2022 BMW X3 vs 2021 Lincoln Navigator

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator was a significant departure from its predecessors, which closely resembled the Ford Expedition. While it shared some structural elements with the Expedition, the Navigator distinguished itself with unique design features, including a distinctive turn signal stalk. The Navigator Reserve, priced at $92,000, exuded luxury and sophistication, convincing even those accustomed to high-end brands like Mercedes-Benz and Range Rover of its worth. Its elegant design, characterized by rectilinear shapes, chrome accents, and a monochromatic package, made it a standout. The Pristine White model, with its illuminated Lincoln logo and black wheels, was particularly striking during winter tests in Connecticut and Massachusetts.

Inside, the Navigator impressed with its seven color palettes and attention to detail. The Slate Gray interior of the test model showcased layered wood trim, a floating center console, and a minimalist digital instrument panel. The materials were of high quality, and the panel gaps were tight. The Black Label trims offered even more luxurious textures and softer leather. The Perfect Position seats, adjustable in 30 different ways, provided exceptional comfort. Fully loaded, the Navigator's interior rivaled that of much smaller, more expensive luxury SUVs.

The 2022 BMW X3, available in four variants, featured a revised exterior design that gave it a slightly more aggressive stance. The kidney grille was larger, but not overly so, and a black sensor bar between the grilles added a unique touch. The adaptive full LED headlights were slimmer, and the redesigned front bumper included new vertical air intakes. The rear featured new taillights with a black surround and claw-shaped brake light LEDs. Larger exhaust tips and a new bumper complemented the updated exterior. The X3 was available in nine finishes, with new colors like Brooklyn Grey and Tanzanite Blue II.

The X3's interior was clean and efficient, with dark oak wood trim, an anthracite headliner, and eight-way power-adjustable front sport seats. The SensaTec synthetic leather upholstery was comfortable, and the Vernasca leather option added softness. The rear seats featured a 40/20/40 split, providing ample cargo space. The redesigned center console and larger infotainment system improved accessibility and usability. The X3's interior, while not as luxurious as some competitors, was still handsome and functional.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a twin-turbo V6 engine, producing 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, made the Navigator feel surprisingly agile for its size. The 4WD system was smooth and responsive, and the towing capacity was impressive at 8,300 pounds for 4WD models and 8,700 pounds for RWD models. However, fuel economy was poor, averaging in the teens, with an EPA-estimated 17 mpg combined. The adaptive dampers provided a decent ride, but the suspension felt rudimentary compared to competitors. The steering and brakes were less precise, but the Navigator's overall refinement and power made it a comfortable highway cruiser.

The 2022 BMW X3 featured an eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. The base models, sDrive30i and xDrive30i, were powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 248 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The 0-60 mph time was 6 seconds for both RWD and AWD models. Fuel economy for the sDrive30i was 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, with a 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine and a mild-hybrid system, produced 382 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, with a 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds. The M40i's fuel economy was 21 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined. The X3's performance was solid, with the M40i offering a more exhilarating drive.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator offered ample interior space, with seating for up to eight passengers. The boxy shape provided generous cargo space, with 19 cubic feet behind the third row, 57 cubic feet behind the second row, and 103 cubic feet in total. The long-wheelbase Navigator L offered even more storage. The rear glass opened separately from the tailgate, adding convenience. The second-row seats were heated, and a three-zone climate control system was standard. The front seats were highly adjustable and comfortable, with a high driving position providing excellent visibility. However, parking was challenging due to the vehicle's size.

The 2022 BMW X3 provided seating for five adults, with a 40/20/40-split rear seat configuration. The cargo space was ample, accommodating backpacks and additional luggage. A power tailgate was standard, with an optional hands-free opening feature. The SensaTec seats were comfortable, and the Vernasca leather option added softness. The redesigned center console and larger infotainment system improved usability. The X3's sport seats were supportive, and the vehicle's ergonomics were well-designed, with easy access to frequent touchpoints.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator featured a 10-inch touchscreen, which felt small compared to newer models. The infotainment system was intuitive, with a unique Lincoln interface. However, it lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the cameras were low-resolution. The 20-speaker Revel Ultima stereo was good but not exceptional. The Navigator offered onboard 4G WiFi, wireless device charging, a smartwatch app, and the ability to use a smartphone as an ignition key. The rear entertainment system included Roku media streaming and various connections. The drive mode animations were a nice touch, and the overall simplicity of the system was appreciated.

The 2022 BMW X3 came standard with BMW Live Cockpit Plus and iDrive 7 telematics, featuring a 5.1-inch color display instrument panel and a 10.25-inch infotainment screen. The system 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 and provided a fully digital experience. The X3's infotainment system was customizable and user-friendly, with multiple control options. The standard 12-speaker HiFi sound system could be upgraded to a 16-speaker Harman Kardon system. Additional tech options included a Convenience Package and a Premium Package, offering various comfort and convenience features.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator received a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), with five stars in every test except for rollover resistance. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) had not rated the Navigator in its current generation. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and auto high beams. Adaptive cruise control was optional, but the Navigator's self-steering capabilities were not as advanced as some competitors.

The 2022 BMW X3 also received a five-star crash safety rating from the NHTSA. The IIHS had not yet tested the 2022 model, but the previous model years were named Top Safety Pick+. The X3 added more safety features for 2022, including 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 various pre-collision protection systems. Optional safety packages included parking assistance and driving assistant professional, offering advanced features like traffic jam assistance and active lane-keep assist.