2022 BMW X3 vs 2023 Toyota RAV4

In terms of aesthetics, the 2022 BMW X3 offered a distinctively aggressive and sleek design. Available in four variants (sDrive30i, xDrive30i, M40i, and M), its revamped exterior featured a slightly enlarged kidney grille, creating a bold yet not overbearing front look. The new adaptive full LED headlights were 0.4 inches slimmer, adding vertical air intakes and a redesigned bumper. At the rear, new taillights with black surrounds and claw-shaped brake light LEDs stood out, alongside larger exhaust tips and a reshaped bumper. Options included the M Sport Package for a sportier look, adding features like larger air intakes and 19-inch Midnight Grey Bicolor alloys, with 20- and 21-inch wheels available. The cabin presented a blend of efficiency and elegance, using dark oak wood trim, tri-zone climate control, and eight-way power-adjustable Sport seats. Color options for the SensaTec seating ranged from black to Tacora red, with ambient lighting providing up to 11 color combinations.

Conversely, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 adhered closely to its 2019 design, particularly in the Adventure and TRD Off-Road trims, which featured a distinct two-part face. The Adventure trim focused on a rugged aesthetic with a repositioned Toyota badge, blacked-out wheels, and a faux skid plate. The interior of this trim added orange accents and a more basic yet functional setup. Seats came in fabric for the base trims, with synthetic leather (SofTex) available in higher trims. The Adventure trim also flaunted a frameless rearview mirror and a stripe design on seats, complemented by orange stitching. Storage within the cabin included a practical shelf above the glove compartment and spacious door pockets.

The 2022 BMW X3 was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine in the sDrive30i and xDrive30i models, delivering 248 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Both models reached 60 mph in 6 seconds. Despite its updated features adding weight, fuel economy was reasonable at 23 mpg city/29 mpg highway for RWD and 21 mpg city/28 mpg highway for AWD.

The M40i variant boasted a 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine with a mild-hybrid system, producing 382 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, achieving 60 mph in a swift 4.4 seconds. Although it had a sports exhaust system and enhanced brakes, its mileage dropped to 21/26/23 for city/highway/combined. The mild-hybrid system added a seamless start/stop function and an extra 11 hp boost at times, although it didn’t notably improve fuel economy.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 came standard with a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. While this gave it a smooth and steady performance, its acceleration was less thrilling compared to the BMW. Fuel efficiency was a standout feature, however, with the standard FWD model delivering stronger figures than the BMW.

The RAV4 Adventure was tailored for those preferring a more rugged style with AWD as standard and features geared towards light off-roading. Meanwhile, the TRD Off-Road trim included all-terrain tires and a TRD-tuned suspension to handle rougher terrains better.

The 2022 BMW X3 excelled in offering comfort and practicality, seating five adults (though tighter for the middle rear passenger) with ample legroom even when the front seats were pushed back. It featured a 40/20/40-split rear seat, enhancing cargo flexibility. With the seats up, the X3 accommodated quite a bit of luggage, and even more with the rear seats folded flat. Cargo capacity was a solid 28.7 cubic feet, expanding to 62.7 cubic feet with seats down.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 also seated five, offering 37.7 inches of headroom in the front and 39.5 inches in the rear with the moonroof option. Its legroom measured 41 inches front and 37.8 inches rear. Although it provided less front headroom and rear legroom compared to some rivals, it had practical storage solutions like a long shelf above the glove box and large door pockets. In terms of cargo space, the RAV4 had 37.5 cubic feet behind the second row, expanding to 69.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, thus leading the X3 in cargo capacity.

The 2022 BMW X3 featured BMW’s Live Cockpit Plus with iDrive 7 telematics. A standard 10.25-inch screen and an optional 12.3-inch one displayed navigation and connected services. It included Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, wireless updates, and a WiFi hotspot. An upgraded Harman Kardon sound system was available in the M40i trim, enhancing the audio experience.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 introduced a new infotainment system with an 8.0-inch touchscreen, upgraded to a 10.5-inch screen in higher trims. This update brought standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with voice command capabilities. The Adventure trim could be upgraded to include an 11-speaker JBL audio system, offering a superior sound experience compared to the base setup. A 7-inch driver information display was standard, but higher trims featured a 12.3-inch version.

The 2022 BMW X3 was highly rated for safety, earning a five-star rating from the NHTSA. It came standard with adaptive LED headlights, a rearview camera, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and multiple collision prevention systems. Optional packages added parking assistance, 360-degree cameras, and advanced driving aids like traffic jam assistance and active lane-keep assist.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 included standard safety features across all trims, such as lane-departure warning with steering assist, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The 2023 model upgraded to Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, enhancing systems like radar cruise control to operate below 20 mph. The RAV4 also earned top scores in IIHS crash tests, securing a 2023 Top Safety Pick+ award.