2022 BMW X3 vs 2021 Ford Expedition

The 2021 Ford Expedition Platinum greeted us at Los Angeles International Airport, a plush and roomy sight after a restless redeye flight from Maui. With six passengers, each carrying a suitcase and a backpack, the Expedition's luxurious interior was a welcome change from the rented Dodge Grand Caravan. However, the Expedition's cargo space fell short, forcing one passenger to carry a suitcase on her lap for the 40-mile ride to the suburbs. Despite this, the Expedition Platinum's intricate chrome grille, massive 22-inch wheels, and overall bold presence made it a good-looking vehicle.

The 2022 BMW X3, available in four variants, featured a revised exterior design with a slightly more aggressive stance. The larger kidney grille and new adaptive full LED headlights gave it a distinctive look. The rear taillights, with a black surround and pincer claw-shaped brake light LEDs, added to its modern appeal. The X3 also offered new metallic colors and aerodynamically-optimized wheels, enhancing its overall aesthetic. The M Sport Package and Shadowline Package provided additional sporty and menacing touches, making the X3 a stylish and contemporary compact crossover.

The 2021 Ford Expedition came equipped with a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, a 10-speed automatic transmission, and either rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD). The engine produced 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, with the Platinum trim boosting these figures to 400 hp and 480 lb-ft. Towing capacity ranged from 9,000 to 9,300 pounds, and the Expedition offered Pro Trailer Backup Assist technology. Despite its size, the Expedition impressed with its acceleration and pleasant engine note. However, the 22-inch wheels on the Platinum trim affected ride quality, transmitting road shock into the cabin. The Expedition averaged 17.1 mpg on our evaluation loop, with an EPA rating of 19 mpg in combined driving.

The 2022 BMW X3 featured an eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. The X3 sDrive30i and xDrive30i models 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 achieved a 0-60 mph time of 6 seconds. Fuel economy for the sDrive30i was 23 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined, while the xDrive30i offered 21 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 24 mpg combined. The X3 M40i, with a 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine and a mild-hybrid system, produced 382 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, achieving a 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds. The M40i's fuel economy was 21 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined. The X3 provided a balanced driving experience, with the M40i offering a more exhilarating performance.

The 2021 Ford Expedition excelled in comfort and utility, with large, wide seats for every passenger, including adults in the third row. The independent rear suspension ensured comfort in all seating positions. However, the regular-length Expedition struggled to transport more than five people and their luggage simultaneously. The Expedition MAX offered more cargo space, with 34.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 121.5 cubic feet with all seats folded. The high liftover height of the cargo floor was a consideration when loading heavy items.

The 2022 BMW X3 provided seating for five and ample storage space. The rear seats featured a 40/20/40-split, offering flexibility for cargo and passengers. The X3's SensaTec faux-leather seats were comfortable, with the upgraded Vernasca leather adding softness. The redesigned center console and larger infotainment system improved accessibility and usability. The X3's cargo area accommodated backpacks and equipment, with a power tailgate and optional hands-free opening for added convenience. The X3's interior was well-appointed, with a clean and efficient design.

The 2021 Ford Expedition's Sync 3 infotainment system, though aging, remained user-friendly. The 8-inch touchscreen display offered features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, FordPass Connect services, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and navigation. The voice recognition system was enhanced for 2021, and the test vehicle included a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium sound system and wireless smartphone charging. An available dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system provided additional entertainment options.

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. Standard features included navigation, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, 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, offering a fully digital experience. The X3's standard 12-speaker HiFi sound system could be upgraded to a 16-speaker Harman Kardon surround sound system. Additional tech options included a Convenience Package and a Premium Package, enhancing comfort and convenience.

The 2021 Ford Expedition earned a five-star overall crash-test rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). However, its rollover-resistance rating was three stars for RWD models and four stars for 4WD models. The Expedition came standard with Ford Co-Pilot360, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic high-beam headlights. Higher trims offered adaptive cruise control, semi-autonomous parking assistance, and a 360-degree surround-view camera system.

The 2022 BMW X3 also received a five-star crash safety rating from the NHTSA. While the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) had not yet tested the 2022 model, the 2018 X3 was named a Top Safety Pick+. The 2022 X3 added more safety features, including 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 and Driving Assistant Professional Package further enhanced safety with features like traffic jam assistance, back-up assistant, and active lane-keep assist with lane centering.