2022 BMW X3 vs 2022 Mazda CX-5

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 slimmer adaptive full LED headlights. The rear showcased new taillights with a black surround and pincer claw-shaped brake light LEDs, along with larger exhaust tips and a redesigned bumper. The M Sport Package added sportier elements, and new metallic colors like Brooklyn Grey and Tanzanite Blue II were introduced. The interior featured a clean design with dark oak wood trim, eight-way power-adjustable front Sport seats, and new perforated SensaTec synthetic leather upholstery. The X3 offered various interior color choices and ambient lighting with 11 color combinations.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 featured new LED headlights and taillights, revised bumpers, a redesigned grille, and a fresh rear liftgate. The top-of-the-line Signature trim received body-color lower exterior trim. Inside, the CX-5 retained its luxurious feel with premium Nappa leather upholstery, real wood trim, and polished metallic accents. The seats were new for 2022, providing improved comfort. Mazda simplified the trim levels, offering the CX-5 2.5 S and 2.5 Turbo. The 2.5 S came in various trims, while the 2.5 Turbo offered base and Signature trims. The test vehicle, a 2.5 Turbo, included optional Soul Red paint, a navigation system, and a package with roof rails and crossbars.

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. 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 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 X3 provided a comfortable and practical driving experience, with the M40i offering a more exhilarating ride.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S had a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. The six-speed automatic transmission was revised for more responsive performance, and all CX-5s came with standard all-wheel drive. The EPA-rated fuel economy for this powertrain was 26 mpg combined. The 2.5 Turbo model, running on premium gas, produced 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque, while regular gas yielded 227 hp and 310 lb-ft. The 2.5 Turbo's fuel economy was 24 mpg combined, but real-world testing showed 21.1 mpg. The CX-5 featured Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive) with Normal, Sport, and Off-Road settings. The 2022 CX-5 offered improved driving dynamics, reduced noise, and a blend of compliance and composure, making it a legitimate alternative to entry-level luxury SUVs.

The BMW X3 provided seating for five and ample storage space. The rear seats featured a 40/20/40-split, offering 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 softness. The X3's sport seats were supportive, but the thigh-support cushion's control handle could be an issue for some 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 layout included push-button and rocker-style controls for climate and audio functions, with a matte finish for a smudge-free appearance.

The Mazda CX-5's new seats provided improved comfort and a sportier driving position. The height-adjustable front passenger seat was a rarity among rivals. The 2.5 Turbo model featured leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The back seat remained snug but offered heated outboard cushions and air conditioning vents. The control layout was a source of frustration, with the Mazda Connect infotainment system lacking a touchscreen display and natural voice recognition. Storage space was adequate, with a small center armrest bin and wireless smartphone charging. The CX-5 provided 30.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 59.3 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

The 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. The optional Live Cockpit Professional enlarged both screens to 12.3 inches and provided a fully digital experience. The standard 12-speaker 205-watt HiFi sound system could be upgraded to a 16-speaker 600-watt Harman Kardon surround sound system. Other tech options included a Convenience Package and a Premium Package, adding features like a panoramic sunroof, heated seats, a head-up display, and gesture control.

The Mazda CX-5 retained its Mazda Connect infotainment system with a 10.25-inch display, which was not touch-sensitive. The system lacked natural voice recognition, requiring the use of center console and steering wheel controls. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, text-messaging support, E911 automatic emergency notification, and Mazda Connected Services with a three-year trial subscription. The 2.5 S Premium trim and above included a 10-speaker Bose premium sound system and SiriusXM satellite radio. The Bose system provided satisfactory audio quality, enhancing the overall driving experience.

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 X3 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 with pedestrian/cyclist detection, and active pre-collision protection systems. Optional safety packages added features like parking assistance, a 360-degree surround camera view, traffic jam assistance, and active lane-keep assist.

The Mazda CX-5 came with a comprehensive i-Activsense package, including adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims added adaptive headlights, a surround-view camera system, front and rear parking sensors, automatic rear braking, and a driver monitoring system. The top-of-the-line 2.5 Turbo Signature included Traffic Jam Assist. The 2022 CX-5 received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS, making it one of the safest vehicles in its class.