2022 BMW X3 vs 2021 Lexus NX

The 2021 Lexus NX offered a distinct aesthetic appeal with three versions to choose from: NX 300, NX 300 F Sport, and the NX 300h hybrid. The NX F Sport, geared towards performance enthusiasts, featured unique design elements such as a honeycomb grille, triple-beam LED headlights, and 18-inch F Sport wheels. This model enhanced its sportier appearance with trim-specific touches like quilted NuLuxe sport seats and an optional Circuit Red interior, giving the cabin a blend of bold and traditional styling options. These aesthetic and functional touches, combined with the sculpted exterior lines, provided a seamless continuity with the rest of the Lexus SUV family, making it an appealing choice for those fond of the brand’s design philosophy.

The 2022 BMW X3, on the other hand, was available in four variants: sDrive30i, xDrive30i, M40i, and M, with the X3 sDrive30i being unique for its rear-wheel-drive configuration. The X3 received a refreshed exterior design, featuring an incrementally larger kidney grille and slimmer adaptive LED headlights with new vertical air intakes. The rear end was graced with pincer claw-shaped brake light LEDs and redesigned exhaust tips, among other updates. The X3 could further personalize its appearance via the M Sport Package, which added sporty design elements and an array of wheel choices up to 21 inches. The cabin design was clean and well-appointed, borrowing heavily from BMW’s design ethos with features like dark oak wood trim and customizable ambient lighting that could set the right mood for any journey.

In terms of material quality and overall interior design, both vehicles excelled, with the Lexus NX leaning into a more traditional luxury feel, while the BMW X3 embraced a more modern, tech-savvy ambiance. However, BMW’s approach felt slightly future-forward, making it more appealing to tech enthusiasts and younger buyers.

The 2021 Lexus NX offered capable performance from its turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, which, while adequate, lagged behind competitors using more advanced gearboxes. The F Sport version included Active Sound Control to enhance the engine note through the speakers, which some purists found unnecessary. The acceleration from 0 to 60 mph clocked in at around seven seconds, a respectable figure for its class, though engine noise did become prominent under hard acceleration. The NX provided three driving modes—Eco, Normal, and Sport—that altered throttle response and power-steering assist. Fuel economy figures hovered around 22-28 mpg, depending on the drivetrain configuration.

Comparatively, the 2022 BMW X3 offered varied performance across its four trims. The base X3 sDrive30i and xDrive30i models came with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, delivering 248 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This engine was mated to a more modern eight-speed automatic transmission, allowing the X3 to achieve a 0-60 mph time of six seconds. The M40i variant dialed up the performance with a 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine and a mild-hybrid system, producing 382 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, achieving a blistering 0-60 mph time of just 4.4 seconds. Fuel economy ranged from 21-29 mpg depending on the engine and drivetrain setup, with the mild-hybrid system offering additional bursts of power but no significant improvement in fuel efficiency.

Both vehicles offered commendable performance, but the BMW X3 stood out with its broader range of powertrains and superior acceleration, particularly in the M40i variant. This made the X3 a more suitable choice for those seeking an exhilarating driving experience.

The 2021 Lexus NX provided a comfortable and upscale interior. The front seats were spacious, and even the second row could accommodate two adults with relative comfort. The NX fell short in cargo space, offering just 17.7 cubic feet behind the second row and 54.6 cubic feet with the seats folded down, putting it on the smaller side within its class. Features like a power liftgate and optional power-folding rear seats added to its practicality, but the constrained cargo space was a notable limitation.

In contrast, the 2022 BMW X3 excelled in interior space and practicality. With seating for five, the X3 could comfortably accommodate three adults in the rear, albeit with a slightly snug middle seat. The rear seats had a 40/20/40 split, which allowed for flexible cargo arrangements. With all seats up, the X3 offered ample space for backpacks and other equipment, easily accommodating additional luggage if needed. A power tailgate was standard, with hands-free opening available as an option. The X3 also boasted a more ergonomic and user-friendly cabin layout, incorporating larger infotainment screens and a refined center console design. Overall, the BMW X3 provided a more practical and spacious interior, making it a more versatile option for families and those needing extra storage capacity.

The 2021 Lexus NX came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, upgradeable to a 10.3-inch display with the Navigation package. While it offered modern conveniences like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot, the Lexus infotainment interface was less intuitive than those of its competitors, often burying critical functions deep within its menus. The available Mark Levinson 14-speaker audio system delivered an exceptional listening experience, and the Lexus Enform suite provided enhanced connectivity and remote control features via a mobile app.

The 2022 BMW X3, equipped with BMW Live Cockpit Plus and iDrive 7, featured a 5.1-inch color display and a 10.25-inch infotainment screen, upgradeable to a fully digital 12.3-inch setup. The system supported a plethora of connected services, including cloud-based navigation, real-time traffic updates, and over-the-air software updates. The X3's infotainment system was highly customizable and could be controlled via the rotary iDrive controller, voice commands, or steering wheel-mounted controls. The Harman Kardon surround sound system available on the M40i trim elevated the audio experience. Overall, the BMW X3 excelled in technology, offering a more advanced and user-friendly interface.

The 2021 Lexus NX was equipped with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, featuring a comprehensive suite of safety features such as lane-departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. Additional safety options included a surround-view camera system and adaptive headlights. The NX received top scores from both the IIHS and NHTSA for crash safety, underscoring its robust safety credentials.

Similarly, the 2022 BMW X3 featured a plethora of standard safety features, including adaptive LED headlights, adaptive cruise control, and active blind-spot monitoring. The X3 also offered advanced safety packages like the Parking Assistance Package and Driving Assistant Professional Package, which added capabilities like 360-degree camera views and traffic jam assistance. The X3 achieved a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA and was expected to maintain high safety standards as per previous IIHS evaluations.