2022 BMW X3 vs 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar

The 2022 BMW X3 was available in four variants, with the sDrive30i being the only rear-wheel-drive model, while the others featured all-wheel drive. The exterior design was slightly more aggressive, with a larger kidney grille and adaptive full LED headlights that were slimmer by 0.4 inches. The rear showcased new taillights with a black surround and pincer claw-shaped brake light LEDs. The updated rear also included larger exhaust tips and a new bumper. The X3 offered nine exterior finishes, with new metallic colors like Brooklyn Grey and Tanzanite Blue II. The interior was well-appointed with dark oak wood trim, eight-way power-adjustable front Sport seats, and a panoramic moonroof. The X3 provided various interior color choices and ambient lighting with 11 color combinations.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar exuded class and elegance, with a design that referenced the big Range Rover's profile in a sporty package. The Velar's exterior featured a long wheelbase, short overhangs, and a trapezoidal roof. The R-Dynamic trim added bronze accents and a more aggressive front bumper. The interior was sleek, with high-quality materials and a polished black center stack. The Velar's three screens offered sharp graphics, and upper trims featured extra leather and richer textures. Despite its stylish design, the Velar's interior was tighter, with limited headroom and cargo space.

The 2022 BMW X3 featured an eight-speed automatic transmission across all models. The sDrive30i and xDrive30i 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 boasted a 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine with a mild-hybrid system, delivering 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 Land Rover Range Rover Velar shared its chassis with the Jaguar F-Pace, offering a lower center of gravity and lighter weight for improved handling. The base engine was a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four with 247 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD. The Velar's optional 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six, with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, was available in two states of tune: 340 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque, or 395 hp and 405 lb-ft. The mild-hybrid system helped reduce fuel consumption and emissions, while the Terrain Response system offered six driving modes for different conditions.

The 2022 BMW X3 provided seating for five, with a roomy interior for a compact crossover. The rear seats featured a 40/20/40-split, offering ample cargo space with the seats up or folded. The SensaTec faux-leather seats were comfortable, with an option for upgraded Vernasca leather. The X3's redesigned center console featured a larger infotainment system, with push-button and rocker-style controls for climate and audio functions.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar had a tighter interior, with reduced headroom and limited visibility due to thick B-pillars and small rear windows. Cargo space was 16 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 49 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Velar's design included a controversial parking brake control, integrated with the transmission button. The Pivi Pro infotainment system offered a simplified layout, with features like voice activation, a PM2.5 air filter, and a 360-degree camera system.

The 2022 BMW X3 featured BMW Live Cockpit Plus with iDrive 7 telematics, including a 10.25-inch infotainment screen, navigation, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Amazon Alexa integration. An optional Live Cockpit Professional offered larger screens and a fully-digital experience. The X3 came with a 12-speaker 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 with various comfort and convenience features.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar's Pivi Pro infotainment system offered a simplified layout with customizable features. The system included a voice assistant, a PM2.5 air filter, and a heated windshield. The navigation system could identify frequent routes and suggest traffic detours. The Velar's instrument panel offered various layouts, while the optional adaptive cruise control with steering assist provided semi-automated driving capabilities. Standard features included LED headlights, automatic high beams, and a 12-speaker Meridian stereo.

The 2022 BMW X3 received a five-star crash safety rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included adaptive LED headlights, a rearview camera, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and active blind-spot monitoring. 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 offered additional features like traffic jam assistance and active lane-keep assist.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar scored well in the European NCAP, with a five-star rating and a 93-percent score for front and side impact tests. Standard driving assists included forward emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and traffic sign recognition. Optional features included 360-degree cameras and adaptive cruise control with steering assist.