2022 BMW X3 vs 2022 Lexus RX

The 2022 BMW X3 presented a refreshed exterior design that was subtly more aggressive, featuring a larger kidney grille and a black sensor bar for a distinctive look. The adaptive full LED headlights were slimmer, complemented by new vertical air intakes and a redesigned front bumper. At the rear, new taillights with a black surround and pincer claw-shaped brake light LEDs added a modern touch. The updated rear also included larger exhaust tips and a new bumper. The X3 offered nine exterior finishes, with new metallic colours like Brooklyn Grey and Tanzanite Blue. Standard 19-inch gray aluminum-alloy wheels were paired with all-season run-flat tires, and an optional aerodynamically optimized 19-inch wheel was available for the xDrive30i models. The M Sport Package added sportier elements, while the M40i featured M-designed 20-inch light-alloy wheels and high-gloss black exterior mirrors.

Inside, the 2022 X3's cabin was clean and efficient, offering a variety of inserts like wood trim and SensaTec synthetic leather upholstery. The interior was available in several colours, and premium Vernasca leather was an option. The X3 featured eight-way power-adjustable front seats, adjustable side bolsters, reclinable rear seatbacks, and tri-zone automatic climate control. A panoramic moonroof was standard on the X3 M40i and available for xDrive30i models. Ambient lighting added to the interior ambiance, with adjustable brightness to suit different moods.

The 2022 Lexus RX continued to showcase a modern and sporty design, with sharp character lines and angular features that were eye-catching yet restrained. The RX offered nine paint options, including the new Grecian Water for F Sport models. The F Sport packages enhanced the vehicle's athletic appearance with 20-inch wheels, black-housing outside mirrors, and a unique front fascia. The RX's interior maintained a luxury appeal, with F Sport models adding sporty elements like Scored Aluminum trim and NuLuxe synthetic leather. Non-F Sport models offered a mix of NuLuxe or semi-aniline leather seats with various trim pairings.

The RX's cabin featured soft-touch surfaces and high-quality materials, though the centre stack felt dated due to an abundance of buttons. The 2020 refresh added new infotainment touchscreens, but their positioning atop the unchanged centre stack was ergonomically unfriendly. The RX F Sport's NuLuxe seats were less comfortable, with limited lumbar support and challenging driving position adjustments. Despite these issues, the RX excelled in driving comfort and cabin quietness, offering a serene experience on long drives.

The 2022 BMW X3 featured an eight-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. The xDrive30i model was powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 248 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, with a 0-100 km/h time of 6.3 seconds. The base X3 offered a balanced performance, suitable for urban and mountain roads, though it wasn't the most thrilling version. The X3 M40i, however, boasted a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine with a mild-hybrid system, delivering 382 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. It achieved a 0-100 km/h time of 4.5 seconds, offering a more exhilarating driving experience with features like a flap-controlled sports exhaust system and adaptive suspension.

The 2022 Lexus RX 350 came with a 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. The RX 450h hybrid added two electric motors for a combined output of 308 hp. All RX models featured an 8-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD in Canada. Despite its sporty appearance, the RX's performance was underwhelming, with a lackluster engine note and hesitant acceleration. The F Sport models included performance dampers and adaptive variable suspension, but the drive modes offered minimal changes in driving dynamics. The RX excelled in comfort and cabin quietness, providing a smooth ride and isolated road noise.

The 2022 BMW X3 offered a spacious interior with seating for five and ample storage space. The rear seats featured a 40/20/40-split, providing flexibility for cargo and passengers. The X3's SensaTec seats were comfortable, with the option to upgrade to Vernasca leather for added softness. The redesigned centre console improved ergonomics, with a larger standard infotainment system and optional 12.3-inch touchscreen. The X3's interior was well-appointed, with push-button and rocker-style controls for climate and audio functions.

The 2022 Lexus RX provided 2,826 litres of passenger volume in the standard two-row model, comfortably seating four adults. The three-row L models offered limited space for anything beyond groceries. The RX's cargo space varied depending on the seating configuration, with up to 1,657 litres available with both back rows down. The RX featured thoughtful interior elements like a smartphone slot, adjustable-height cup holder, and a flat-bottomed cargo net. However, the rear seats did not fold completely flat, and the load-in height was high due to the sporty bumper design.

The 2022 BMW X3 came with BMW Live Cockpit Plus, featuring a 5.1-inch colour display instrument panel and 10.25-inch infotainment screen. The system included navigation, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, satellite radio, and various connected digital features. An optional Live Cockpit Professional offered larger screens and a fully digital experience. The X3's standard sound system was a 12-speaker 205-watt HiFi, with an optional Harman Kardon surround sound system for M40i models. Additional tech options included comfort access keyless entry, a panoramic sunroof, and a head-up display.

The 2022 Lexus RX featured an 8-inch touchscreen display, with a 12.3-inch version available for the 450h L and other trims. The touchscreens were positioned atop the centre stack, creating access issues due to a lip in front of the screen. The RX's infotainment system included voice commands and a touchpad, though the latter was challenging to use. The RX offered a range of tech features, including six USB ports, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, wireless charging, and various audio systems. The Lexus App provided additional connectivity and personalization options.

The 2022 BMW X3 received a five-star crash safety rating from the NHTSA. It included standard safety features like adaptive LED headlights, a rearview camera, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and active blind-spot monitoring. Optional features included parking assistance, traffic jam assistance, and active lane-keep assist.

The 2022 Lexus RX came with the Lexus Safety System 2.0+, offering adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, road-sign recognition, and a pre-collision system. Additional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a head-up display. The RX was named a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS, but only with optional triple-beam LED headlights. It received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA.