2022 BMW X3 vs 2021 Volvo XC40

The 2021 Volvo XC40 presented a traditional SUV aesthetic, characterized by its tall, flat roof and upright rear hatch, aligning with Volvo's signature design elements like the “Thor’s Hammer” LED headlights and a simple oval grille. Gasoline models offered a retro touch with a white contrasting roof. The electric XC40 Recharge differentiated itself with a blanked-off grille, unique badging, and model-specific alloy wheels, alongside a gloss black roof and mirror caps. Despite these subtle differences, the Recharge maintained a low-key appearance, appealing to those who preferred understated electric vehicles. Inside, the XC40 boasted a minimalist yet premium interior, featuring real metal trim and a blend of Nappa leather and Nubuck textile upholstery. The cohesive design extended to the portrait-oriented touchscreen and air vents, offering a sophisticated cabin experience.

The 2022 BMW X3, available in four variants, showcased a slightly more aggressive exterior design with a 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, complemented by larger exhaust tips and a redesigned bumper. The X3 offered nine exterior finishes, including new metallic colors like Brooklyn Grey and Tanzanite Blue II. Standard 19-inch gray aluminum-alloy wheels were paired with all-season run-flat tires, with an aerodynamically-optimized 19-inch wheel available for certain models. The M Sport Package added sporty elements like larger air intakes and a rear diffuser, while the Shadowline Package provided a black-out treatment for various exterior components. Inside, the X3's cabin was well-appointed with dark oak wood trim, adjustable sport seats, and a tri-zone automatic climate control system, offering a comfortable and practical environment for occupants.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 offered a three-tiered powertrain lineup, with the electric Recharge model at the top. The gasoline options included a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base FWD T4 produced 187 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, while the AWD T5 delivered 248 hp and 258 lb-ft. The Recharge model shared its powertrain with the Polestar 2, featuring dual electric motors for AWD, generating a combined 402 hp and 486 lb-ft. It utilized a 78-kilowatt-hour battery pack, providing a 0-60 mph time of 4.7 seconds. The Recharge emphasized luxury and comfort over performance, offering excellent ride quality and one-pedal driving capability. It also had a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds.

The 2022 BMW X3 featured an eight-speed automatic transmission across all models. The X3 sDrive30i and xDrive30i were powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 248 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, with a 0-60 mph time of 6 seconds. Fuel economy for the sDrive30i was rated at 23 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined, while the xDrive30i offered slightly lower figures. The X3 M40i boasted a 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine with a mild-hybrid system, delivering 382 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, achieving a 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds. The M40i featured a sportier driving experience with an adaptive suspension and a rear-oriented torque split AWD system. Despite the mild-hybrid system, fuel economy remained a concern, with the M40i rated at 21 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 offered no difference in passenger or cargo space between the Recharge and gasoline models. However, it was less spacious compared to competitors like the Tesla Model Y and Ford Mustang Mach-E, with limited legroom and a smaller cargo area. The XC40 made up for this with clever storage solutions, such as a removable trash bin in the center console and large door bins due to relocated speakers. A wireless charging pad was optional, but second-row occupants lacked phone-charging options.

The 2022 BMW X3 provided ample room for five passengers, with a 40/20/40-split rear seat configuration. The cargo area was spacious enough for multiple bags and equipment, with a power tailgate standard and hands-free opening optional. The SensaTec faux-leather seats were comfortable, with the upgraded Vernasca leather offering additional softness. The X3's sport seats featured an extendable bottom cushion, though the control handle could be intrusive for some drivers. The redesigned center console improved ergonomics, with a larger standard infotainment system and optional 12.3-inch touchscreen. The layout mimicked newer BMW models, offering a user-friendly experience.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge featured the Android Automotive OS infotainment system, integrating Google apps like Google Assistant and Google Maps. The system included a 9-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, with OTA update capability for software-controlled functions. Recharge models lacked a start button, relying on the key fob for activation. The gasoline models continued with the previous infotainment system, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity.

The 2022 BMW X3 came standard with BMW Live Cockpit Plus and iDrive 7 telematics, featuring a 5.1-inch color display and a 10.25-inch infotainment screen. The system included navigation, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa integration, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. An optional Live Cockpit Professional enlarged both screens to 12.3 inches, offering a fully digital experience. The X3's infotainment system was customizable, with multiple control options. A 12-speaker HiFi sound system was standard, with a Harman Kardon surround sound system available for M40i models. Additional tech options included a Convenience Package and a Premium Package, enhancing comfort and convenience features.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA for gasoline models. The electric XC40 Recharge was expected to perform well in crash tests due to its safety cage and redesigned front crash structure. Standard safety features included lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and more. The Recharge model featured Volvo's latest sensor suite, scalable for future driver aids.

The 2022 BMW X3 earned a five-star crash safety rating from the NHTSA. While IIHS ratings for 2022 were unavailable, the 2018 X3 was a Top Safety Pick+. The X3 included adaptive LED headlights, a rearview camera, adaptive cruise control, and various collision avoidance systems. The Parking Assistance Package added parking assistance features, while the Driving Assistant Professional Package offered advanced driver aids like traffic jam assistance and active lane-keep assist.