2022 BMW X3 vs 2023 Volvo XC90

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 were all-wheel-drive. The exterior design saw a slight revision, giving it a more aggressive stance. The kidney grille was larger but not overly so, and a black sensor bar between the grilles added a unique touch. 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 M Sport Package added sportier elements, and new paint options included Brooklyn Grey and Tanzanite Blue II. The standard 19-inch gray aluminum-alloy wheels were aerodynamically optimized 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 added to the ambiance. The panoramic moonroof was standard on the X3 M40i and optional on other models. The cabin was well-appointed, though not as luxurious as some rivals, but it provided a comfortable and adjustable environment for all occupants.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 showcased a significant evolution in Volvo's design language. The front end was stout and solid without being overly flashy, and the grille was assertive yet not too big. The "Thor’s Hammer" headlights added a modern flair. The XC90's dimensions and shape leaned toward rectilinear but were far from the boxy designs of the past. The test vehicle featured 21-inch wheels with low-profile Pirelli Scorpion all-season tires, adding a bit of drama to its otherwise stoic appearance. The Platinum Gray paint had brown undertones, giving it richness and depth.

Inside, the XC90's design was elegant and minimalist. The steering wheel featured two-tone leather and a three-spoke design, and the cabin was adorned with luxurious materials like Nappa leather upholstery, metal Bowers and Wilkins speaker covers, and an Orrefors crystal shift knob. The interior offered a clean look with wood deco inlays across the dash and center console. However, the minimalist design led to some space and storage frustrations, particularly the lack of a dedicated space for a cell phone and limited cubby space. The second row was comfortable but adjusting the seats was challenging, and accessing the third row was difficult. The cargo space was decent but fell short compared to some competitors.

The 2022 BMW X3 featured an eight-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel-mounted 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 RWD and AWD models could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 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 M40i model featured a 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine with a mild-hybrid system, producing 382 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. It could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. The M40i had an EPA rating of 21 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 introduced new B5 and B6 engines with mild-hybrid technology. The B5 engine, with a turbocharger and a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, produced 247 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The B6 engine, with a supercharger, turbo, and mild-hybrid tech, produced 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. The mild-hybrid system improved fuel efficiency and smoothness but didn't offer significant fuel-economy benefits. The XC90's driving experience was enjoyable but reserved, with good acceleration and a smooth eight-speed automatic transmission. The XC90's brakes were solid, and road and wind noise were well-insulated. The XC90 didn't have extensive off-road capabilities but offered a simple and straightforward driving experience.

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 luggage. The power tailgate was standard, with an optional hands-free opening. The SensaTec faux-leather seats were comfortable, with the upgraded Vernasca leather adding more softness. The thigh-support cushion control handle was a minor gripe for some drivers. The redesigned center console featured a larger infotainment system, with a standard 10.25-inch screen and an optional 12.3-inch touchscreen. The layout was user-friendly, with push-button and rocker-style controls for climate and audio functions.

The 2023 Volvo XC90's interior was elegant but had some space and storage frustrations. The lack of a dedicated space for a cell phone and limited cubby space were notable issues. The second row was comfortable but challenging to adjust, and accessing the third row was difficult. The XC90 offered 12.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the third seat in position, 41.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 65.5 cubic feet with all rear seats folded. This cargo space fell short compared to some competitors. The XC90 drove like a smaller car, making it more maneuverable than typical three-row SUVs.

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. Standard features included navigation, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, 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, a heated steering wheel, heated seats, a head-up display, and gesture control.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 featured a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment display running Google OS, with Google Maps, Spotify, NPR, and Google Assistant as standard features. The 12.3-inch driver information display also showed Google Maps. The natural-language recognition of Google Assistant enhanced the user experience, and owners could issue commands via Google Home devices. However, many key functions were filed within the touchscreen interface, leading to some frustration. The minimalist design meant fewer physical buttons and redundant controls, which could be inconvenient for some users. While the tech was impressive, it required some time to get used to.

The 2022 BMW X3 received a five-star crash safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It also added more safety features and driver-assistance systems, including 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 with lane centering, and side collision avoidance.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 was well-regarded for its safety, carrying a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and being named a Top Safety Pick+ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in 2022. The XC90's advanced driver safety tech included adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and Pilot Assist technology, which helped maintain distance from the car ahead and provided lane-keeping support. These safety features were standard on the 2023 Volvo XC90.