2022 BMW X3 vs 2021 Honda Pilot

The 2021 Honda Pilot aimed to balance style with reliability, safety, comfort, and performance. Despite a 2019 refresh and a 2020 Black Edition, the SUV's exterior design remained polarizing. Available in five trims in Canada, the Pilot offered standard all-wheel drive and a price range from $42,905 to $56,805. The Black Edition, fully loaded with exclusive black leather upholstery and red accents, was priced at $58,806 with a destination charge. While quality materials were evident, the Pilot's interior resembled a minivan, which, along with its exterior design, did not enhance its appeal.

In contrast, the 2022 BMW X3 presented a more aggressive exterior design with a larger kidney grille and adaptive full LED headlights. The rear featured new taillights with a pincer claw design, larger exhaust tips, and a redesigned bumper. The X3 offered nine exterior finishes, including new metallic colours. Standard 19-inch wheels with all-season run-flat tires were available, with an optional aerodynamically optimized wheel for better fuel efficiency. The M Sport Package added sportier design elements, while the M40i variant featured high-gloss black accents and M-designed wheels. The X3's interior was clean and efficient, with a variety of inserts, adjustable seats, and ambient lighting, offering a comfortable and stylish experience.

The 2021 Honda Pilot was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. It featured a nine-speed automatic transmission and a torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system, providing a smooth and refined driving experience. The Pilot offered Intelligent Traction Management with various driving modes and achieved a fuel efficiency of 10.9 L/100 km during testing. Its suspension provided a comfortable ride and athletic handling, though off-road capability was limited by its ground clearance and approach angles.

The 2022 BMW X3 xDrive30i featured a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 248 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0-100 km/h in 6.3 seconds. The M40i variant boasted a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine with 382 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, reaching 0-100 km/h in 4.5 seconds. The M40i included a mild-hybrid system, sport brakes, adaptive suspension, and a rear-oriented torque split for enhanced performance. While the xDrive30i provided a pleasant drive, the M40i offered a more exhilarating experience with its additional power and dynamic features.

The 2021 Honda Pilot offered ample space for families, seating up to eight with a bench second-row seat. The Black Edition featured comfortable leather-wrapped, heated, and ventilated front seats, with second-row captain’s chairs standard. The third-row seat provided mid-pack comfort, while storage was abundant throughout the vehicle. The Pilot offered 524 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 1,583 litres with the third row folded, and a maximum volume of 3,092 litres.

The 2022 BMW X3 accommodated five passengers comfortably, with a 40/20/40-split rear seat and ample cargo space. The SensaTec seats were comfortable, with the Vernasca leather option adding softness. The X3's sport seats offered adjustability, though the thigh-support cushion control handle was a minor inconvenience. The redesigned centre console featured a larger infotainment system, with improved ergonomics and accessibility to controls. The X3 provided a practical and comfortable interior for both driver and passengers.

The 2021 Honda Pilot featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Touring trim added wireless phone charging, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a premium audio system. The rear-seat entertainment system included a 115-volt power outlet and HDMI port. While adequate, the system's screen size and voice-recognition technology were less advanced compared to competitors.

The 2022 BMW X3 came standard with BMW Live Cockpit Plus, featuring a 10.25-inch infotainment screen and a 5.1-inch instrument panel. The system included navigation, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and various connected features. An optional Live Cockpit Professional offered larger screens and cloud-based navigation. The X3's audio system could be upgraded to a Harman Kardon surround sound system. Additional tech options included keyless entry, a panoramic sunroof, and a head-up display, providing a comprehensive multimedia experience.

The 2021 Honda Pilot included Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems, as standard. It featured adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. The Pilot received favourable crash-test ratings, with a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and high ratings from the IIHS, though some areas received lower scores.

The 2022 BMW X3 received a five-star crash safety rating from the NHTSA. It included adaptive LED headlights, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and active blind-spot monitoring as standard. Optional features included parking assistance, traffic jam assistance, and a 360-degree camera view. The X3 offered a comprehensive suite of safety features and driver-assistance systems.