2022 BMW X3 vs 2022 Buick Enclave

The 2022 BMW X3 was available in four variants, with the sDrive30i being the only rear-wheel-drive model, while the others were all-wheel-drive. The X3's exterior design was slightly more aggressive, featuring a larger kidney grille and a black sensor bar for a unique look. The adaptive full LED headlights were slimmer, and the taillights had a new design with a black surround and pincer claw-shaped brake light LEDs. The rear was updated with larger exhaust tips and a new bumper, complemented by new paint options and aerodynamically-optimized wheels. The interior of the X3 was well-appointed, with dark oak wood trim, power-adjustable front Sport seats, and a variety of seating materials and colors. Ambient lighting with 11 color combinations added to the cabin's ambiance.

The 2022 Buick Enclave underwent a significant transformation over the years, moving from a sedan-heavy lineup to a focus on SUVs. The Enclave, a three-row crossover, received a mid-cycle refresh for 2022, featuring exterior styling enhancements like a new grille, fascias, and wheel designs. The Avenir trim level had unique styling elements and 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Enclave boasted a restyled center console with push-button gears and upgraded materials. The Avenir trim offered climate-controlled front seats, heated second-row captain's chairs, and unique trim and seat stitching. The Enclave was available in Essence, Premium, and Avenir trims, with the Avenir offering a luxurious experience, though not quite reaching the level of a Cadillac XT6.

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 X3 M40i, with a 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine and a mild-hybrid system, delivered 382 hp and 369 lb-ft 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 provided a balanced driving experience, with the M40i offering more power and excitement.

The 2022 Buick Enclave was equipped with a 3.6-liter V6 engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, producing 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. The Enclave came standard with front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive available on all trims. It had a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. The Enclave offered a smooth and quiet ride, thanks to its premium ride suspension and continuously variable real-time chassis damping. The powertrain was responsive, providing good acceleration for a vehicle of its size. The Enclave's cabin was serene, with QuietTuning and active noise cancellation technology enhancing the driving experience.

The 2022 BMW X3 offered seating for five, with a roomy interior for a compact crossover. The rear seats featured a 40/20/40-split, providing ample cargo space when folded. The SensaTec faux-leather seats were comfortable, with the option to upgrade to Vernasca leather. The X3's interior was ergonomically designed, with a redesigned center console and a larger infotainment system. The X3's sport seats were supportive, and the vehicle offered a variety of adjustability options for occupants.

The 2022 Buick Enclave provided easy ingress and egress, with excellent visibility. The Enclave's cabin was spacious, accommodating six full-size adults comfortably. The second-row captain's chairs made accessing the third row easy, and the seats flipped and folded for added versatility. The restyled center console featured push-button transmission gears, with a covered compartment for cupholders. The Enclave offered ample cargo space, with 23.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 57.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 97.4 cubic feet with both rows folded. Power-folding third-row seats added convenience.

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 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. The X3 offered a 12-speaker HiFi sound system, with an optional Harman Kardon surround sound system for M40i models. The Convenience Package added features like keyless entry and a panoramic sunroof, while the Premium Package included heated seats and a head-up display.

The 2022 Buick Enclave featured a standard 4.2-inch driver information center, with Premium and Avenir trims offering an 8-inch reconfigurable version. The Essence trim had an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Enclave's infotainment system could pair up to 10 devices, with a built-in WiFi hotspot. The Premium and Avenir trims offered a 10-speaker Bose audio system. The Enclave included a three-month trial subscription to SiriusXM 360L and six USB ports. Notable available features included adaptive cruise control, a head-up display, and HD surround vision.

The 2022 BMW X3 received a five-star crash safety rating from the NHTSA. It included standard safety features like adaptive LED headlights, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and active blind-spot monitoring. The Parking Assistance Package added parking assistance plus and a 360-degree surround camera view. The Driving Assistant Professional Package included traffic jam assistance and active lane-keep assist.

The 2022 Buick Enclave made the Buick Driver Confidence Plus package standard, including automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The Premium trim added enhanced automatic emergency braking and a surround-view camera. The NHTSA gave the Enclave four out of five stars for rollover resistance, while the IIHS rated it "Good" in most crash tests, with an "Acceptable" score in the updated side-impact test.