M40i was rated at 21 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined. The M40i's performance was enhanced by a flap-controlled sports exhaust system, sport brakes, and an adaptive suspension.

The 2021 Honda Passport provided 100.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 50.5 cubic feet with the second row in use. An additional 2.5 cubic feet was available in an under-floor storage tray. The EX-L trim included a power liftgate, while the Touring and Elite trims featured a hands-free power liftgate. The upright seating position offered excellent visibility, and the center console had a deep bin and open cargo tray. The rear seats were spacious, with ample headroom and legroom, and could recline and slide for added comfort.

The 2022 BMW X3 offered seating for five and ample storage space. The rear seats featured a 40/20/40-split, providing enough cargo room for backpacks and additional carry-on suitcases. A power tailgate was standard, with an optional hands-free opening. The SensaTec faux-leather seats were comfortable, with the upgraded Vernasca leather adding more softness. The X3's redesigned center console included a larger infotainment system, push-button and rocker-style controls for climate and audio functions, and a non-slip rotary dial for the iDrive controller.

For 2021, the Honda Passport made Android Auto and Apple CarPlay standard, included with the 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. However, the system had dated graphics, a confusing menu layout, and a volume dial that felt like an afterthought.

The 2022 BMW X3 featured BMW Live Cockpit Plus with iDrive 7 telematics, including a 5.1-inch color display instrument panel and a 10.25-inch infotainment screen. Standard features included navigation, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa integration, two USB ports, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and various connected digital features. An optional Live Cockpit Professional enlarged both screens to 12.3 inches. The X3 also offered a 12-speaker 205-watt HiFi sound system, with an optional Harman Kardon surround sound system for M40i models.

The 2021 Honda Passport came equipped with advanced safety features such as automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and front-and-rear parking sensors. The Passport received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and top "Good" scores from the IIHS, with some "Acceptable" ratings for specific tests.

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