2022 BMW X3 vs 2022 Toyota Sequoia

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 tasteful appearance, avoiding the overly bold look seen in 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, adding a modern touch. The updated rear also included larger exhaust tips and a new bumper, enhancing the horizontal-styled exterior lighting. The X3 offered a variety of finishes, including new metallic colours like Brooklyn Grey and Tanzanite Blue, and came standard with 19-inch gray aluminum-alloy wheels.

Inside, the 2022 X3's cabin was clean and efficient, offering a well-appointed interior with options for wood trim, an anthracite headliner, and new perforated SensaTec synthetic leather upholstery. The interior could be customized with premium Vernasca leather, and a panoramic moonroof was standard on the X3 M40i. The X3 provided a range of interior colour choices and ambient lighting options, creating a comfortable and customizable environment. The vehicle's ergonomics were improved, with a redesigned centre console and a larger standard infotainment system, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia continued its second generation into its 14th year, maintaining a mature design with modest exterior updates. The Sequoia's exterior featured a modestly sized grille, elegant wheel arches, and straight body lines, giving it a substantial presence. It measured 1,956 millimetres in height, 2,030 mm in width, and 5,210 mm in length, with a 3,099 mm wheelbase. The Sequoia's interior, while showing its age, was typical of Toyota's high-quality craftsmanship, with tight seams and durable materials. The Nightshade Special Edition model, based on the Limited trim, showcased Toyota's efforts to keep the Sequoia updated.

Inside, the Sequoia offered a spacious and comfortable environment for passengers, with three rows of seating and ample headroom and legroom. The SUV featured a standard one-touch tilt/slide power moonroof, heated front seats, and optional heated rear seats in the Platinum grade. The centre console and glove compartment provided ample storage, and the cargo compartment offered 535 litres of space behind the third-row seats, expandable to 3,401 litres with the second and third rows folded flat. The Sequoia's interior was designed to accommodate families and their gear, making it a practical choice for those needing space and versatility.

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 could accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in 6.3 seconds. The X3 M40i, on the other hand, was equipped with a more powerful 3.0-litre turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine, delivering 382 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The M40i also included a new mild-hybrid system, enhancing its performance capabilities. It could achieve a zero-to-100 km/h time of 4.5 seconds, making it a more exhilarating option for those seeking a spirited drive.

The X3's eight-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters was standard across all models, providing smooth and responsive gear changes. The M40i model featured additional performance enhancements, such as a flap-controlled sports exhaust system, sport brakes, and an adaptive suspension, further elevating its driving dynamics. The mild-hybrid system, while not significantly impacting fuel efficiency, offered a smoother start/stop operation and an additional 11 horsepower during acceleration. Overall, the X3 provided a well-rounded performance package, with the M40i offering a more engaging driving experience.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia was powered by a 5.7-litre i-Force V8 engine, producing 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, providing a reliable and durable powertrain combination. The Sequoia's truck-based construction contributed to its impressive payload capacity of up to 608 kilograms and a maximum towing capacity of 3,221 kilograms. Despite its substantial weight of approximately 2,721.5 kilograms, the Sequoia delivered a smooth and stable ride on the highway, with a sure-footed feel on curvy roads.

The Sequoia's body-on-frame construction and ample ground clearance made it a capable off-roader, with a four-wheel independent double-wishbone suspension providing a controlled ride. The TRD Pro off-road model featured Fox shocks, enhancing its off-road capabilities. The Sequoia's fuel consumption ratings were 18.5 litres per 100 kilometres in the city, 13.9 on the highway, and 16.4 combined, reflecting its larger engine and truck-based design. Overall, the Sequoia offered a robust and capable performance, suitable for those needing a vehicle with towing and off-road capabilities.

The 2022 BMW X3 provided a comfortable and practical interior, with seating for five and ample storage space. The rear seats featured a 40/20/40-split configuration, allowing for flexible cargo arrangements. With the rear seats up, the X3 offered enough cargo room for backpacks and equipment, and with the seats folded, it could accommodate additional luggage. The SensaTec faux-leather seats were comfortable, with the option to upgrade to Vernasca leather for added softness. The X3's sport seats provided excellent support, and the vehicle's ergonomics were improved with a redesigned centre console and larger infotainment system.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia prioritized passenger comfort, with spacious seating across all three rows. The SUV featured three-zone climate control, a standard power moonroof, and heated front seats. The centre console and glove compartment offered ample storage, and the cargo compartment provided 535 litres of space behind the third-row seats, expandable to 3,401 litres with the second and third rows folded flat. The Sequoia's interior was designed to accommodate families and their gear, making it a practical choice for those needing space and versatility.

The 2022 BMW X3 featured BMW Live Cockpit Plus with iDrive 7 telematics, including a 5.1-inch colour display instrument panel and a 10.25-inch infotainment screen. The system offered navigation, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, Bluetooth, satellite radio, and various connected digital features. An optional Live Cockpit Professional enlarged both screens to 12.3 inches, providing a fully digital experience. The X3 also offered a 12-speaker HiFi sound system, with an optional Harman Kardon surround sound system available on M40i models.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia's infotainment system was outdated compared to competitors, featuring a 7-inch touchscreen and a 4.2-inch TFT driver information screen. However, it offered Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth connectivity, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The Sequoia Platinum and TRD Pro models added navigation and a 14-speaker JBL premium audio system. While the Sequoia's technology lagged behind competitors, it provided essential features for connectivity and entertainment.

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

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia did not have crash-test ratings from the NHTSA or IIHS, but it offered several standard safety features. The Toyota Safety Sense P suite included a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams. The Sequoia also featured a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, and Toyota's STAR safety system, providing a comprehensive safety package.