2022 BMW X3 vs 2022 Toyota Sienna

The 2022 BMW X3 was available in four variants: sDrive30i, xDrive30i, M40i, and M, with the sDrive30i being the only rear-wheel-drive model. The exterior design saw a slight revision, presenting a more aggressive stance with a larger kidney grille and a black sensor bar between the grilles. The headlights were adaptive full LEDs, slimmer by 0.4 inches, and the taillights featured a new design with a black surround and pincer claw-shaped brake light LEDs. The rear also had larger redesigned exhaust tips and a new bumper. The X3 came in nine finishes, with new metallic colors Brooklyn Grey and Tanzanite Blue II. Nineteen-inch gray aluminum-alloy wheels were standard, with an aerodynamically-optimized 19-inch wheel available for the sDrive30i and xDrive30i models.

Inside, the 2022 X3 had a clean and efficient design, featuring dark oak wood trim, an anthracite headliner, eight-way power-adjustable front Sport seats, and new perforated SensaTec synthetic leather upholstery. The interior color choices varied by material and model, with options for both SensaTec and genuine leather. Ambient lighting with 11 color combinations was available, and a panoramic moonroof was standard on the X3 M40i but optional for other models. The cabin was well-appointed, though not as fashion-forward as some rivals, offering a comfortable and practical environment for occupants.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna continued to embrace its minivan identity, despite the rise of SUVs. The Sienna's design aimed to present an SUV-like style, with a macho front end and re-engineered door hinges and slides to conceal the slider channel. The rear doors had integrated styling details, and the overall profile was assertive. Seventeen-inch wheels were standard on base models, with 18-inch and 20-inch wheels available on upper trims. The interior avoided a minivan feel with an uncluttered design and ample storage space, including an under-console open storage area, big door pockets, and numerous cup holders.

The Sienna's second and third-row passengers enjoyed comfortable, roomy seating, with available second-row captain’s chairs and a spacious three-across bench in the third row. The third row was a 60/40-split bench that stored away into the floor easily. Both side sliding doors and the rear tailgate were power-operated with foot-motion triggers, adding convenience for families. The Sienna's interior was designed to be practical and family-friendly, with thoughtful storage solutions and flexible seating arrangements.

The 2022 BMW X3 featured an eight-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters as standard. The X3 sDrive30i and xDrive30i 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 X3 M40i, with a 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine and a new mild-hybrid system, produced 382 hp and 369 lb-ft 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 Toyota Sienna carried over its hybrid powertrain from 2021, featuring a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors, producing a combined 243 horsepower. FWD was standard, with AWD available on all trim levels. The AWD system added a separate electric motor driving the rear wheels, providing 54 hp and 89 pound-feet of torque. The Sienna used an electronically controlled continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and offered four selectable drive modes: Normal, EV, Eco, and Sport. The Sienna Hybrid had an EPA-rated fuel economy of 36 mpg city, 36 mpg highway, and 36 mpg combined for FWD models, and 35 mpg city, 35 mpg highway, and 35 mpg combined for AWD models.

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, with an extendable bottom seat cushion for taller drivers. The redesigned center console featured a larger standard infotainment system, measuring 10.25 inches, with an optional 12.3-inch touchscreen available.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna was designed to be a family workhorse, capable of conveying a full 4x8 sheet of plywood inside with the tailgate closed. The sliding second row added flexibility for loading luggage and freight. Cargo measurements were 33.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 75.2 cubic feet behind the second row, and 101 cubic feet behind the first row. The Sienna also had a 3,500-pound maximum towing capacity. The standard 60/40-split third-row bench stored away into the floor easily, and each row had storage cubby space and cupholders. Both side sliding doors and the rear tailgate were power-operated with foot-motion triggers, adding convenience for families.

The 2022 BMW X3 featured BMW Live Cockpit Plus with iDrive 7 telematics as standard, including a 5.1-inch color display instrument panel and a 10.25-inch infotainment screen. The system 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. A 12-speaker 205-watt HiFi sound system was standard, with an optional Harman Kardon surround sound system available on M40i models. Other tech options included a Convenience Package and a Premium Package, adding features like a panoramic sunroof, heated seats, and a head-up display.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna came with a 9-inch touchscreen as standard, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, SiriusXM, one USB media port, and six USB charging ports. The Sienna offered a one-year trial of Safety Connect and Remote Connect telematics services, a 10-year trial of Service Connect, and a three-month trial of AT&T WiFi Connect. Bluetooth hands-free and audio streaming were included on all trim levels. Higher trims featured a 12-speaker JBL audio system and an available rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch 1080p display. A color multi-information display in the instrument panel center varied by trim level, with a 10-inch color head-up display available on Platinum models.

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. Optional packages added features like parking assistance, 360-degree surround camera view, and traffic jam assistance.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. The standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite included adaptive cruise control, Lane Tracing Assist, forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and traffic sign recognition. The Sienna also had 10 airbags, several LATCH child-seat connectors, a rear-seat reminder system, tire-pressure monitoring, and an inflator kit. A spare tire was optional, with a new location in the wall of the cargo space for safety and convenience.