2022 BMW X3 vs 2022 Mazda CX-5

The 2022 BMW X3 was available in four variants, excluding the PHEV: xDrive30i, M40i, and M, all featuring standard all-wheel-drive. The exterior design was slightly revised for a more aggressive stance, with a larger kidney grille and a black sensor bar for a unique look. The adaptive full LED headlights were slimmer, and the taillights featured a new design with a black surround and pincer claw-shaped brake light LEDs. The rear was updated with larger exhaust tips and a new bumper, complemented by an M Sport Package for xDrive30i models, offering specialized aero wheels and new paint options. The interior was well-appointed, with options for wood trim, power-adjustable seats, and a panoramic moonroof. The X3 offered a variety of interior colour choices and ambient lighting for a customizable experience.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 featured new LED headlights and taillights, revised bumpers, a redesigned grille, and a fresh rear liftgate. The top Signature trim received body-colour lower exterior trim, enhancing Mazda's premium brand aspirations. The interior remained unchanged, with the Signature trim offering luxurious Nappa leather upholstery, real wood trim, and polished metallic accents. The seats were new for 2022, providing improved comfort. The CX-5 offered a range of trims, with the base models focusing on fuel economy and the higher trims providing turbocharged performance. The test drive model, equivalent to the Sport Design grade, included optional features like Soul Red paint and a rear bumper guard, with a total cost of $46,175.

The 2022 BMW X3 featured an eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. The xDrive30i variant was powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 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 a mild-hybrid system, delivering 382 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, with a 0-100 km/h time of 4.5 seconds. The M40i offered a more exhilarating driving experience with features like a flap-controlled sports exhaust system, sport brakes, and an adaptive suspension. The mild-hybrid system provided a smoother start/stop operation and an additional 11 horsepower during acceleration.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5's base engine was a Skyactiv-G 2.5-litre four-cylinder, producing 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, with a revised six-speed automatic transmission for improved performance. All CX-5 models came with standard all-wheel drive. The turbocharged engine option delivered 256 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque on premium gas, or 227 horsepower and 310 pound-feet on regular gas. The turbo engine also featured the revised transmission and standard AWD. The CX-5's driving dynamics were enhanced with increased structural rigidity and reworked suspension tuning, providing a quieter and smoother ride. The Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive) offered Normal, Sport, and Off-Road settings for a versatile driving experience.

The 2022 BMW X3 offered a comfortable and practical interior with seating for five, though the rear middle seat was best suited for smaller passengers. The rear seats featured a 40/20/40-split, providing ample cargo space for luggage and equipment. The SensaTec faux-leather seats were comfortable, with the option to upgrade to Vernasca leather for added softness. The X3's interior ergonomics were improved, with a redesigned centre console and a larger standard infotainment system. The vehicle offered a variety of adjustability options, though the thigh-support cushion control handle was a minor inconvenience for some drivers.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 addressed previous complaints about its ride and seating with new furnishings, providing a more comfortable and supportive driving position. The interior featured a height-adjustable front passenger seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, and heated and ventilated front seats. The back seat remained snug but offered heated outboard cushions and air conditioning vents for passenger comfort. The control layout was a source of frustration, with the Mazda Connect infotainment system lacking a touchscreen display and natural voice recognition. Storage space was adequate, with a small centre armrest bin and wireless smartphone charging.

The 2022 BMW X3 came with BMW Live Cockpit Plus featuring iDrive 7 telematics, a 5.1-inch colour display instrument panel, and a 10.25-inch infotainment screen. It 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 lumbar support.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 retained its Mazda Connect infotainment system with a 10.25-inch display and Bluetooth, but lacked a touchscreen interface and natural voice recognition. The system required the use of centre console and steering wheel controls. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with text-messaging support and Mazda Connected Services. The CX-5 offered a 10-speaker Bose premium sound system on higher trims, with SiriusXM satellite radio available. Mazda provided a complimentary two-year trial subscription to its connected services for new CX-5 and CX-9 owners.

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

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 featured a comprehensive i-Activsense package with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims added adaptive headlights, a surround-view camera system, parking sensors, automatic rear braking, and a driver monitoring system. The CX-5 received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS.