2022 BMW X3 vs 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid

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 was updated with larger exhaust tips and a new bumper, complemented by new paint options like Brooklyn Grey and Tanzanite Blue II. The interior was well-appointed with dark oak wood trim, eight-way power-adjustable front Sport seats, and a panoramic moonroof. The X3 offered various interior color choices and ambient lighting with 11 color combinations.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid, redesigned for the year, maintained a similar appearance to the standard RX 350, with subtle differences like the badge on the liftgate. The RX 500h F Sport Performance stood out with a blacked-out grille, matte-black wheels, and aggressive bumper designs. The RX models had a blunt-nosed design, with a wheelbase stretch that reduced the rear overhang, making the SUV look smaller. Inside, the RX adopted a minimalistic appearance with fewer controls and a new infotainment system. The RX 350h Luxury featured Macadamia semi-aniline leather and Ash Bamboo wood trim, while the RX 500h F Sport Performance had artificial suede and dark gray aluminum trim. The RX models were expected to be priced around $60,000 to $70,000.

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 lb-ft 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 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 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid offered a new powertrain for the RX 350h, with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 246 hp and 233 lb-ft of torque, achieving 36 mpg combined. The RX 500h F Sport Performance had a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with a hybrid system, producing 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, with a 0-60 mph time of 5.9 seconds and 27 mpg combined. The RX 500h featured an adaptive damping suspension, upgraded brakes, and rear-wheel steering, providing a dynamic driving experience. The RX 350h averaged 32 mpg, while the RX 500h averaged 20.9 mpg during testing.

The 2022 BMW X3 offered seating for five, with a 40/20/40-split rear seat and ample cargo space. The SensaTec faux-leather seats were comfortable, with an option for Vernasca leather. The X3's sport seats were supportive, and the redesigned center console improved ergonomics. The standard infotainment system was 10.25 inches, with an optional 12.3-inch touchscreen. The X3 had a power tailgate and optional hands-free opening.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid provided comfort with ten-way power-adjustable front seats, premium leather, and three-zone automatic climate control. The RX 500h F Sport Performance had eight-way power-adjustable seats with larger side bolsters. The battery pack placement under the rear seat offered good leg support but limited headroom. The RX had 29.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat and 46.2 cubic feet with the seat folded down, an improvement over the previous model.

The 2022 BMW X3 featured BMW Live Cockpit Plus with iDrive 7, 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. An optional Live Cockpit Professional enlarged the screens to 12.3 inches. The X3 had a 12-speaker HiFi sound system, with an optional Harman Kardon surround sound system for 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 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid introduced a new infotainment system with connected services plans. The Lexus Interface offered Drive Connect with a cloud-based navigation system and an Intelligent Assistant. The system had some limitations, such as viewing only one screen menu at a time and reflections on the touchscreen. The available head-up display had dual-function touch-sensing control pads on the steering wheel, which could be distracting.

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, active blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. 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, front cross-traffic alert, and active lane-keep assist.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid came with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, featuring a motorcycle detection system, evasive steering assistance, intersection turn assistance, and curve-speed reduction for adaptive cruise control. Proactive Driving Assist maintained a safe following distance and recharged the battery pack. The RX had a front cross-traffic alert system, curve-speed reduction tech, and a driver monitoring system. Traffic Jam Assist allowed low-speed, hands-free driving, and Advanced Park was available for semi-autonomous parking.