2022 BMW X3 vs 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport, which debuted in 2005 and entered its second generation in 2014, received a significant refresh in 2018 that carried over into 2021. This refresh introduced the dual-screen center console, a hallmark of recent Land Rover interiors. The 2020 model year saw the addition of a plug-in hybrid variant and the inclusion of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Range Rover Sport offered various trims, starting with the SE, which included leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, and an eight-speaker Meridian sound system. Higher trims like the HSE Silver added quad-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof, and a 19-speaker Meridian sound system. The HSE Dynamic featured a supercharged V8 engine, while the Autobiography trim offered 22-way power-adjustable front seats and power soft-close doors. The SVR and SVR Carbon Edition focused on performance with a more powerful V8 engine and sportier features.

The 2022 BMW X3, available in four variants—sDrive30i, xDrive30i, M40i, and M—featured a revised exterior design with a larger kidney grille and slimmer adaptive full LED headlights. The rear received new taillights with a black surround and pincer claw-shaped brake light LEDs. The X3 offered nine exterior finishes, including new metallic colors Brooklyn Grey and Tanzanite Blue II. Standard 19-inch gray aluminum-alloy wheels were paired with all-season run-flat tires, and an aerodynamically-optimized 19-inch wheel was available for the sDrive30i and xDrive30i models. The M Sport Package added larger front air intakes, a sportier rear bumper, and 19-inch Midnight Grey Bicolor light alloys. The X3 M40i featured a high-gloss black BMW M grille and M-designed light-alloy wheels. The interior boasted dark oak wood trim, an anthracite headliner, and eight-way power-adjustable front Sport seats. The standard infotainment system included a 10.25-inch screen, with an optional 12.3-inch touchscreen available.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport offered multiple powertrain options. The base P360 mild-hybrid powertrain, available in the SE and SE Silver Edition, combined a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with a 48-volt electrical system, producing 355 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque. The HST model featured the P400 powertrain, delivering 395 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. The HSE Silver Edition offered plug-in hybrid and diesel powertrains, with the P400e plug-in hybrid generating 398 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque, and the 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 producing 254 hp and 443 lb-ft. The HSE Dynamic and Autobiography trims featured a supercharged 5.0-liter V8 engine with 518 hp and 461 lb-ft of torque. The SVR and SVR Carbon Edition received a more powerful version of this engine, making 575 hp and 516 lb-ft. All models had an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel drive, with a height-adjustable air suspension and Terrain Response system. The Range Rover Sport could tow up to 7,716 pounds, except for the SVR, which could tow 6,613 pounds.

The 2022 BMW X3 featured an eight-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. The X3 sDrive30i and xDrive30i were powered by 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-rated fuel economy of 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 featured a 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine with a mild-hybrid system, producing 382 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, with a 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds. The M40i had an EPA-rated fuel economy of 21 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined. The mild-hybrid system included a 48-volt start/generator and battery, offering an additional 11 hp during acceleration. The X3 M40i also featured a flap-controlled sports exhaust system, sport brakes, an adaptive suspension, and an AWD system tuned for a rear-oriented torque split.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport provided a maximum of 63.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 31.7 cubic feet with the second row in use. An optional third row of seating increased the seating capacity from five to seven, with 10.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats. Both the first and second rows offered ample headroom and legroom, while the optional third row was best suited for children.

The 2022 BMW X3 offered seating for five and ample storage space. The rear seats featured a standard 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 available. The SensaTec faux-leather seats were comfortable, with the upgraded Vernasca leather adding more softness. The X3's sport seats were supportive, and the bottom seat cushion could be extended for taller drivers. The redesigned center console featured a 10.25-inch infotainment system, with an optional 12.3-inch touchscreen available. The X3's interior included dark oak wood trim, an anthracite headliner, and eight-way power-adjustable front Sport seats.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport's interior was dominated by a dual-screen center console. The lower screen controlled climate settings and vehicle functions, while the upper screen housed the infotainment system. The system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto but was not always intuitive. The lower screen featured dials that controlled fan speed, temperature, and seat settings. The upper screen had reasonably sized icons for menu navigation and a real volume button.

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 available on M40i models. Other tech options included a Convenience Package and a Premium Package, which added features like a heated steering wheel, heated front and rear seats, a head-up display, and gesture control.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport came equipped with standard driver assistance features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and front-and-rear parking sensors. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, a surround-view parking camera, traffic sign recognition, driver drowsiness monitoring, and parallel and perpendicular park assist. A head-up display was also available.

The 2022 BMW X3 received a five-star crash safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Standard safety features included adaptive LED headlights with automatic high beams, a rearview camera, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, active blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rear collision avoidance, park distance control with auto braking, forward-collision warning with pedestrian/cyclist detection, and active pre-collision protection systems. 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, a 3D assisted view display, active lane-keep assist with lane centering, and side collision avoidance.