2022 BMW X3 vs 2021 Acura RDX

The 2021 Acura RDX, particularly in the A-Spec trim, presented a stylish and sporty appearance without resorting to excessive blacked-out trim or traditional performance design cues. Its subtle yet effective styling changes conveyed a sense of sportiness without overpromising on acceleration and handling. Unlike some SUVs, the RDX did not attempt to mimic an off-road vehicle, avoiding oversized skid plates and bulging fender flares, focusing instead on daily driving and road-tripping capabilities. The A-Spec trim sat in the middle of the trim hierarchy, with a base price starting at $44,505, and offered a range of features including Super Handling All-wheel Drive (SH-AWD) as standard.

Inside, the RDX A-Spec continued the sporty theme with front sport seats featuring simulated suede inserts, a sport steering wheel, and red ambient cabin lighting. The interior materials were of high quality, and the design was more form-over-function, which was a departure from typical compact crossover SUV cabins. However, the gauge cluster with red markings on a brushed silver background was difficult to read, except at night. Despite these minor drawbacks, the RDX A-Spec's interior delivered a sporty and engaging experience.

The 2022 BMW X3, available in several variants, featured a revised exterior design that gave it a slightly more aggressive stance. The distinctive kidney grille was larger, and the adaptive full LED headlights were slimmer, complemented by new vertical air intakes and a redesigned front bumper. The rear of the X3 showcased new taillights with a black surround and pincer claw-shaped brake light LEDs, along with larger redesigned exhaust tips and a new bumper. The X3 offered a range of exterior changes, including an M Sport Package for xDrive30i models and new metallic paint options.

Inside, the X3's cabin was clean and efficient, with a well-appointed interior featuring a variety of inserts, including available wood trim and SensaTec synthetic leather upholstery. The X3 offered a range of interior colour choices and a panoramic moonroof as standard on the M40i trim. The redesigned centre console resembled newer BMW models, and the standard infotainment system was larger, with an optional 12.3-inch touchscreen available. The X3's interior was comfortable and practical, with seating for five and ample storage space.

The 2021 Acura RDX was equipped with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine producing 272 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 280 pound-feet of torque from 1,600 rpm to 4,500 rpm. A 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and the torque-vectoring SH-AWD system were standard, enhancing handling and making the RDX enjoyable to drive. The Integrated Dynamics System allowed drivers to choose between Snow, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ driving modes, adjusting powertrain character, steering effort, and suspension firmness. The A-Spec models featured exclusive Shark Gray 20-inch alloy wheels with performance all-season tires, contributing to its sporty handling.

The 2022 BMW X3 xDrive30i was powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 248 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, achieving a 0-100 km/h time of 6.3 seconds. The X3 M40i variant featured a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine with 382 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, along with a mild-hybrid system. The M40i's performance was noticeable on curvy roads, with a 0-100 km/h time of 4.5 seconds. The M40i also included a flap-controlled sports exhaust system, sport brakes, adaptive suspension, and an AWD system with a rear-oriented torque split, providing a more dynamic driving experience.

The 2021 Acura RDX offered remarkable passenger and cargo space for a compact SUV, with comfortable front seats featuring Alcantara and leather upholstery in the A-Spec trim. The seats provided 12-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation, with a heated steering wheel available on higher trims. However, rear-seat comfort was compromised by a low and flat cushion, resulting in a lack of leg support. The RDX's cargo volume measured 835 litres behind the rear seat, with a deep storage well and three separate storage compartments under the cargo floor. Folding the rear seats increased cargo capacity to 1,668 litres, with a maximum value of 2,260 litres when measured with the front seats moved forward.

The 2022 BMW X3 provided seating for five, with a standard 40/20/40-split rear seat configuration. The X3's cargo space was ample, accommodating backpacks and photography equipment, with a power tailgate as standard. The SensaTec faux-leather seats were comfortable, with the option to upgrade to Vernasca leather for added softness. The X3's sport seats offered adjustability, including an extendable bottom seat cushion for taller drivers. The redesigned centre console improved accessibility to touchpoints, and the standard infotainment system featured a 10.25-inch screen, with an optional 12.3-inch touchscreen available.

The 2021 Acura RDX featured the True Touchpad Interface infotainment system, which used a touch-sensing pad on the centre console instead of a touchscreen. The system included satellite radio, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi tethering, and an available navigation system. While the TTI mirrored the screen, making it more intuitive than similar systems, it still required a learning curve and could be distracting. The A-Spec trim included a 16-speaker Acura/ELS Studio 3D premium audio system, delivering excellent sound quality.

The 2022 BMW X3 came with BMW Live Cockpit Plus with iDrive 7 telematics, featuring a 5.1-inch colour display instrument panel and a 10.25-inch infotainment screen. The system included navigation, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, Bluetooth, satellite radio, and various connected digital features. An optional Live Cockpit Professional enlarged both screens to 12.3 inches, providing a fully digital experience. The X3's standard audio system was a 12-speaker 205-watt HiFi sound system, with an optional Harman Kardon surround sound system available on M40i models.

The 2021 Acura RDX was equipped with a suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, lane-departure warning, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. However, blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert were only available on higher trims. The RDX earned a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with four-star ratings for frontal-impact and rollover resistance.

The 2022 BMW X3 received a five-star crash safety rating from the NHTSA. It included adaptive LED headlights, a rearview camera, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, active blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and forward-collision warning with pedestrian/cyclist detection. Optional features included parking assistance, traffic jam assistance, and active lane-keep assist with lane centring.