2022 BMW X3 vs 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid

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 positioned between the grilles. The headlights were updated to 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 saw larger redesigned exhaust tips and a new bumper. The X3 offered nine exterior finishes, including new metallic colors Brooklyn Grey and Tanzanite Blue II, and featured 19-inch gray aluminum-alloy wheels as standard.

Inside, the 2022 X3 had a clean and efficient design, featuring dark oak wood trim, an anthracite headliner, and eight-way power-adjustable front Sport seats. The interior offered various color options depending on the material, with SensaTec synthetic leather available in black, Canberra beige, cognac, or Tacora red, and genuine leather in black, oyster, and mocha. Ambient lighting with 11 color combinations was also available. The X3's interior was well-appointed, with a panoramic moonroof standard on the M40i and optional on other models.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid represented a significant styling departure from its predecessors, with a more assertive and truck-like design. It was about 2.5 inches longer and half an inch wider than the previous model, with a longer wheelbase and wider tracks. The classic D-pillar taillights were updated to feature three L shapes for a modern look, and the rear end appeared blockier, mimicking the bolder front fascia. All CR-V headlights and taillights were now LED.

The interior of the 2023 CR-V Hybrid followed the design direction of the 2022 Civic and 2023 HR-V, with a honeycomb grille surrounding the climate control vents. The materials in the Sport Touring cabin felt high-quality, with attractive contrast stitching on the seats and steering wheel. The Sport models featured black roof rails, black mirrors, dual chrome exhaust finishers, and black wheels, with the Sport Touring model getting 19-inch wheels.

The 2022 BMW X3 featured an eight-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters as standard. 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. 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 featured a 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine with a new 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 included a 48-volt start/generator and a battery to make start/stop operation smoother and offered an additional 11 hp during acceleration.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid combined a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with a two-motor hybrid-electric system, producing 204 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque. The hybrid powertrain allowed the CR-V to travel at up to 115 mph and offered a towing capacity of up to 1,000 lbs. The CR-V Hybrid featured four drive modes: Snow, Sport, Normal, and Econ, with the Snow mode utilizing the updated Real Time AWD system.

The CR-V Hybrid introduced a new "B" shifter position to increase regenerative braking, approximating a one-pedal driving experience. The Sport trim with FWD achieved 43 mpg city, 36 highway, and 40 combined, while the AWD version offered slightly lower fuel efficiency.

The 2022 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. The SensaTec faux-leather seats were comfortable, with the upgraded Vernasca leather adding more softness. The X3's sport seats were supportive, and the vehicle's ergonomics had improved with easier accessibility to frequent touchpoints. The standard infotainment system was a 10.25-inch screen, with an optional 12.3-inch touchscreen available.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid's larger exterior translated to more interior volume, with 36.3 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats and 76.5 cubic feet with them folded. The rear seat legroom increased to 41 inches, accommodating taller passengers comfortably. The reclining rear seats offered eight positions, and the headroom measured 38.2 inches in both rows. The CR-V featured a cubby designed to hold two smartphones side by side, eight cupholders, and a console providing best-in-class storage.

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. 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. The standard sound system was a 12-speaker 205-watt HiFi system, with an optional Harman Kardon surround sound system available on M40i models.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid featured a standard 7-inch touchscreen display with physical volume and tuning knobs, while the Sport Touring trim had a 9-inch touchscreen with a volume knob. Both Hybrid models had two USB-A and two USB-C ports, Bluetooth connectivity, dual-zone climate control, heated mirrors, and heated front seats. The Sport Touring trim included additional features such as a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Sirius XM, HD radio, Wi-Fi capability, a wireless charging pad, and a 12-speaker Bose Premium audio system.

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 with auto braking, forward-collision warning with pedestrian/cyclist detection, and active pre-collision protection systems. The available 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 Honda CR-V Hybrid came standard with the Honda Sensing suite of advanced driver-assistance technologies, including improved collision mitigation, road-departure mitigation, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. New safety features for 2023 included traffic jam assist, traffic sign recognition, low-speed braking control, a blind-spot information system, cross-traffic monitor, parking sensor system, rear-seat reminder, and rear seatbelt reminder. The CR-V Hybrid also featured new airbags, dashboard patches, and a 15% stiffer structure for additional protection.