2022 BMW X3 vs 2021 Subaru Outback

The 2021 Subaru Outback, redesigned for the 2020 model year, retained a familiar and comfortable feel reminiscent of older Subaru models. The analog gauges, steering wheel design, and seat forms were consistent with previous iterations, though the interior saw a refresh, especially in trims above the base level. The Premium and higher trims featured an 11.6-inch portrait display, surrounded by polished black plastic and chrome trim, enhancing the cabin's modernity. The Onyx Edition XT, with its gray and black StarTex upholstery and lime green stitching, added a touch of flair. Externally, the Outback's gray cladding and smooth, plain styling maintained its lifted wagon appearance, with minor updates like new paint options and standard adaptive LED headlights.

In contrast, the 2022 BMW X3 presented a more aggressive exterior design with a slightly larger kidney grille and slimmer adaptive full LED headlights. The rear featured new taillights with a black surround and pincer claw-shaped brake light LEDs, along with larger exhaust tips and a redesigned bumper. The X3 offered nine exterior finishes, including new metallic colors like Brooklyn Grey and Tanzanite Blue II. The M Sport Package added sportier design elements, while the Shadowline Package provided a black-out treatment for various exterior components. The X3's interior was clean and efficient, with dark oak wood trim, power-adjustable front Sport seats, and new perforated SensaTec synthetic leather upholstery. The cabin also featured a panoramic moonroof and ambient lighting with 11 color combinations.

The 2021 Subaru Outback's base engine was a 2.5-liter flat-four producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). This combination struggled to move the vehicle, especially when loaded, resulting in slow and noisy performance. The XT trims offered a turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four engine with 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque, significantly improving acceleration and overall capability. The turbo engine's fuel economy was slightly lower, with an EPA-estimated 23 mpg city and 30 mpg highway compared to the base engine's 26 mpg city and 33 mpg highway. The Outback's handling was designed for comfort, with long-travel springs and 8.7 inches of ground clearance, making it adept at off-road conditions. Subaru's AWD system provided proactive torque distribution, enhancing the vehicle's off-road proficiency.

The 2022 BMW X3 featured an eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. The sDrive30i and xDrive30i models were powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 248 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 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 M40i model, with a 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine and a mild-hybrid system, produced 382 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds. The M40i's fuel economy was 21 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined. The X3's handling was enhanced by features like a flap-controlled sports exhaust system, sport brakes, adaptive suspension, and a rear-oriented AWD system, providing a more dynamic driving experience.

The 2021 Subaru Outback offered impressive ground clearance, surpassing many larger vehicles, and provided 76 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, and 33 cubic feet with them raised. The cargo area was wide and flat, with ample headroom and legroom for all passengers. Visibility was excellent, and storage options were plentiful, including large map pockets and bottle holders. However, some features like push-button start and rear climate vents were only available on higher trims. The Outback's standard roof rails with integrated crossbars were a standout feature, offering convenience and cost savings. The 11.6-inch touchscreen complicated climate controls but was generally responsive and useful.

The 2022 BMW X3 accommodated five passengers, with the rear middle seat suitable for smaller adults. The rear seats featured a 40/20/40-split, providing ample cargo space for various needs. The SensaTec faux-leather seats were comfortable, with the upgraded Vernasca leather offering additional softness. The X3's sport seats were supportive, though the thigh-support cushion's control handle could be intrusive for some drivers. The redesigned center console and larger infotainment system improved accessibility and usability. The X3's interior featured a 10.25-inch standard infotainment screen, with an optional 12.3-inch touchscreen available. The layout included push-button and rocker-style controls for climate and audio functions, enhancing the overall ergonomic experience.

The 2021 Subaru Outback's infotainment system appeared outdated, with graphics and typefaces reminiscent of older gaming consoles. Despite this, the system offered modern features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Subaru EyeSight, standard on all trims, included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and forward automatic emergency braking. However, the system relied solely on forward-looking cameras, which could be less effective in certain conditions compared to systems that also use radar.

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. The system offered navigation, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa integration, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The optional Live Cockpit Professional enlarged both screens to 12.3 inches and provided a fully-digital experience. The X3's standard 12-speaker 205-watt HiFi sound system could be upgraded to a Harman Kardon surround sound system with 16 speakers. Additional tech options included a Convenience Package and a Premium Package, offering features like keyless entry, a panoramic sunroof, heated seats, and a head-up display.

The 2021 Subaru Outback featured a stronger and stiffer chassis, with standard driver’s knee and passenger seat-cushion airbags. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert was optional on Premium trims and standard on higher trims. Rear emergency braking and a driver-attention monitor were available on specific trims. The Outback earned a 2020 IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" award and received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with four stars for the front passenger in a frontal crash and four stars for the rollover test.

The 2022 BMW X3 received a five-star crash safety rating from the NHTSA. While IIHS crash test results for the 2022 model were not available, the 2018-2021 X3 was named a Top Safety Pick+. The 2022 X3 added more safety features, including adaptive LED headlights, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, active blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and forward-collision warning with pedestrian/cyclist detection. The available Parking Assistance Package and Driving Assistant Professional Package offered additional safety and driver-assistance features, such as traffic jam assistance, active lane-keep assist, and a 360-degree surround camera view.