2022 BMW X3 vs 2021 Chevrolet Trax

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax, based on the 2015 model, received updates in 2017 that carried over into 2021. These updates included standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. In 2020, the infotainment system was refreshed, and the Premier trim was dropped for 2021, leaving only the LS and LT trims. The LS trim featured 16-inch painted aluminum wheels, remote keyless entry, cloth upholstery, and a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The LT trim added heated, power-adjustable side mirrors, roof rails, LED lights, and upgraded seats, among other features.

The 2022 BMW X3 came in four variants: sDrive30i, xDrive30i, M40i, and M. The X3 received a revised exterior design with a larger kidney grille and slimmer adaptive full LED headlights. The rear featured new taillights with a black surround and pincer claw-shaped brake light LEDs. The M Sport Package added sportier design elements, while the Shadowline Package provided a black-out treatment. The X3 M40i included a BMW M grille, high-gloss black exterior mirrors, and M-designed light-alloy wheels. The interior featured dark oak wood trim, eight-way power-adjustable front Sport seats, and a 10.25-inch infotainment system, with an optional 12.3-inch touchscreen.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax was powered by a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 138 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. It offered front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). While adequate for city driving, the engine struggled at highway speeds and was noisy. The Trax had a firm ride, especially over potholes, and a tight turning radius, making it suitable for city driving. However, rivals like the Hyundai Kona and Mazda CX-30 offered more comfortable rides and better driving dynamics.

The 2022 BMW X3 featured an eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. The sDrive30i and xDrive30i models had a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 248 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 6 seconds. Fuel economy for the sDrive30i was 23 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined, while the xDrive30i returned 21 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 24 mpg combined. The X3 M40i had a 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine with 382 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds. The M40i also featured a mild-hybrid system, sport brakes, adaptive suspension, and an AWD system tuned for a rear-oriented torque split.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax offered respectable headroom and legroom in both rows, with supportive front seats but poorly bolstered rear seats. The Trax had multiple storage trays in each door and low cupholder placement. It provided 18.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 48.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The front passenger seat folded flat for larger items. However, there was no option for a power liftgate.

The 2022 BMW X3 provided seating for five and ample storage space. The rear seats featured a 40/20/40-split, and the cargo area accommodated multiple bags and equipment. A power tailgate was standard, with an optional hands-free opening. The SensaTec faux-leather seats were comfortable, with the upgraded Vernasca leather adding softness. The X3's redesigned center console featured a 10.25-inch infotainment system, with an optional 12.3-inch touchscreen. The vehicle ergonomics improved with easier access to frequent touchpoints, and the matte finish of the buttons maintained a smudge-free appearance.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax came with a 7-inch touchscreen running the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system, featuring easy-to-follow menus and vivid graphics. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, two USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity, voice control, and an available WiFi hotspot.

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. It offered navigation, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, 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. The standard sound system was a 12-speaker 205-watt HiFi, with an optional Harman Kardon surround sound system for M40i models. Other tech options included a Convenience Package and a Premium Package, adding features like a panoramic sunroof, heated seats, and a head-up display.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax received a five-star crash test rating from the NHTSA but did not earn a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS. It came standard with airbags and a backup camera. The LT Convenience Package added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-path detection, and rear parking sensors. However, it lacked advanced safety features like forward-collision avoidance and lane-departure warning.

The 2022 BMW X3 received a five-star crash safety rating from the NHTSA. While IIHS crash test results were not yet available, the 2018 X3 was named a Top Safety Pick+. The 2022 X3 added adaptive LED headlights, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, active blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and forward-collision warning with pedestrian/cyclist detection. The available Parking Assistance Package and Driving Assistant Professional Package added features like 360-degree surround camera view, traffic jam assistance, and active lane-keep assist.