2022 BMW X3 vs 2022 Lexus GX

The 2022 BMW X3 presented a refreshed exterior design that subtly enhanced its aggressive stance. The signature kidney grille was enlarged, yet it maintained a balanced appearance, avoiding the overly large grilles seen on other BMW models. The adaptive full LED headlights were slimmer, complemented by new vertical air intakes and a redesigned front bumper. At the rear, the taillights featured a new design with a black surround and pincer claw-shaped brake light LEDs. The updated rear also included larger exhaust tips and a new bumper, enhancing the horizontal-styled exterior lighting. The X3 offered nine exterior finishes, with new metallic colours like Brooklyn Grey and Tanzanite Blue. The interior of the X3 was well-appointed, featuring a clean and efficient design with options for wood trim, an anthracite headliner, and new perforated SensaTec synthetic leather upholstery. The cabin offered a variety of interior colour choices and ambient lighting, creating a comfortable and customizable environment.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus GX maintained a design reminiscent of its first-generation model, with the signature Lexus spindle grille and triple-beam LED headlights being the most notable updates. The cabin, while not as modern as some competitors, was crafted with the quality and refinement for which Lexus is known. The GX offered a quiet ride, with the V8 engine's roar being the only notable sound. The interior featured comfortable seating with NuLuxe upholstery, black ash wood trim, and a black headliner in the Black Line Special Edition. The GX's design was tall and narrow, making it easy to maneuver in various driving conditions, though the steering was noted to be slow and heavy. The third-row seat was challenging to access and offered limited space, impacting cargo capacity when in use. The GX's tailgate design also posed challenges for loading, as it swung open to the side, limiting access in tight spaces.

The 2022 BMW X3 offered a range of performance options, starting with the xDrive30i model, which featured a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 248 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This model achieved a 0 to 100 km/h time of 6.3 seconds. The X3 M40i model stepped up the performance with a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine, delivering 382 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. It also included a new mild-hybrid system, which provided an additional 11 horsepower during acceleration. The M40i's 0 to 100 km/h time was a swift 4.5 seconds. Both models featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, with the M40i offering a more dynamic driving experience thanks to its sport-tuned suspension and exhaust system. The mild-hybrid system, while not significantly improving fuel efficiency, contributed to smoother start/stop operation.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 was powered by a 4.6-litre V8 engine, producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and a full-time 4WD system, provided a 0 to 60 mph time of 7.8 seconds. The GX's towing capacity was a notable 2,948 kilograms. The vehicle's design, with a high drag coefficient of 0.35, combined with its weight and always-on 4WD system, resulted in a fuel consumption estimate of 14.5 litres per 100 kilometres. The GX's Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) improved stability and off-road capability, though the steering was noted to be slow and heavy, and the brake pedal touchy.

The 2022 BMW X3 offered a spacious interior for a compact crossover, with seating for five and ample cargo space. The rear seats featured a 40/20/40-split, providing flexibility for cargo and passenger needs. The X3's interior was comfortable, with options for SensaTec or Vernasca leather upholstery. The redesigned centre console and larger infotainment screen improved ergonomics and accessibility. The X3 also featured a power tailgate with an optional hands-free opening for added convenience.

The 2022 Lexus GX provided an elevated driving position and clear visibility, though the steering required extra effort. The interior featured comfortable seating with physical controls, though some switchgear was outdated. The GX's third-row seat was challenging to access and offered limited space, impacting cargo capacity. The tailgate design, which swung open to the side, posed challenges for loading in tight spaces. The GX offered a respectable cargo capacity with the third-row seat folded, though the load floor was higher than ideal.

The 2022 BMW X3 came equipped with BMW Live Cockpit Plus, featuring a 10.25-inch infotainment screen and a 5.1-inch colour display instrument panel. The system included navigation, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, and satellite radio. An optional Live Cockpit Professional package enlarged the screens to 12.3 inches and added cloud-based navigation. The X3 also offered a 12-speaker HiFi sound system, with an optional Harman Kardon surround sound system for the M40i model. Additional tech options included comfort access keyless entry, a panoramic sunroof, and a head-up display.

The 2022 Lexus GX featured a new 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and navigation. The system included a CD player and Lexus Enform connected services, including a WiFi hotspot. The GX's infotainment display offered a dual-screen view, and the voice recognition technology was noted for its accuracy. The GX also included Intuitive Parking Assist technology, with optional surround-view and terrain-view cameras.

The 2022 BMW X3 received a five-star crash safety rating from the NHTSA. It included a range of safety features, such as adaptive LED headlights, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, active blind-spot monitoring, and forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection. Optional features included parking assistance plus, traffic jam assistance, and active lane-keep assist.

The 2022 Lexus GX, lacking crash-test ratings, relied on the Lexus Safety System+ for safety, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. The GX also featured blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. However, it lacked some advanced safety technologies found in competitors.