BMW X3 vs Ford Edge

Since its inception in 2003, the BMW X3 has grown to become one of the brand’s top sellers. And starting with its second generation (circa 2010), the luxury compact crossover has been built at BMW Spartanburg—the automaker’s only United States manufacturing facility. Incidentally, because Spartanburg is the global producer of every gas-powered BMW crossover besides the X1 and X2, the plant also boasts the highest production numbers of any BMW plant worldwide. One can speculate that the popular X3 has a lot to do with that.

Last redesigned for 2018, the X3 receives a rather hefty mid-cycle refresh for 2022. Although the xDrive30e plug-in hybrid has been dropped from the lineup, updates to the remaining models include design tweaks, new engines, more technology, and an expanded suite of safety features.

The Ford Edge proves that trends run in cycles. Launched in the early 2000s, the original Edge was one of the first midsize crossover SUVs, sporting car-like styling that sharply contrasted the more traditional-looking Ford Explorer of the time. However, new-car buyers realized they liked the roominess of three-row SUVs like the Explorer more, and interest in the two-row Edge waned.

Now, however, car shoppers are once again eyeing two-row midsize SUVs, this time as an alternative to sedans. The Edge is now part of a growing market segment that includes the Chevrolet Blazer, Honda Passport, Hyundai Santa Fe, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Nissan Murano, and Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport.

Yet while market dynamics have changed, the Edge hasn’t. The current second-generation Edge dates back to the 2015 model year, and even a substantial update undertaken for the 2019 model year is quickly receding in the rearview mirror. The Edge now sits between the much newer Explorer and Ford Escape in the automaker's SUV-heavy lineup.

Aside from some new tech features, the 2021 Ford Edge doesn’t get many significant changes, so we can evaluate it based on our experience with previous model years. As with the 2020 model year, trim levels include SE, SEL, ST-Line, Titanium, and ST.