2022 BMW X3 vs 2022 Subaru Forester

The 2022 BMW X3, available in four distinct trims—sDrive30i, xDrive30i, M40i, and M—underwent several design revisions for the year. For instance, the signature kidney grille became slightly larger, giving it a more pronounced, though not overwhelming, presence. Between these grilles, a black sensor bar offered a quirky, gap-toothed look. The sleeker adaptive LED headlights featured vertical air intakes, while the redesigned taillights adopted a crab-claw shape, contributing to both aesthetics and functionality. These lights, paired with larger exhaust tips and a new bumper, encapsulated the vehicle's updated rear design.

Exterior customization options were abundant. An M Sport Package available for the sDrive30i and xDrive30i models included features like sportier front air intakes, a rear diffuser, and additional air-curtain panels. The Shadowline Package added black-out treatments to window frames, grille inserts, and headlight inserts. Wheels also saw an upgrade: standard 19-inch gray aluminum alloys with all-season run-flat tires, a new aerodynamically-enhanced 19-inch wheel, and optional 20- and 21-inch M Sport wheels available in various trims.

Inside, the X3 offered a refined yet practical design. The cabin featured materials like dark oak wood trim and an anthracite headliner. Comfort was prioritized through eight-way power-adjustable Sport seats, adjustable side bolsters, and tri-zone automatic climate control. The standard SensaTec synthetic leather upholstery could be upgraded to premium Vernasca leather. A panoramic moonroof added an extra touch of luxury.

Conversely, the 2022 Subaru Forester kept things straightforward but functional. Offered in various trims such as Base, Premium, Sport, Wilderness, Limited, and Touring, the Forester focused on utility. Notably, the Wilderness model, with its suspension lift to 9.2 inches and extensive body cladding, aimed to enhance its rugged appeal. However, this look did not necessarily win style points, resembling more of a "raccoon on wheels" with the matte-black hood decal.

Inside, the Forester emphasized rugged practicality. The Wilderness trim, for example, featured water-repellant StarTex simulated leather upholstery, copper-colored stitching, and easily washable all-weather floor mats. Though practical, the interior felt somewhat dated despite the high-quality construction. Standard features included an 8-inch Starlink infotainment system with physical knobs for ease of use. However, limitations like three display screens made the system less intuitive.

Performance-wise, both models showcased their unique strengths and drawbacks. The 2022 BMW X3 came with a standard eight-speed automatic transmission and paddle shifters. The sDrive30i and xDrive30i models ran on a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 248 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Both models clocked a respectable 0-60 mph in 6 seconds. Fuel efficiency varied: the RWD version offered 23 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined, while the AWD managed slightly lower numbers.

Test drives around Palm Springs revealed that the xDrive30i balanced speed, comfort, and noise isolation well. However, some wind noise persisted. For those craving more power, the X3 M40i did not disappoint with its 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine producing 382 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. Featuring a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, the M40i reached 0-60 mph in just 4.4 seconds. However, the mild-hybrid system did not significantly improve fuel economy. The X3 M40i achieved 21 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined.

The 2022 Subaru Forester, powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, produced 182 hp and 176 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and standard AWD, this engine focused more on reliability and practicality rather than speed. The Wilderness trim's CVT, designed to improve torque by 25%, also doubled the towing capacity to 3,000 pounds. While its fuel economy stood at an EPA-rated 26 mpg combined, real-world tests gave a slightly lower figure.

The Forester excelled in various environments, from urban roads to off-road trails. However, it lagged in acceleration, particularly at higher altitudes where the naturally aspirated engine struggled. The available X-Mode and SI-Drive added off-road capabilities and improved response. The Forester Wilderness proved to be a reliable companion in challenging terrains, although the vehicle's limited engine power and noticeable wind noise remained as drawbacks.

The 2022 BMW X3 might have had its performance quirks, but it delivered on comfort and practicality. With ample space for five passengers, the interior set a high bar for compact crossovers. Rear seats featured a 40/20/40 split, and when upright, the cargo area provided more than enough room for backpacks and additional luggage. A power tailgate came standard, with an optional hands-free opening.

SensaTec faux-leather seats could be upgraded to Vernasca leather, and they provided comfort and adjustability. However, the control handle for the thigh-support cushion on the xDrive30i and M40i might have been an annoyance for some drivers. Overall, the improved ergonomics, redesigned center console, and expanded infotainment screen sizes contributed to a more user-friendly experience.

On the other hand, the 2022 Subaru Forester prided itself on functionality. Easy entry and exit, water-resistant StarTex upholstery in the Wilderness trim, and standard all-weather floor mats highlighted its utilitarian nature. The redesigned roof rails had a dynamic load capacity of 220 pounds and a static load of 800 pounds, ideal for adventures involving roof tents.

Comfort wasn’t compromised, as both front and rear seats offered ample space, with quick-charge ports and rear air-conditioning vents for back-seat passengers. Storage compartments were abundant, though the vehicle lacked innovative features like a dashboard shelf or a shallow tray. Cargo space was substantial, with 28.9 cubic feet without the panoramic sunroof and 26.9 cubes with it. Folding the 60/40-split rear seats down expanded the cargo capacity to 74.2 cubic feet, making the Forester one of the roomiest options in the compact SUV segment.

When it came to in-car technology, the 2022 BMW X3 was a mixed bag. Standard features included the BMW Live Cockpit Plus with iDrive 7 telematics, a 5.1-inch color display instrument panel, and a 10.25-inch infotainment screen. Also included were navigation, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, Amazon Alexa integration, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The system was customizable, allowing drivers to control various functions via steering wheel-mounted controls, voice activation, or the iDrive controller.

For audiophiles, the standard 12-speaker 205-watt HiFi sound system could be upgraded to a 600-watt Harman Kardon surround sound system. Other optional packages included the Convenience Package and the Premium Package, offering features such as keyless entry, a panoramic sunroof, heated seats, a head-up display, and gesture control.

The 2022 Subaru Forester offered a more straightforward approach to technology. Base models came with a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with satellite radio and HD Radio. Wilderness, Limited, and Touring trims included an 8-inch screen, navigation system, and Harman Kardon premium sound. The PIN Code Access feature allowed drivers to leave the key fob in the car and re-enter using a PIN code. A 180-degree forward-view camera was standard in the Wilderness trim, making off-roading easier.

The 2022 BMW X3 excelled in safety, earning a five-star crash safety rating from the NHTSA. It boasted a long list of safety features such as adaptive LED headlights, automatic high beams, rearview camera, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and active blind-spot monitoring. Additional safety features included rear cross-traffic alert, rear collision avoidance, park distance control with auto braking, forward-collision warning with pedestrian/cyclist detection, and various active pre-collision protection systems.

The optional Parking Assistance Package added active park distance control and a 360-degree surround camera view. The Driving Assistant Professional Package featured traffic jam assistance, back-up assistant, front cross-traffic alert, a 3D assisted view display, and active lane-keep assist with lane centering and side collision avoidance.

The 2022 Subaru Forester introduced Subaru's next-generation EyeSight 4.0 safety system. It offered twice the field of vision, improving accuracy and smooth operation. The system included automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist. The Forester also featured a rear-seat reminder system, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a rear automatic braking system.

Touring trim added DriverFocus, a facial recognition technology to monitor for drowsiness and distraction, now equipped with gesture control for climate settings. The NHTSA awarded the Forester a five-star overall crash-test rating, though the Wilderness trim might need re-testing due to its height modifications.