2022 BMW X3 vs 2022 Lincoln Nautilus

The 2022 BMW X3 was available in four variants, with the sDrive30i being the only rear-wheel-drive model, while the others were all-wheel-drive. The 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 a black surround and claw-shaped brake light LEDs. The rear also had larger exhaust tips and a new bumper. The X3 offered nine exterior finishes, with new colors like Brooklyn Grey and Tanzanite Blue II. The interior was well-appointed with dark oak wood trim, power-adjustable front Sport seats, and a panoramic moonroof. The SensaTec synthetic leather upholstery was standard, with Vernasca leather as an option. Ambient lighting with 11 color combinations added to the cabin's ambiance.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus, especially in the Black Label trim with 21-inch machined-finish wheels, was an attractive SUV with a balanced and characterful design. The Lincoln Embrace lighting sequence greeted drivers at night, and the Black Label models offered Chalet or Flight design themes. The interior featured premium leather upholstery and a simulated suede headliner. The Black Label trim included almost every available feature, but some chrome-plated plastic pieces looked cheap. The Nautilus had a starting MSRP of $44,225, with the Black Label starting at $66,825. The Ultra Comfort 22-way power-adjustable front seats with Active Motion massage were a notable upgrade, perfect for long drives.

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 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 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 was EPA-rated at 21 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined. The mild-hybrid system offered smoother start/stop operation but did not improve fuel economy.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus offered a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, with FWD and an eight-speed automatic transmission as standard. The Black Label trim included a twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 engine producing 335 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque, requiring AWD. The Nautilus had Comfort, Normal, and Sport driving modes, with the adaptive suspension adjusting accordingly. The V6 had an EPA fuel economy rating of 21 mpg combined and 25 mpg highway. During a road trip, the Nautilus averaged 25 mpg. The twin-turbo V6 provided impressive performance, especially in Sport mode, but the steering lacked engagement.

The 2022 BMW X3 offered seating for five, with a roomy interior for a compact crossover. The rear seats had a 40/20/40-split, providing ample cargo space. The SensaTec faux-leather seats were comfortable, with Vernasca leather as an upgrade. The X3's sport seats were supportive, but the thigh-support cushion's control handle could be intrusive. The redesigned center console featured a larger infotainment system, with a 10.25-inch screen standard and a 12.3-inch touchscreen optional. The layout was user-friendly, with push-button and rocker-style controls for climate and audio functions.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus Black Label featured smooth leather, ambient lighting, and a quiet drive. The front seats were heated and ventilated, with a heated steering wheel. The optional 22-way power front seats offered massage programs and adjustable thigh extensions. The rear seats were heated, but legroom was tight for a midsize SUV. The Nautilus had 37.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat, expanding to 68.8 cubic feet with the seats folded. The hands-free power liftgate provided easy access to the luggage compartment.

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, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The optional Live Cockpit Professional enlarged both screens to 12.3 inches. A 12-speaker HiFi sound system was standard, with a Harman Kardon surround sound system available on M40i models. The Convenience Package added keyless entry, a panoramic sunroof, and lumbar support, while the Premium Package included heated seats and a head-up display.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Sync 4 software. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and SiriusXM 360L satellite radio. The Black Label trim included connected navigation, wireless smartphone charging, and a 19-speaker Revel audio system. The system was intuitive, with physical stereo and climate controls. The Phone as a Key feature allowed smartphones to unlock and start the Nautilus.

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, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and forward-collision warning. The Parking Assistance Package added parking assistance plus and a 360-degree camera view. The Driving Assistant Professional Package included traffic jam assistance, lane-keep assist, and side collision avoidance.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus came with Lincoln Co-Pilot360 1.0, featuring forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. The Black Label trim added Co-Pilot360 1.0 Plus, with adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assistance, and a surround-view camera system. The NHTSA gave the Nautilus a five-star overall rating, with a four-star rating for rollover resistance.