2022 BMW X3 vs 2022 Honda Odyssey

The 2022 Honda Odyssey was a minivan that catered to families with its practical design and thoughtful features. Its sliding side doors made it easy to load children into car seats, even in tight parking spaces, and the spacious third-row seat provided comfort for additional passengers. The Odyssey's design, while adhering to traditional minivan aesthetics, included stylish elements like kinked sliding doors and dark gray 19-inch aluminum wheels on the Elite trim. The interior boasted quality materials and a user-friendly layout, with a low console and ample storage space. Despite its minivan identity, the Odyssey offered a sense of style and functionality that appealed to families seeking convenience and comfort.

In contrast, the 2022 BMW X3 presented a more aggressive and modern exterior design, with a larger kidney grille and adaptive full LED headlights. The X3's interior was well-appointed, featuring dark oak wood trim, power-adjustable front sport seats, and a tri-zone automatic climate control system. The cabin offered a clean and efficient design, with a focus on comfort and practicality. The X3's interior color choices and ambient lighting options added a touch of luxury, while the redesigned center console and larger infotainment system improved accessibility and usability. Overall, the X3 combined style and functionality, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a luxury compact crossover.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. It offered front-wheel drive and had an EPA fuel economy estimate of 22 mpg in combined driving. While it lacked all-wheel drive and hybrid options, the Odyssey provided a pleasant driving experience, with responsive handling and quick acceleration. However, its brakes were prone to heating up during extended use, leading to pedal vibration and audible grumbling. Despite this, the Odyssey remained enjoyable to drive, offering a balance of performance and practicality for families.

The 2022 BMW X3 featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine in the sDrive30i and xDrive30i models, delivering 248 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The X3 achieved a 0-60 mph time of 6 seconds and offered fuel economy ratings of 23 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined for the sDrive30i. The xDrive30i had slightly lower fuel economy figures. The X3 M40i variant boasted a 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine with a mild-hybrid system, producing 382 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. It accelerated from 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds and featured an adaptive suspension and sport brakes for enhanced performance. While the mild-hybrid system didn't improve fuel economy, the X3 M40i provided a more exhilarating driving experience compared to the base models.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey offered easy access with wide-opening doors and a lower ride height. Inside, the Odyssey Elite featured quality leather seats, power adjustments, and a tri-zone automatic climate control system. The minivan provided ample storage space, with numerous compartments and a center console tray. The second-row seats were comfortable and versatile, with the Magic Slide feature allowing for easy configuration. The third-row seat was spacious and comfortable for adults, and the Odyssey offered 32.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind it. Folding the third-row seat increased cargo capacity to 88.8 cubic feet, and removing the second-row seats provided a maximum of 144.9 cubic feet of cargo space.

The 2022 BMW X3 accommodated five passengers comfortably, with a 40/20/40-split rear seat configuration. The X3 offered ample cargo space, with enough room for backpacks and additional luggage. The SensaTec faux-leather seats were comfortable, and the upgraded Vernasca leather added softness. The X3's interior featured improved ergonomics, with a redesigned center console and larger infotainment system. The vehicle's controls were easily accessible, and the matte finish of the buttons maintained a clean appearance. Overall, the X3 provided a spacious and practical interior, with a focus on comfort and convenience.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey Elite was equipped with a range of technology features, including an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment display, satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Touring trim added navigation and HondaLink connected services. The Odyssey also featured CabinWatch and CabinTalk technology, allowing the driver to monitor and communicate with rear-seat passengers. The rear-seat entertainment system included a 10.2-inch display and wireless headphones. However, the Odyssey's infotainment system was considered outdated, with a small screen and limited voice command functionality. A major upgrade was needed to keep up with competitors.

The 2022 BMW X3 came standard with BMW Live Cockpit Plus, featuring a 5.1-inch color display instrument panel and a 10.25-inch infotainment screen. The system included navigation, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Amazon Alexa integration. The X3 offered a customizable multimedia experience, with an optional Live Cockpit Professional providing larger screens and cloud-based navigation. The standard 12-speaker sound system could be upgraded to a Harman Kardon surround sound system in the M40i model. Additional tech options included a Convenience Package and a Premium Package, offering features like keyless entry, a panoramic sunroof, and gesture control.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey was equipped with Honda Sensing, a suite of safety features including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. The Odyssey also had automatic high-beam headlights and a rear-seat reminder system. However, Honda Sensing lacked refinement, with occasional false warnings and abrupt responses. The Odyssey received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.

The 2022 BMW X3 received a five-star crash safety rating from the NHTSA. It came standard with adaptive LED headlights, a rearview camera, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and active blind-spot monitoring. The X3 also featured forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and active pre-collision protection systems. Optional safety packages added features like parking assistance, a 360-degree camera view, and active lane-keep assist. The X3 offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, enhancing driver confidence and passenger protection.