2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2022 BMW X3

The 2021 Toyota Sienna aimed to redefine the minivan aesthetic, presenting a more SUV-like appearance. Its wide grille and sleek LED headlamp arrays gave it a modern look, while the sculpted sliding side doors added an assertive stance. Alloy wheels ranging from 17 to 20 inches filled the arches, enhancing its visual appeal. Inside, the Sienna emphasized width with horizontal lines, offering a higher seating position than a sedan but not quite the command seating of a full-size SUV. The dashboard was simple and uncluttered, with most controls clustered on the upper part of the center stack. The center console featured a gear selector lever, cup holders, and a large storage compartment, forming a bridge between the dash and the storage area below.

The 2022 BMW X3 featured a revised exterior design with a more aggressive stance. The kidney grille was larger but not overly so, and the headlights were slimmer, accommodating new vertical air intakes and a redesigned front bumper. The rear taillights had a black surround and pincer claw-shaped brake light LEDs. The X3 offered nine exterior finishes, including new metallic colors like Brooklyn Grey and Tanzanite Blue II. Inside, the X3 presented a clean and efficient design with dark oak wood trim, an anthracite headliner, and eight-way power-adjustable front Sport seats. The standard SensaTec synthetic leather upholstery could be upgraded to premium Vernasca leather, and a panoramic moonroof was standard on the M40i trim.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid was Toyota's first hybrid minivan, featuring a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors that combined to produce 243 horsepower. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on all trim levels. The Sienna used an electronically controlled continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), which delivered power smoothly but tended to blunt throttle response. The Sienna Hybrid offered four selectable drive modes: Normal, EV, Eco, and Sport. Handling was significantly improved over the previous model, thanks to new TNGA front suspension and steering and independent rear trailing arm suspension. The big news was its EPA fuel economy ratings: 36 mpg city, 36 mpg highway, and 36 mpg combined for FWD models, and 35/36/35 mpg combined for AWD models.

The 2022 BMW X3 featured an eight-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters as standard. The X3 sDrive30i and xDrive30i were powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 248 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, with a 0-60 mph time of 6 seconds. 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 featured a 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine with a new mild-hybrid system, producing 382 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, with a 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds. The M40i was EPA-rated at 21 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined. The mild-hybrid system offered smoother start/stop operation and an additional 11 hp during acceleration.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna excelled in convenience functions, with a third-row 60/40-split bench that stored away into the floor easily. The second row slid up to 25 inches, making it easy to access the third row. The cabin featured 16 cupholders, with storage cubby space and bottle holders in all four side doors. The Sienna could carry a full four-by-eight sheet of plywood inside with the tailgate closed, offering 33.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 75.2 cubic feet behind the second row, and 101.0 cubic feet behind the first row. The 288-volt Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) battery pack was cleverly tucked under the front seats, not impacting cargo space. Both side sliding doors and the rear tailgate were power-operated and responded to kick motions for easy access.

The 2022 BMW X3 offered seating for five adults, with a standard 40/20/40-split rear seat. The cargo area was spacious enough to accommodate backpacks, film and photography equipment, and additional carry-on suitcases. A power tailgate was standard, with an optional hands-free opening available. The SensaTec faux-leather seats were comfortable, with the upgraded Vernasca leather adding more softness. The X3's redesigned center console featured a 10.25-inch infotainment system, with an optional 12.3-inch touchscreen available. The lower area included the gear selector, BMW iDrive controller knob, and driving function buttons, with a matte finish for a smudge-free appearance.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna packed a ton of standard and available technology features. A nine-inch touchscreen was standard, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, SiriusXM, and multiple USB ports. The Sienna came with a year's trial of Safety Connect and Remote Connect, a ten-year trial of Service Connect, and a three-month trial of AT&T WiFi Connect. Bluetooth hands-free and audio streaming were included on all trim levels. Higher trims offered a Premium Audio + JBL package with 12 speakers, Dynamic Navigation, and surround sound. A rear-seat entertainment system was available, featuring an 11.6-inch 1080p display, remote, and wireless headphones. The driver enjoyed a color multi-information display, with a 10-inch color Head-Up Display available on Platinum models.

The 2022 BMW X3 featured BMW Live Cockpit Plus with iDrive 7 telematics as standard, including a 5.1-inch color display instrument panel and 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. An optional Live Cockpit Professional enlarged both screens to 12.3 inches, offering a fully digital experience. The standard 12-speaker 205-watt HiFi sound system could be upgraded to a Harman Kardon surround sound system with 16 speakers. Other tech options included a Convenience Package, adding comfort access keyless entry, a panoramic sunroof, and lumbar support, with a Premium Package available for all X3 models.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, including full-speed range dynamic radar cruise control, lane-tracing assist, pre-collision system with pedestrian and bicyclist detection, lane-departure alert, automatic high beams, and road sign assist. The Star Safety System was also standard, featuring enhanced vehicle stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, and smart stop technology. The Sienna had 10 airbags and LATCH connectors, with a rear-seat reminder system and a tire pressure monitoring system. The 2020 Sienna received "Good" ratings from IIHS and a Five-Star Overall Rating from NHTSA.

The 2022 BMW X3 received a five-star crash safety rating from NHTSA. It featured adaptive LED headlights with automatic high beams, a rearview camera, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, active blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rear collision avoidance, park distance control with auto braking, forward-collision warning with pedestrian/cyclist detection, and active pre-collision protection systems. The available Parking Assistance Package added parking assistance plus, active park distance control, and a 360-degree surround camera view. The Driving Assistant Professional Package included traffic jam assistance, back-up assistant, front cross-traffic alert, a 3D assisted view display, active lane-keep assist with lane centering, and side collision avoidance.