2022 BMW X3 vs 2022 Lexus NX

The 2022 BMW X3 was available in four variants, including the sDrive30i, xDrive30i, M40i, and M, with the sDrive30i being the only rear-wheel-drive model. 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 pincer claw-shaped brake light LEDs. The rear of the X3 was updated with larger exhaust tips and a new bumper, complemented by new paint options like Brooklyn Grey and Tanzanite Blue II. The interior of the X3 was well-appointed, with features like dark oak wood trim, eight-way power-adjustable front Sport seats, and a panoramic moonroof. The SensaTec synthetic leather upholstery was standard, with Vernasca leather available as an upgrade.

The 2022 Lexus NX, redesigned for the year, came in four model series: NX 250, NX 350, NX 350h, and NX 450h+. The NX was unmistakably a Lexus with its spindle grille and new block lettering on the tailgate. It was longer, wider, and taller than its predecessor, offering more passenger and cargo space. The NX 350 F Sport featured a unique mesh-pattern grille, 20-inch gloss black wheels, and sport-bolstered seats. The interior had a minimalist design with a focus on simplicity, though some controls were integrated into the touchscreen, which could be challenging to use. The NX offered a comfortable ride with features like heated and ventilated front seats and a panoramic sunroof. The cargo space increased by 14%, providing 22.7 cubic feet behind the back seat.

The 2022 BMW X3 featured an eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. The sDrive30i and xDrive30i models had 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 fuel economy for the sDrive30i was 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 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 Lexus NX offered two electrified versions: the NX 350h with 239 horsepower and 39 mpg combined, and the NX 450h+ with 302 hp and 36 miles of electric range. The NX 350 had a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 275 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The NX 250 had a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 203 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque, with FWD and optional AWD. The NX 350 F Sport had additional driving modes and an adaptive variable sports suspension. The NX 350's fuel economy was estimated at 25 mpg combined, with the F Sport achieving 22.2 mpg and the Luxury trim 25.5 mpg.

The 2022 BMW X3 offered seating for five, with a 40/20/40-split rear seat and ample cargo space. The SensaTec faux-leather seats were comfortable, with Vernasca leather as an upgrade. The X3's interior featured a redesigned center console, a standard 10.25-inch infotainment system, and an optional 12.3-inch touchscreen. The controls for climate and audio were easily accessible, and the matte finish of the buttons prevented smudges.

The 2022 Lexus NX provided a comfortable interior with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The F Sport trim offered better bolstering for the front seats. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed roomy accommodations, with rear air conditioning vents and USB ports. The NX's cargo space increased by 14%, offering 22.7 cubic feet behind the back seat and 46.9 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Luxury trim featured a Thematic Ambient Illumination system with 14 themes.

The 2022 BMW X3 came with BMW Live Cockpit Plus with iDrive 7 telematics, featuring a 5.1-inch color display instrument panel and a 10.25-inch infotainment screen. It 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 had a standard 12-speaker HiFi sound system, with a Harman Kardon surround sound system available for M40i models. The Premium Package added features like a heated steering wheel and gesture control.

The 2022 Lexus NX introduced the Lexus Interface infotainment system with a standard 9.8-inch touchscreen and an optional 14-inch screen. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Voice Assistant technology, and cloud-based features. A 10-speaker sound system was standard, with a 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium surround system available. The NX offered a complimentary three-year trial subscription to Drive Connect service, with features like cloud-based navigation and Intelligent Assistant technology. Additional technologies included a digital mirror, a 10-inch head-up display, and a digital key capability.

The 2022 BMW X3 received a five-star crash safety rating from the NHTSA. It included adaptive LED headlights, a rearview camera, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, active blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. 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 Lexus NX featured the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which included Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist, Oncoming Vehicle Detection, and Curve Speed Management. The NX also had standard blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and Safe Exit Assist technology. Premium trim added rear pedestrian detection, an adaptive front lighting system, and semi-autonomous parking assist. The Vision Package included a panoramic view monitoring system and front cross-traffic alert.