2022 BMW X3 vs 2021 Subaru Forester

The 2021 Subaru Forester had a design that carried over largely from its 2019 redesign, giving it a somewhat dated look. Its styling closely mirrored the previous generation, with the most notable difference being the distinctive cross-shaped taillights. This continuity in design likely stemmed from Subaru’s philosophy of not tampering with a successful formula. With its boxy and upright shape, the Forester provided the rugged look that many SUV enthusiasts appreciated. The base trim's 17-inch steel wheels offered a rather plain appearance, but higher trims with 17-inch alloy wheels presented a more refined look. The Forester Sport model, which we examined, added orange striping around the lower edges of the body and roof rails, along with a rear spoiler and 18-inch black alloy wheels, lending it a vibrant contrast, especially in the Dark Blue Pearl color.

Meanwhile, the 2022 BMW X3 introduced a more aggressive stance, albeit subtly. It featured a larger kidney grille with a center sensor bar for a distinctive gap-toothed smile. The headlights were slimmer, accommodating new vertical air intakes, and the rear was enhanced with crab hand-shaped brake lights and larger exhaust tips. The updated rear bumper complemented the horizontal-styled exterior lighting, and the X3 sported nine exterior finishes, including the new Brooklyn Grey and Tanzanite Blue II. Standard 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, with an option for aerodynamically optimized black wheels, added to its stylish and functional appeal. The M Sport Package on specific models upped the ante with more aggressive design elements like larger front air intakes, sportier rear bummers, and specialized aero wheels.

The 2021 Subaru Forester was equipped with a sole powertrain option: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder boxer engine generating 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). This setup provided a modest 1,500-pound towing capacity, and while adequate for daily driving, it fell short in delivering the desired thrust for highway merging and overtaking. The Forester’s suspension, tuned for comfort, resulted in significant body roll in corners and excessive bounce on uneven surfaces. Despite its all-wheel-drive (AWD) being standard and a sophisticated X-Mode for different driving surfaces, its performance was geared more towards rugged utility rather than sporty agility.

In stark contrast, the 2022 BMW X3 offered a range of powertrain options. The base sDrive30i and xDrive30i models boasted a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivering 248 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, achieving a brisk 0-60 mph in six seconds. The M40i variant upped the ante with a 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine enhanced by a mild-hybrid system, producing an impressive 382 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, allowing it to sprint to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds. Despite a slight drop in fuel economy from the previous year due to added features, the X3 maintained competitive figures within its class. The M40i also featured adaptive suspension, sport brakes, a sport exhaust system, and an AWD system with a rear-oriented torque split, ensuring a dynamic driving experience that combined performance with comfort.

The interior of the 2021 Subaru Forester was designed with practicality in mind. Its high and relatively flat roofline contributed to above-average headroom and legroom in both rows, enhancing the overall sense of spaciousness. This design also resulted in ample glass area, optimizing visibility but also increasing sun exposure. The Forester offered 35.4 cubic feet of cargo space with rear seats up and an impressive 76.1 cubic feet with the seats folded, surpassing rivals like the Honda CR-V and the Hyundai Tucson. However, it missed out on features like a sliding second-row bench, which was available in competitors like the Ford Escape and Nissan Rogue. Storage solutions included decently sized cupholders and a reasonably spacious center console, though the phone storage cubby was too small for average-sized phones, and wireless charging was unavailable.

The 2022 BMW X3 also prioritized comfort and practicality. Despite its compact crossover designation, the X3 provided ample rear legroom and headroom, accommodating five adults comfortably. Its standard 40/20/40 split rear seats provided flexible cargo options, with enough space for additional suitcases and equipment. The center console and ergonomic layout of controls mirrored those found in newer BMW models, contributing to a seamless and intuitive user experience. The interior featured well-appointed materials like dark oak wood trim and SensaTec synthetic leather, with optional Vernasca leather for a more luxurious touch. The X3 also included a standard power tailgate, with an optional hands-free opening feature for added convenience.

The 2021 Subaru Forester came equipped with the Subaru Starlink infotainment system. The base models featured a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth, SiriusXM satellite radio, and front-row USB ports. Higher trims like the Sport and Limited offered an 8-inch touchscreen with a Harman Kardon audio system and additional navigation and rear USB ports on the Touring trim. The system was user-friendly with well-designed graphics and backup analog controls, though the screen's slow boot-up time was a noticeable drawback.

The 2022 BMW X3 boasted a technologically advanced cabin with BMW’s Live Cockpit Plus featuring iDrive 7 telematics. Standard features included a 5.1-inch display in the instrument panel and a 10.25-inch infotainment screen, with optional 12.3-inch screens for a fully digital experience. The system supported navigation, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa integration, a WiFi hotspot, and various connected services. Optional tech upgrades included a Harman Kardon surround sound system, a Convenience Package with keyless entry and a panoramic sunroof, and a Premium Package offering heated seats, a head-up display, and gesture controls.

Safety was a strong suit for the 2021 Subaru Forester, which earned the highest "Top Safety Pick+" award from the IIHS with top ratings across all crash tests and a superior rating for front-crash prevention technology. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall rating. The Forester came standard with Subaru’s EyeSight suite, featuring adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lead-vehicle start alert. Optional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and reverse automatic braking.

The 2022 BMW X3 also excelled in safety, receiving a five-star rating from the NHTSA. Although IIHS ratings were not yet available for 2022, the 2018-2021 models had been recognized as Top Safety Pick+. Standard safety features included adaptive LED headlights, a rearview camera, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, active blind-spot monitoring, and forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection. Optional safety packages such as the Parking Assistance Package and Driving Assistant Professional Package provided additional features like 360-degree surround camera view, traffic jam assistance, and active lane-keep assist.