2022 BMW X3 vs 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

The 2022 BMW X3 was available in four variants: sDrive30i, xDrive30i, M40i, and M. The sDrive30i was the only rear-wheel-drive model, while the others featured all-wheel drive. For 2022, the X3 received a subtle yet aggressive exterior redesign. The kidney grille was larger, but not overly so, and a black sensor bar between the grilles added a unique touch. The adaptive full LED headlights were slimmer by 0.4 inches, and the front bumper was redesigned to include new vertical air intakes. The rear featured new taillights with a black surround and pincer claw-shaped brake light LEDs, along with larger exhaust tips and a new bumper. The X3 offered nine exterior finishes, including new metallic colors Brooklyn Grey and Tanzanite Blue II. Standard 19-inch gray aluminum-alloy wheels were paired with all-season run-flat tires, and an aerodynamically-optimized 19-inch wheel was available for the sDrive30i and xDrive30i models.

Inside, the 2022 X3 featured a clean and efficient design. While not as flashy as some rivals, it was still handsome with dark oak wood trim, an anthracite headliner, and eight-way power-adjustable front Sport seats. The interior offered adjustable side bolsters, reclinable rear seatbacks, tri-zone automatic climate control, and new perforated SensaTec synthetic leather upholstery. Premium Vernasca leather was an option for higher trims. A panoramic moonroof was standard on the X3 M40i and available for other models. Interior color choices varied by material and model, with options for both SensaTec and genuine leather. Ambient lighting with 11 color combinations added to the cabin's ambiance.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid was a unique offering in the minivan segment, combining a plug-in hybrid drivetrain with the practicality of a minivan. The Pacifica Hybrid was powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine paired with a dual-motor electric drive system, producing a total of 260 horsepower. The 16-kWh battery pack allowed for up to 32 miles of electric-only driving, making it ideal for short commutes and errands. The Pacifica Hybrid's interior featured black Nappa premium leather, but its rounded, flowing design appeared somewhat dated compared to more modern rivals. The base Touring L trim started at $49,095, with the Limited trim at $54,095, and the Pinnacle version at $57,645. Our test vehicle, a Limited trim with additional options, had an MSRP of $57,680.

The Pacifica Hybrid's interior was comfortable and well-equipped, with triple-zone automatic climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, and a new clean air filtration system. Storage options were plentiful, including extra shelves in the front door panels, a large floor tray under the center console, and a long storage bin behind the center console. The second-row seats were more comfortable than the standard Pacifica's Stow n' Go seats, but they did not collapse into the floor. The third-row seat was reasonably comfortable, with cupholders, USB ports, and side window shades. The Pacifica Hybrid offered 32.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 87.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and up to 140.5 cubic feet with the second-row seats removed.

The 2022 BMW X3 featured an eight-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters as standard. 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. Both RWD and AWD models achieved a 0-60 mph time of 6 seconds. Fuel economy for the sDrive30i was EPA-rated at 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 featured a 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine with a new mild-hybrid system, producing 382 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The M40i achieved a 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds and was EPA-rated at 21 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid's plug-in hybrid drivetrain was based on a 3.6-liter V6 engine paired with a dual-motor electric drive system, producing a total of 260 horsepower. The Pacifica Hybrid could travel up to 32 miles on electric power alone, making it ideal for short commutes and errands. The regenerative braking system captured energy and fed it back to the battery, allowing for an average fuel economy of 37.1 mpg during our test drive. The Pacifica Hybrid's powertrain was smooth and nearly imperceptible when switching between electric and gasoline modes. However, the driving experience was somewhat dull, with light and uncommunicative steering, unremarkable regenerative brakes, and a lack of cornering grip.

The 2022 BMW X3 offered seating for five and ample storage space. The rear seats featured a 40/20/40-split, providing enough cargo room for backpacks, film equipment, and additional carry-on suitcases. A power tailgate was standard, with an optional hands-free opening. The SensaTec faux-leather seats were comfortable, with the upgraded Vernasca leather adding more softness. The X3's sport seats were supportive, but the thigh-support cushion's control handle could be an issue for some drivers. The redesigned center console featured a larger infotainment system, with a standard 10.25-inch screen and an optional 12.3-inch touchscreen. The X3's interior was well-appointed, with improved ergonomics and easier accessibility to frequent touchpoints.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in comfort and utility, offering three comfortable rows of seats and ample cargo space. The interior featured triple-zone automatic climate control, quality leather upholstery, and heated and ventilated front seats. Storage options were plentiful, with extra shelves in the front door panels, a large floor tray under the center console, and a long storage bin behind the center console. The second-row seats were more comfortable than the standard Pacifica's Stow n' Go seats, but they did not collapse into the floor. The third-row seat was reasonably comfortable, with cupholders, USB ports, and side window shades. The Pacifica Hybrid offered 32.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 87.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and up to 140.5 cubic feet with the second-row seats removed.

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 a 10.25-inch infotainment screen. The system included navigation, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, 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 and provided a fully-digital experience. The X3 also offered a 12-speaker 205-watt HiFi sound system, with an optional Harman Kardon surround sound system for M40i models. Additional tech options included a Convenience Package and a Premium Package, adding features like keyless entry, a panoramic sunroof, lumbar support, a heated steering wheel, heated front and rear seats, a head-up display, and gesture control.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen display. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and connected services, including access to a Wi-Fi hotspot. The available FamCam overhead camera system allowed parents to check on rear-seat passengers. The Pacifica Hybrid also offered a 20-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system, Amazon Fire TV for the rear-seat entertainment system, and a surround-view camera system. The parking assist system could steer the minivan into parking spaces, while the reverse tilt-down side mirror functionality helped with parallel parking.

The 2022 BMW X3 received a five-star crash safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It also added more safety features and driver-assistance systems, including adaptive LED headlights, 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.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid claimed to offer more standard safety and security features than any other vehicle in the industry. It included a rear-seat reminder system to prevent accidentally leaving a child or pet inside the vehicle. The Pacifica Hybrid had a complete package of standard driver-assist and collision-avoidance features, but it did not offer adaptive cruise control paired with lane-centering assist. The adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and lane-keeping assist needed refinement, as it was slow to recognize lane departures and inept at moderating speed when other motorists cut in. The Pacifica earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).