2022 BMW X3 vs 2021 Lincoln Navigator

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator was a striking departure from its predecessors, shedding its Ford Expedition roots to present a unique identity. Its elegant and understated design was a feat for a vehicle of its size, featuring simple rectilinear shapes and a few chrome accents that added a touch of class. The Pristine White model, with its monochromatic package, black wheels, and illuminated Lincoln logo, was particularly eye-catching. Inside, the Navigator impressed with its modern and muted interior, offering seven colour palettes and a focus on finer details like layered wood trim and a minimalist digital instrument panel. The Perfect Position seats, adjustable in 30 different ways, provided unparalleled comfort, making the Navigator a luxurious choice for those seeking a spacious and refined SUV.

In contrast, the 2022 BMW X3 offered a more aggressive exterior design with a larger kidney grille and adaptive full LED headlights. The taillights featured a new pincer claw-shaped design, adding a modern touch to the vehicle's rear. The X3 was available in nine finishes, with new metallic colours like Brooklyn Grey and Tanzanite Blue. The interior of the X3 was clean and efficient, with a variety of inserts and a focus on comfort and practicality. The standard SensaTec synthetic leather upholstery could be upgraded to premium Vernasca leather, and a panoramic moonroof was available. The X3's interior was not as opulent as some of its rivals, but it offered a well-appointed and functional space for its occupants.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a formidable twin-turbo V6 engine, producing 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD, provided the Navigator with impressive acceleration and a smooth driving experience. Despite its size, the Navigator felt sprightly, and its towing capacity of 3,765 kilograms was substantial. However, its fuel efficiency was less than stellar, with an average consumption of 13.8 litres per 100 kilometres. The Navigator's adaptive dampers offered a decent ride, but it lacked the refined handling of some competitors, with looser steering and softer brakes.

The 2022 BMW X3 offered a range of engine options, with the base xDrive30i featuring a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 248 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The X3 M40i, on the other hand, boasted a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine with a mild-hybrid system, delivering 382 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. The M40i's performance was impressive, with a 0-100 km/h time of 4.5 seconds. The X3's AWD system and adaptive suspension provided a dynamic driving experience, particularly in the M40i variant. However, the mild-hybrid system did not significantly improve fuel efficiency, which remained a common complaint among X3 owners.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator offered a spacious interior, capable of accommodating six adults comfortably. Its boxy shape provided ample cargo space, with 546 litres behind the third row and up to 2,925 litres in total. The Navigator's front seats were highly adjustable and comfortable, while the second-row seats could be removed for additional storage. However, the lack of electric reclining and cooling options for the second-row seats was a drawback. The Navigator's large windows and high driving position offered excellent visibility, but parking could be challenging due to its size.

The 2022 BMW X3, while a compact crossover, provided a roomy interior for five passengers. The rear seats featured a 40/20/40-split, offering flexibility for cargo and passenger arrangements. The X3's cargo space was sufficient for everyday needs, and a power tailgate added convenience. The interior featured comfortable SensaTec seats, with the option to upgrade to Vernasca leather. The X3's redesigned centre console and larger infotainment system improved ergonomics and accessibility, although the thigh-support cushion control handle could be intrusive for some drivers.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator's technology felt somewhat dated, with a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system that lacked the advanced features of some competitors. While the system was intuitive and easy to use, it did not support wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The 20-speaker Revel Ultima audio system was good but not exceptional. However, the Navigator offered wireless device charging and a rear entertainment system with Roku media streaming, adding some modern conveniences.

The 2022 BMW X3 featured BMW Live Cockpit Plus with iDrive 7 telematics, offering a 10.25-inch infotainment screen and a 5.1-inch colour display instrument panel. The system included navigation, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and a range of connected digital features. An optional Live Cockpit Professional upgraded both screens to 12.3 inches, providing 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 head-up display, gesture control, and a panoramic sunroof.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with four stars for rollover resistance. It offered standard safety features like automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features included inflatable rear seat belts for the second row, a rare safety feature aimed at reducing chest injuries.

The 2022 BMW X3 also received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA. It came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and active blind-spot monitoring. Optional features included traffic jam assistance, a 360-degree surround camera view, and active lane-keep assist with lane centring.