2022 BMW X3 vs 2023 Mazda CX-50

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 featured all-wheel drive. 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 adaptive full LED headlights were slimmer, and the taillights featured a new design with a black surround and pincer claw-shaped brake light LEDs. The rear also had larger exhaust tips and a new bumper. The X3 offered nine exterior finishes, including new metallic 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 available for the sDrive30i and xDrive30i models.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 featured a blunt nose, long hood, and a cabin pulled back toward the rear wheels, showcasing Mazda's signature subtle seductiveness. The CX-50 also conveyed ruggedness with blistered and boxed fender swells, lower body and wheel arch cladding, and fake front and rear skid plates. The standard black grille and mirror caps, along with available 20-inch wheels, added to its appeal. The CX-50 Meridian Edition, introduced later in the model year, included exclusive wheels, all-terrain tires, splash guards, and a roof-mounted load platform. The CX-50 was available in two versions: the 2.5 S with a 187-hp engine and the 2.5 Turbo with up to 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque, depending on the fuel used.

The 2022 BMW X3 featured an eight-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. The sDrive30i and xDrive30i models had a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 248 hp and 258 lb-ft 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 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's fuel economy was 21 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined. The mild-hybrid system provided smoother start/stop operation and an additional 11 hp during acceleration.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 offered two engine options. The 2.5 S model had a 187-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 186 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. Mazda estimated a combined fuel economy of 27 mpg for the 2.5 S. The 2.5 Turbo variants featured a turbocharged version of the same engine, producing between 227 hp and 256 hp and 310 lb-ft to 320 lb-ft of torque, depending on the fuel used. The 2.5 Turbo had an estimated combined fuel economy of 25 mpg, though real-world testing showed an average of 23.4 mpg. The CX-50 Turbo provided smooth acceleration and a broad power curve, with minimal turbo lag. The SUV's driving modes—Normal, Sport, Off-Road, and Towing—worked with G-Vectoring Control technology to ensure natural vehicle behavior in various conditions.

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. The SensaTec faux-leather seats were comfortable, with the option to upgrade to Vernasca leather for added softness. The X3's sport seats had an extendable bottom cushion for taller drivers, though the control handle could be intrusive for some. The redesigned center console featured a 10.25-inch infotainment system, with an optional 12.3-inch touchscreen. The vehicle's ergonomics were improved, with easier access to frequent touchpoints and a smudge-free matte finish for the buttons.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50's interior featured power-adjustable heated front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, heated side mirrors, and heated windshield wipers. The ventilated front seats and dual-zone automatic climate control provided comfort in various weather conditions. The driver's seat and front passenger's seat were comfortable for long drives, though they could use more side bolstering. The back seat was roomy enough for adults, with rear air vents and charging ports. The CX-50 offered 31.4 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 56.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The available power rear liftgate and side bins added convenience for securing items.

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. 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 and provided a fully digital experience. The standard 12-speaker 205-watt HiFi sound system could be upgraded to a 16-speaker Harman Kardon surround sound system. Other tech options included a Convenience Package and a Premium Package, adding features like keyless entry, a panoramic sunroof, lumbar support, heated seats, a head-up display, and gesture control.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 featured the Mazda Connect infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, and Mazda Connected Services. The base 2.5 S had an 8.8-inch display, while other trims included a 10.25-inch display. Mazda Connect historically lacked touchscreen control, but the 2023 CX-50 allowed touchscreen control for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The available 12-speaker Bose Centerpoint surround-sound system provided a satisfying audio experience. The Active Driving Display, or head-up display, projected data within the driver's line of sight, including blind-spot warnings.

The 2022 BMW X3 received a five-star crash safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (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, a 3D assisted view display, active lane-keep assist, and side collision avoidance.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 was expected to perform well in safety tests, similar to other Mazda models. Standard safety features included a comprehensive package of driving assistance systems. The top-tier 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus trim added Traffic Jam Assist, active blind-spot monitoring, front and rear parking sensors with reverse automatic braking, and a surround-view camera system. The adaptive cruise control system had some issues recognizing slower vehicles cutting into the gap ahead, requiring manual braking to avoid collisions.