2022 BMW X3 vs 2021 Toyota 4Runner

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner, despite its age, maintained a rugged charm that appealed to those seeking a durable and utilitarian vehicle. Its design, unchanged for over a decade, still resonated with buyers who appreciated its two-box body, flared fenders, and trapezoidal wheel arches. The 4Runner's appearance was more about function than form, with its aggressive front end and chrome accents on the Limited trim being the only exceptions. The interior was straightforward, featuring hard plastics and an old-school dashboard with large knobs and buttons, emphasizing simplicity and durability. The Trail Special Edition, priced at $43,729, offered unique features like a Yakima RoadWarrior rooftop cargo basket and a custom-made cooler, adding to its adventurous appeal.

In contrast, the 2022 BMW X3 presented a more modern and refined aesthetic. The exterior updates included a slightly larger kidney grille, slimmer adaptive LED headlights, and redesigned taillights with a pincer claw shape. The X3's interior was a blend of luxury and practicality, with dark oak wood trim, adjustable sport seats, and a tri-zone climate control system. The cabin was spacious enough for five adults, although the middle rear seat was best suited for smaller passengers. The X3 offered a variety of interior color options and materials, including the standard SensaTec and optional Vernasca leather. The redesigned center console and larger infotainment screens added to the vehicle's contemporary feel.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner was equipped with a 4.0-liter V6 engine producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. It excelled in off-road conditions, thanks to features like A-Trac, a standard off-road traction control system. The 4Runner's performance in challenging terrains was impressive, but on paved roads, it felt slow and cumbersome. Its truck-like driving characteristics were part of its charm, but they also contributed to a less refined on-road experience. Fuel economy was a downside, with an EPA rating of 17 mpg combined, and our test averaging 16.8 mpg.

The 2022 BMW X3 offered a more dynamic driving experience. The base models, sDrive30i and xDrive30i, featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 248 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 6 seconds. The M40i variant added a 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine with 382 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, enhanced by a mild-hybrid system. The M40i's performance was notably more exhilarating, with a 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds. Fuel economy for the X3 ranged from 21 to 25 mpg combined, depending on the model, with the M40i's mild-hybrid system offering minimal impact on efficiency.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner provided ample interior space, with comfortable seating for front and rear passengers. The back seat offered generous legroom, and the vehicle's high ground clearance added to its rugged appeal. Cargo space was substantial, with up to 89.7 cubic feet available with the rear seats folded down. The sliding cargo deck, capable of holding 440 pounds, was a practical feature for outdoor enthusiasts.

The 2022 BMW X3 excelled in interior comfort and practicality. It accommodated five passengers, with the rear seats offering a 40/20/40 split for versatile cargo arrangements. The X3's cargo area was spacious enough for multiple bags and equipment, and the power tailgate added convenience. The interior featured a redesigned center console, larger infotainment screens, and improved ergonomics. The sport seats were supportive, and the optional Vernasca leather added a touch of luxury.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner's technology was basic, with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The premium audio upgrade added dynamic navigation and voice recognition, enhancing the user experience. Despite its simplicity, the system was functional and easy to use, even with gloves on.

The 2022 BMW X3 boasted advanced technology with the standard BMW Live Cockpit Plus, featuring a 10.25-inch infotainment screen and a 5.1-inch instrument panel. The system included navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration. The optional Live Cockpit Professional offered larger 12.3-inch screens and cloud-based navigation. The X3's technology was customizable, with multiple control options, including voice activation and the iDrive controller. The standard 12-speaker sound system could be upgraded to a Harman Kardon surround sound system for enhanced audio quality.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner came with Toyota Safety Sense P, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane departure warning. However, it lacked blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The 4Runner received mixed safety ratings, with a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA and a "Marginal" rating for small overlap frontal-impact protection from the IIHS.

The 2022 BMW X3 received a five-star crash safety rating from the NHTSA. It featured a comprehensive suite of safety and driver-assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, active blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The optional Driving Assistant Professional Package added advanced features like traffic jam assistance and active lane-keep assist. The X3's safety technology was more advanced and comprehensive compared to the 4Runner.