2022 BMW X3 vs 2023 Lincoln Aviator

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 also boasted larger exhaust tips and a new bumper. The X3 offered nine exterior finishes, with new colors like Brooklyn Grey and Tanzanite Blue II. The standard 19-inch gray aluminum-alloy wheels were paired with all-season run-flat tires, and an aerodynamically-optimized 19-inch wheel was introduced for better fuel economy.

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 and materials, including SensaTec synthetic leather and premium Vernasca leather. Ambient lighting with 11 color combinations was available, and a panoramic moonroof was standard on the X3 M40i. The M Sport Package added sportier elements to the exterior, while the Shadowline Package provided a black-out treatment for various components. The X3 M40i featured additional M elements, including a high-gloss black grille and M-designed light-alloy wheels.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator offered a choice between a standard twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine and a plug-in hybrid version with a 75-kilowatt electric motor. The Aviator's design was appealing, with a modern Lincoln face and a three-row configuration. However, the wheel designs on the Black Label Grand Touring model were considered plain. The Aviator featured the Lincoln Embrace lighting sequence, electric door handles, and ambient cabin lighting. Inside, the Black Label Grand Touring model had a luxurious cabin with patterned metal trim, gloss black surfaces, and chrome accents. The materials were mostly high-end, with soft leather and a simulated suede headliner. However, some chrome detailing and stitching were criticized for appearing cheap. The Aviator's key fob was also considered too large and plasticky, but the Phone As A Key digital key technology was a convenient alternative.

The 2022 BMW X3 featured an eight-speed automatic transmission with 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. Both models achieved 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 featured a 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine with a mild-hybrid system, producing 382 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. It achieved a 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds and had an EPA rating of 21 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring was a plug-in hybrid with a twin-turbo V6 engine, generating 494 horsepower and 630 pound-feet of torque. It offered 21 miles of electric driving range and an average of 23 mpg combined in hybrid mode. The Aviator featured various driving modes, including Pure EV, Preserve EV, Conserve, Normal, and Excite. During testing, the Aviator achieved 22.3 miles of electric driving range and an equivalent fuel economy of 163.4 mpg. The Aviator's drivetrain was sometimes unpredictable, with inconsistent acceleration and braking behavior. The Black Label Grand Touring model had a Dynamic Handling Package with an adaptive-damping Active Glide suspension, providing a smooth and quiet ride.

The 2022 BMW X3 offered seating for five, with a roomy interior for a compact crossover. The rear seats featured a 40/20/40-split, providing ample cargo space when folded. The SensaTec faux-leather seats were comfortable, with an option for upgraded Vernasca leather. The X3's sport seats were supportive, and the vehicle's ergonomics had improved with easier access to touchpoints. The center console was redesigned, and the standard infotainment system featured a 10.25-inch screen, with an optional 12.3-inch touchscreen available.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator prioritized comfort, with a four-zone automatic climate control system, heated and ventilated seats, and massaging 30-way Perfect Position front seats. The second-row captain's chairs were roomy and supportive, but the third-row seat was cramped and difficult to access. The Aviator offered 18.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the third row in use, 41.8 cubic feet with it folded, and a maximum of 77.7 cubic feet.

The 2022 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. The system included navigation, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa integration, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. An optional Live Cockpit Professional enlarged both screens to 12.3 inches. The X3 offered a 12-speaker HiFi sound system, with an optional Harman Kardon surround sound system for 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 2023 Lincoln Aviator Black Label Grand Touring featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Alexa integration, and Lincoln Connect services. However, it ran on the outdated Sync 3 software, which struggled with voice recognition. The Aviator had a 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D audio system, wireless charging, and a Phone As A Key digital key system. The digital instrumentation and head-up display were effective, and the vehicle's parking sensors and surround-view camera system were useful.

The 2022 BMW X3 received a five-star crash safety rating from the NHTSA. It included adaptive LED headlights, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, active blind-spot monitoring, and forward-collision warning. The available Parking Assistance Package added parking assistance plus and a 360-degree surround camera view. The Driving Assistant Professional Package included traffic jam assistance, active lane-keep assist, and side collision avoidance.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator featured Co-Pilot360 1.5, Co-Pilot360 1.5 Plus, and Co-Pilot360 2.0 driver aids, depending on the trim level. The test vehicle included adaptive-pixel headlights, adaptive cruise control, pedestrian detection, and forward-collision warning. It also had blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, and evasive steering assist. The Aviator received a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.