2022 BMW X3 vs 2022 Lexus GX

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, including 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 black surround with pincer claw-shaped brake light LEDs. The rear also saw larger exhaust tips and a new bumper. The X3 offered nine exterior finishes, including new metallic colors Brooklyn Grey and Tanzanite Blue II, and came standard with 19-inch gray aluminum-alloy wheels.

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 on other models. The X3's interior color choices varied by material and model, and ambient lighting with 11 color combinations was available. The cabin was designed to be comfortable and practical, with a focus on adjustability and ergonomics.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 Black Line Special Edition was available in Black Onyx, Starfire Pearl, and Nori Green Pearl. The Black Line treatment removed almost all chrome from the exterior, giving the SUV a sleek, blacked-out appearance. However, the GX's design remained largely unchanged from its predecessors, with the signature Lexus spindle grille, running lights, and triple-beam LED headlights being the main distinguishing features. The GX's cabin was crafted with care, featuring smooth, silky refinement and a quiet interior. The GX 460 was available in Standard, Premium, and Luxury trims, with prices ranging from $56,700 to $66,210.

The GX's interior featured NuLuxe upholstery, black ash wood trim, and a black headliner. The front seats were heated and ventilated, while the rear seats were heated. The GX offered triple-zone automatic climate control, but the rear door openings were narrow, making entry difficult. The third-row seat was challenging to access and uncomfortable for adults. The GX's cargo space was limited, with 11.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 46.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 64.7 cubic feet with the second row folded. The side-swinging tailgate added to the inconvenience of loading cargo.

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 featured a 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine with a mild-hybrid system, producing 382 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, with a 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds. The M40i had an EPA-rated fuel economy of 21 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 was powered by a 4.6-liter V8 engine, producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque. The GX had a 0-60 mph time of 7.8 seconds and a maximum towing capacity of 6,500 pounds. The six-speed automatic transmission paired with a full-time 4WD system, sending 40 percent of the engine's power to the front wheels and 60 percent to the rear wheels in normal driving conditions. The GX had an EPA-rated fuel economy of 16 mpg combined, and during testing, it returned 16.8 mpg. The GX's Kinetic Dynamics Suspension System (KDSS) helped maximize wheel articulation off-road while improving stability and security on pavement.

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 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, and the bottom seat cushion could be extended for taller 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 ergonomics were improved, with easier accessibility to frequent touchpoints.

The 2022 Lexus GX offered an elevated driving position with a 10-way power-adjustable seat and clear outward visibility. The GX's seats were comfortable, with padding in all the right places. The Black Line Special Edition featured NuLuxe upholstery, black ash wood trim, and a black headliner. The front seats were heated and ventilated, while the rear seats were heated. The GX's rear door openings were narrow, making entry difficult, and the third-row seat was challenging to access and uncomfortable for adults. The GX's cargo space was limited, with 11.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 46.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 64.7 cubic feet with the second row folded. The side-swinging tailgate added to the inconvenience of loading cargo.

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 and provided a fully digital experience. The X3's standard sound system was a 12-speaker 205-watt HiFi system, with an optional Harman Kardon surround sound system producing 600 watts and featuring 16 speakers. Other 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 Lexus GX featured a new 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and navigation. The GX also had a CD player, a Lexus app, and Lexus Enform connected services, including a WiFi hotspot. A 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium surround-sound audio system was available but not installed in the test vehicle. The GX's stereo controls were located at the bottom of the center control panel, making them harder to grasp and turn. The infotainment display offered a dual-screen view, and the voice recognition technology was quick and accurate. For 2022, Lexus made its Intuitive Parking Assist technology standard, with optional surround-view and terrain-view cameras.

The 2022 BMW X3 received a five-star crash safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) had not yet tested the 2022 model, but the 2018 X3 was named a Top Safety Pick+. The 2022 X3 added more safety features, 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 Lexus GX did not have crash-test ratings available. However, it featured Lexus Safety System+, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. The GX also had blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safety Connect services with automatic collision notification and emergency calling. Safety Connect was complimentary for three years. The GX lacked some modern safety technologies available in its competitors, such as lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, and a Level 2 semi-autonomous highway driving system.