2022 BMW X3 vs 2022 Volvo XC60

Volvo made some subtle styling changes for the 2022 XC60. The new front fascia incorporated “air blades,” vertical elements on either side of the grille, giving the XC60 a slightly sportier appearance. A new rear bumper hid the tailpipes, and all models received new wheel designs. The reworked front grille moved sensors for the driver-assist systems behind the Volvo logo, which was also heated to keep those sensors working in cold weather. The interior remained largely unchanged except for a new digital instrument cluster, maintaining the same clean design with a portrait-oriented touchscreen and minimal clutter. The B6 R-Design test car’s aluminum mesh speaker grilles and elaborately textured seats added some flair, but overall, the interior seemed a bit subdued compared to other Volvo models.

The 2022 BMW X3 was available in four variants: sDrive30i, xDrive30i, M40i, and M. The X3 sDrive30i was the only rear-wheel-drive model, while all other X3s were all-wheel-drive only. For 2022, the X3 saw a revised exterior design that presented a more aggressive stance. The distinctive kidney grille was larger but not overly so, and a black sensor bar was positioned between the grilles for a gap-toothed smile. The headlights, now adaptive full LEDs, were slimmer and accommodated new vertical air intakes along with a redesigned front bumper. The taillights featured a black surround and pincer claw-shaped brake light LEDs. The updated rear included larger redesigned exhaust tips and a new bumper. The X3 was available in nine finishes, with new metallic colors Brooklyn Grey and Tanzanite Blue II. Nineteen-inch gray aluminum-alloy wheels were standard, with an aerodynamically-optimized 19-inch wheel available for the sDrive30i and xDrive30i models.

For the 2022 model year, the Volvo XC60 introduced new B5 and B6 mild-hybrid powertrains, replacing the previous T5 and T6 powertrains. Both powertrains combined a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a 48-volt electrical system and integrated starter generator, which could add 13 horsepower in short bursts. The B6 powertrain also included an electric supercharger in addition to the turbo. The XC60 B5 had a total-system output of 258 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque, while the B6 version produced 295 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. Both powertrains used an eight-speed automatic transmission. The B5 offered standard front-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive, while the B6 was only available with AWD. The XC60 B5 could accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds (6.6 seconds with FWD), and the XC60 B6 could do it in 5.9 seconds. The XC60 Recharge plug-in hybrid had a more aggressively electrified powertrain, producing 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque, and could accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 5 seconds. The XC60 Polestar Engineered increased output to 415 hp and 494 lb-ft, with a zero to 60 mph time of 4.9 seconds.

All 2022 BMW X3 models featured an eight-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters as standard. The X3 sDrive30i and X3 xDrive30i were powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 248 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. Both RWD and AWD models could accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 6 seconds. The X3 M40i featured a 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine with a new mild-hybrid system, producing 382 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, with a zero to 60 mph time of 4.4 seconds. The mild-hybrid system included a 48-volt start/generator and a battery to make start/stop operation smoother and could offer an additional 11 hp off the line and during intermediate sprints. The X3 M40i also featured a flap-controlled sports exhaust system, sport brakes, an adaptive suspension, and an AWD system tuned toward a rear-oriented torque split. The X3 M40i was EPA-rated at 21 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined.

The 2022 Volvo XC60’s interior space remained competitive within its market segment. Front-seat headroom was above average, but the XC60 was tied with the Audi Q5 for worst rear-seat headroom. Legroom in both rows was about average for the segment. Models with the mild-hybrid powertrains offered 21.6 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats in place and 49.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Plug-in hybrid models had slightly less cargo capacity, at 21.1 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 49.3 cubic feet with the rear seats down. The XC60 offered a commanding driving position with good forward visibility and large exterior mirrors that made it easy to drive without relying on driver aids.

The BMW X3 delivered on comfort and practicality, with seating for five and ample storage space. The rear seats featured a standard 40/20/40-split, providing enough cargo room for backpacks and additional carry-on suitcases. A power tailgate was standard, with an optional hands-free opening available. The SensaTec faux-leather seats were comfortable, but the upgraded Vernasca leather added more softness and pliability. The X3’s sport seats were supportive, and the bottom seat cushion could be extended for taller drivers. The redesigned center console resembled newer BMW models, with a standard 10.25-inch infotainment system and an optional 12.3-inch touchscreen. The X3’s interior featured improved ergonomics, with easier accessibility to frequent touchpoints and a smudge-free matte finish for the buttons.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 received a tech overhaul, featuring a 9-inch touchscreen running the Android Automotive operating system, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth, and a built-in WiFi hotspot. The new operating system included Android-specific features like Google Assistant for voice control, Google Maps for navigation, and access to third-party apps like Spotify through the Google Play Store. The system also enabled over-the-air software updates. The digital instrument cluster could display a map between the speedometer and tachometer, with a “Calm” setting to minimize distraction. A head-up display and upgraded audio systems from Harman Kardon or Bowers & Wilkins were also available.

The 2022 BMW X3 featured BMW Live Cockpit Plus with iDrive 7 telematics as standard, including a 5.1-inch color display instrument panel and a 10.25-inch infotainment screen. The system 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 X3’s standard infotainment system included a 12-speaker 205-watt HiFi sound system, with an optional Harman Kardon surround sound system producing 600 watts and featuring 16 speakers. Other tech options included a Convenience Package for sDrive30i and xDrive30i models, adding comfort access keyless entry, a panoramic sunroof, and lumbar support. A Premium Package was available for all X3 models, including the Convenience Package plus a heated steering wheel, heated front and rear seats, a head-up display, and gesture control.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) hadn’t released crash-test ratings for the 2022 Volvo XC60, but the similar 2021 model received the highest “Top Safety Pick+” rating. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) hadn’t published safety ratings for the 2022 XC60 either, but the 2021 model received a five-star overall rating. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, automatic post-collision braking, a driver-attention monitor, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. New for 2022 were a Ready to Drive Notification and Emergency Stop Assist. Volvo’s Pilot Assist driver-assistance system was also available, combining adaptive cruise control and automated lane centering.

The 2022 BMW X3 received a five-star crash safety rating from the NHTSA. Crash test results from the IIHS were not yet available, but the 2018 X3 was named a Top Safety Pick+. The 2022 X3 added more safety features, including adaptive LED headlights with automatic high beams, 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 updated 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.