2022 BMW X3 vs 2021 Land Rover Range Rover

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover had evolved significantly from its rugged origins, transforming into a symbol of luxury and sophistication. Once a utilitarian vehicle, it now boasted features like heated, ventilated, and massaging seats wrapped in premium leather, catering to a more upscale clientele. The Range Rover's design, despite nearing a decade old, remained timeless with its clean lines and hallmark design cues. Inside, the cabin exuded luxury with its high-contrast, mid-century modern ambiance, although the infotainment system was not as advanced as newer models.

In contrast, the 2022 BMW X3 presented a more aggressive exterior design with a larger kidney grille and adaptive full LED headlights. The rear featured new taillights with a distinctive design, and the vehicle offered a variety of new paint options. Inside, the X3's cabin was clean and efficient, with a focus on practicality and comfort. The interior featured dark oak wood trim, adjustable sport seats, and a range of upholstery options. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with a larger standard screen and an optional panoramic moonroof.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover offered a variety of powertrains, including a mild-hybrid turbocharged inline-six engine producing 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. It featured a flawless eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive with a two-speed transfer case, making it a capable off-roader. The adaptive air suspension provided a smooth ride, although the vehicle's weight and tall center of gravity affected its handling on winding roads. The Range Rover's fuel economy was rated at 20 mpg combined, with our test vehicle achieving 18.5 mpg.

The 2022 BMW X3 came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine for the sDrive30i and xDrive30i models, delivering 248 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The X3 M40i featured a more powerful 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine with a mild-hybrid system, producing 382 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The M40i's performance was impressive, with a 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds. Fuel economy for the X3 sDrive30i was 25 mpg combined, while the M40i achieved 23 mpg combined.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover's air suspension offered a kneel mode for easier access, but the second-row seats lacked comfort and adjustability. The vehicle's storage space was limited, with a maximum cargo capacity of 59.8 cubic feet. The interior featured quality leather upholstery and a range of comfort features, but storage space was barely adequate.

The 2022 BMW X3 provided ample space for five passengers and their luggage, with a standard 40/20/40-split rear seat. The cargo area was spacious, and a power tailgate was standard. The interior featured comfortable SensaTec seats, with an option for upgraded Vernasca leather. The redesigned center console improved ergonomics, and the infotainment system was larger and more accessible.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover featured a fully digital instrumentation and infotainment system with three displays. The InControl Touch Pro Duo system was not entirely intuitive, and using the touchscreens while driving was distracting. The vehicle offered a waterproof Activity Key wristband and an iGuide smartphone app for added convenience.

The 2022 BMW X3 came with BMW Live Cockpit Plus and iDrive 7 telematics, featuring a 10.25-inch infotainment screen and a range of connected digital features. The system was customizable, with options for larger screens and a fully digital experience. The X3 offered a standard 12-speaker sound system, with an optional Harman Kardon surround sound system for M40i models.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover included standard safety features like forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking, with optional packages for additional driver aids. The HSE Westminster Edition included the Drive Pro and Park packages, but the adaptive cruise control was slow to respond.

The 2022 BMW X3 received a five-star crash safety rating from the NHTSA and offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including adaptive cruise control and active blind-spot monitoring. Optional packages added features like parking assistance and traffic jam assistance, enhancing the vehicle's safety capabilities.