2022 BMW X3 vs 2023 Acura MDX

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 were all-wheel-drive. The 2022 model featured a revised exterior design with a slightly more aggressive stance. The kidney grille was larger but not overly so, and a black sensor bar between the grilles added a unique touch. The adaptive full LED headlights were slimmer by 0.4 inches, and the front bumper was redesigned to include new vertical air intakes. The rear featured new taillights with a black surround and claw-shaped brake light LEDs, along with larger exhaust tips and a new bumper. The X3 was available in nine finishes, including new colors like Brooklyn Grey and Tanzanite Blue II. Standard 19-inch gray aluminum-alloy wheels were paired with all-season run-flat tires, and an aerodynamically-optimized 19-inch wheel was new for the sDrive30i and xDrive30i models.

The 2023 Acura MDX offered standard and Type S versions, each with various trim packages. The Type S featured a subtle design with chicane-design LED running lights and taillights, LED headlights with automatic high-beam operation, and 21-inch wheels. The rear had quad exhaust outlets framing a diffuser panel. A panoramic sunroof was standard, and the Type S Advance added open-pore wood and a leather-wrapped dashboard. The interior featured perforated Milano leather, aluminum trim, and a Sport Appearance package. However, the gloss black plastic on the dashboard made some controls difficult to use, and the electronic transmission switchgear was confusing.

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, 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 was rated at 21 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined. The mild-hybrid system added smoothness to start/stop operations but did not improve fuel economy.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S had a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine generating 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). The Integrated Dynamics System offered various driving modes, including an exclusive Lift mode. The Type S had a solid front suspension stabilizer bar, Electro-Servo brakes, and larger front brake rotors with Brembo calipers. However, the performance upgrades did not create a cohesive driving experience. The MDX Type S averaged 16.9 mpg during testing, below the EPA rating of 19 mpg combined. The transmission was indecisive, and the brake pedal response was inconsistent, making it hard to trust the vehicle during spirited driving.

The 2022 BMW X3 offered seating for five and ample storage space. The rear seats had a 40/20/40-split, providing enough cargo room for backpacks and equipment. The SensaTec faux-leather seats were comfortable, with the option to upgrade to Vernasca leather. The redesigned center console featured a larger 10.25-inch infotainment screen, with an optional 12.3-inch touchscreen. The controls were more accessible, and the matte finish of the buttons reduced smudges.

The 2023 Acura MDX provided three rows of seats with options for two or three second-row seating positions. The Type S Advance had 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage, wrapped in quilted leather. The second-row seat could slide forward and back, but the third row was best for children. The center console design prioritized style over storage space, with a small bin under the front center armrest. The cargo area offered 18.1 cubic feet behind the third row, 39.1 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 71.4 cubic feet with both rear rows folded.

The 2022 BMW X3 came with BMW Live Cockpit Plus featuring 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. The standard sound system had 12 speakers, with an optional Harman Kardon system offering 16 speakers and 600 watts. The Premium Package added a heated steering wheel, heated front and rear seats, a head-up display, and gesture control.

The 2023 Acura MDX featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment display. The infotainment system used a True Touchpad Interface (TTI) on the center console, which was not touch-sensitive. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa Built-In, SiriusXM satellite radio, and AcuraLink connected services. The top-shelf Signature Edition ELS Studio 3D audio system had 25 speakers. The Advance package added a 10.5-inch head-up display showing navigation instructions, driving assistance status, and vehicle speed.

The 2022 BMW X3 received a five-star crash safety rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features 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, forward-collision warning, and active pre-collision protection systems. The 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, active lane-keep assist, and side collision avoidance.

The 2023 Acura MDX included Acura Watch, featuring forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, adaptive cruise control, and Traffic Jam Assist. It also had blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims added front and rear parking sensors, low-speed automatic braking, and a surround-view camera system. The MDX received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, although it earned four stars for driver and front passenger protection in the frontal-impact test.