2022 BMW X3 vs 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe

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. The 2022 model saw a slightly more aggressive exterior design, with a larger kidney grille and a black sensor bar between the grilles. The adaptive full LED headlights were slimmer, and the taillights featured a new design with a black surround and pincer claw-shaped brake light LEDs. The rear also had 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 with dark oak wood trim, an anthracite headliner, and eight-way power-adjustable front Sport seats. The interior offered SensaTec synthetic leather upholstery, with an option for premium Vernasca leather. A panoramic moonroof was standard on the M40i and available for other models. Interior color choices varied by material and model, and ambient lighting with 11 color combinations was available. The redesigned center console included a larger infotainment system, push-button and rocker-style controls for climate and audio, and a matte finish for a smudge-free appearance.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT trim was one of five gasoline Santa Fe trim levels, priced higher than the SE and SEL trims but lower than the turbocharged Limited and Calligraphy trims. The XRT included all the equipment from the SEL trim and its Convenience Package, with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive options. The test vehicle featured Portofino Gray paint with a black cloth interior, offering little visual contrast. The interior patterns and brightwork provided a pleasant cabin experience, though not as upscale as the Limited or Calligraphy trims. The XRT trim's visual enhancements, such as side steps and roof rack, were more cosmetic than functional.

The Santa Fe XRT's interior included a dual-zone automatic climate control system with a Clean Air ionizer and rear air conditioning vents. The eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat was comfortable, but the front passenger seat lacked height adjustment. The rear seats offered ample space for a family of four, with rear side-window shades, generous legroom, and USB charging ports. The Santa Fe's cargo space included 36.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 72.1 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The hands-free power-opening "Smart Tailgate" was convenient but could open unintentionally.

The 2022 BMW X3 featured an eight-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel-mounted 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, with a 0-60 mph time of 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 M40i model had a 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine with a mild-hybrid system, producing 382 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, with a 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds. The M40i's fuel economy was 21 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT was equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. The engine was adequate for freeway speeds and cruising but lacked power for more demanding driving situations. The eight-speed automatic transmission performed well, with Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow driving modes available. The test vehicle averaged 22.3 mpg, with an EPA rating of 24 mpg. The Limited and Calligraphy trims offered a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine with 281 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, providing better performance and the same EPA fuel-efficiency rating. The Santa Fe Hybrid models offered 32-34 mpg combined and 226 hp.

The 2022 BMW X3 provided comfort and practicality with seating for five and ample storage space. The rear seats featured a 40/20/40-split, offering enough cargo room for backpacks and additional luggage. The SensaTec faux-leather seats were comfortable, with an option for Vernasca leather. The redesigned center console included a larger infotainment system and improved ergonomics. The X3's sport seats were supportive, but the thigh-support cushion control handle could be an issue for some drivers.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT's interior included a dual-zone automatic climate control system, rear air conditioning vents, and an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat. The rear seats offered plenty of room for a family of four, with rear side-window shades and USB charging ports. The Santa Fe's cargo space included 36.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 72.1 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The hands-free power-opening "Smart Tailgate" was convenient but could open unintentionally.

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. Standard features 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. The X3 also offered a 12-speaker 205-watt HiFi sound system, with an optional Harman Kardon surround sound system for the M40i model. Additional tech options included a Convenience Package and a Premium Package.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT had a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel paired with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, satellite radio, and Bluelink connected services with a complimentary three-year subscription. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with large power/volume and tuning knobs, clean on-screen graphics, and logical menu structures. The XRT trim also included Hyundai's digital key technology and Leading Vehicle Departure Alert system.

The 2022 BMW X3 received a five-star crash safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Standard safety features included 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, and active pre-collision protection systems. Optional safety packages included the Parking Assistance Package and the Driving Assistant Professional Package.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT was equipped with Hyundai SmartSense, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian and cyclist detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, and adaptive cruise control. The XRT trim also featured Junction Turning Detection, Safe Exit Assist, and an ultrasonic rear occupant alert system. Bluelink provided additional safety features, including automatic emergency assistance and vehicle alerts. The Santa Fe earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and five-star ratings from the NHTSA.