2022 BMW X3 vs 2022 Volvo XC90

Volvo had come a long way from its boxy cars and wagons of the past decades. The brand maintained its family-friendly, safety-oriented image while moving upscale, nearing the luxury class. After Ford sold Volvo to China's Zhejiang Geely Holding in 2010, the company underwent a significant transformation, developing new vehicle platforms from scratch. The original XC90, launched in 2003, received updates until 2015. The 2016 model marked the debut of the current XC90, Volvo's flagship SUV, built on the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform.

The 2022 XC90 had a striking stance and sleek profile, with a body seemingly tilted forward, ready to launch. Its long roofline and pronounced wheel arches emphasized athleticism, while the snub nose and upright grille paid homage to classic Volvo designs. The interior, described as "Scandinavian Modern" and "Swedish Luxury," featured natural wood and metal trim, with exquisite details like a sliding wood tambor cover and a clear crystal gear selector handle. Volvo offered a choice between Nappa leather and a tailored wool blend upholstery, with the latter being a sustainable option.

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. For 2022, the X3 received a revised exterior design with a slightly 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 of the X3 had larger redesigned exhaust tips and a new bumper, complementing the horizontal-styled exterior lighting. The M Sport Package added larger front air intakes, a sportier rear bumper, and additional side air-curtain panels. The X3 M40i featured a BMW M grille with high-gloss black double-bar inserts and M-designed light-alloy wheels. The interior of the X3 was clean and efficient, with dark oak wood trim, an anthracite headliner, and eight-way power-adjustable front Sport seats. The standard SensaTec synthetic leather upholstery could be upgraded to premium Vernasca leather, and a panoramic moonroof was available.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains. The T5 models used a turbocharged 2.0-liter gasoline four-cylinder engine, producing 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The T6 models featured a supercharged and turbocharged version of the same engine, delivering 316 hp and 295 lb-ft. The T8 models had a plug-in hybrid powertrain, combining the supercharged/turbocharged gasoline engine with an electric motor, resulting in a combined 455 hp and 523 lb-ft of torque. The T5 models were front-wheel drive with available all-wheel drive, while the T6 and T8 models were all-wheel drive only. All XC90 models used a conventional eight-speed automatic transmission.

The XC90 engines required Premium (91-octane) gasoline. The EPA estimated the T5 FWD models to achieve 21 mpg city, 30 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined, while the T5 AWD models were rated at 20 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined. The T6 AWD models achieved 19 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined. The T8 models had a 27 mpg combined rating on gas and 55 MPGe with an 18-mile EV range. The extended range variant offered a 26 mpg combined gasoline rating, a 66 MPGe rating, and an EV range of up to 36 miles. Charging the battery from empty to fully charged took about five hours at 240 volts (Level 2).

The 2022 BMW X3 featured an eight-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters as standard. The X3 sDrive30i and xDrive30i 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 had a zero-to-60 mph time of 6 seconds. The fuel economy for the X3 sDrive30i was an EPA-rated 23 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined. The AWD xDrive30i version offered 21 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 24 mpg combined.

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. The M40i had a quoted zero-to-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds. The mild-hybrid system included a 48-volt start/generator and a battery, offering an additional 11 hp during acceleration. The 2022 X3 M40i was EPA-rated at 21 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 was available in six-passenger and seven-passenger configurations, with either captain's chairs or three-across seating in the second row. The third row was suitable for children but lacked legroom and thigh support for adults. The XC90 offered 15.9 cubic feet of luggage space behind the third row, 41.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and up to 85.7 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded. The XC90 could tow between 4,000 and 5,000 pounds, depending on the configuration and powertrain.

The XC90's interior featured ample storage space, including door pockets, seat back pockets, console storage, and a large glove compartment. The cabin was airy and spacious, with a standard laminated panoramic moonroof. The air-conditioning system performed well during a heat wave, providing a comfortable environment.

The 2022 BMW X3 offered seating for five adults, although the rear middle seat was more suitable for a smaller adult or child. The rear seats featured a standard 40/20/40-split, providing ample cargo space when folded. The X3 had enough room for backpacks, film and photography equipment, and additional carry-on suitcases. A power tailgate was standard, with an optional hands-free opening available.

The SensaTec faux-leather seats were comfortable, with the upgraded Vernasca leather adding more softness. The X3's sport seats were supportive, and the bottom seat cushion could be extended for taller drivers. The redesigned center console featured a larger infotainment system, measuring 10.25 inches, with an optional 12.3-inch touchscreen available. The controls for climate and audio functions were easily accessible, and the matte finish of the buttons maintained a smudge-free appearance.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system, which offered tablet-like functionality with familiar smartphone gestures. However, the system in the test car was glitchy and slow to respond. The system worked better with Apple CarPlay, and the XC90 also supported Android Auto. The nine-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen was mounted in the center stack, close to the driver's line of sight. A 12.3-inch digital instrument panel offered easy configuration and customization. The $1,650 Advanced package included a head-up display, a 360-degree surround view camera system, and an advanced air cleaner.

The XC90 came with standard Harman Kardon Premium Sound, with a $3,200 Bowers & Wilkins upgrade available. The XC90 included two front USB-A ports and two rear USB-C ports, a WiFi hotspot with a complimentary trial subscription, and the Volvo Care smartphone app, which provided remote lock/unlock function and other vehicle controls.

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. 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. The optional Live Cockpit Professional enlarged both screens to 12.3 inches and provided a fully-digital experience.

The X3's standard 12-speaker 205-watt HiFi sound system could be upgraded to a Harman Kardon surround sound system with 16 speakers. Other tech options included a Convenience Package, which added comfort access keyless entry, a panoramic sunroof, and lumbar support. The Premium Package included the Convenience Package features plus a heated steering wheel, heated front and rear seats, a head-up display, and gesture control.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 continued Volvo's commitment to safety, featuring blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, parking assist, rain-sensing wipers, slippery road alert, lane-keeping aid, adaptive cruise control, oncoming lane mitigation, and road-sign recognition. Volvo's Pilot Assist system combined several safety features to keep the car in its lane with minimal driver intervention on highways. The 2022 XC90 received the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 BMW X3 received a five-star crash safety rating from the NHTSA. The 2018 X3 was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS, and the 2022 model added more safety features. Standard 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, forward-collision warning, 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.