2022 BMW X3 vs 2022 Toyota Venza

The 2022 BMW X3 was available in four variants: sDrive30i, xDrive30i, M40i, and M, with the sDrive30i being the only rear-wheel-drive model. The 2022 update brought a slightly more aggressive exterior design, featuring a larger kidney grille, slimmer adaptive full LED headlights, and new vertical air intakes. The rear saw new taillights with a black surround and pincer claw-shaped brake light LEDs, larger redesigned exhaust tips, and a new bumper. The X3 also introduced new paint options and aerodynamically-optimized 19-inch wheels. The M Sport Package added sportier design elements, while the Shadowline Package provided a black-out treatment for various exterior components.

Inside, the 2022 X3 offered a clean and efficient design with dark oak wood trim, an anthracite headliner, and eight-way power-adjustable front Sport seats. The interior featured new perforated SensaTec synthetic leather upholstery, with premium Vernasca leather available as an option. A panoramic moonroof was standard on the X3 M40i and optional on other models. The X3's interior color choices varied by material and model, and ambient lighting with 11 color combinations was available. The redesigned center console and larger infotainment system improved ergonomics and accessibility.

The 2022 Toyota Venza, reintroduced for the 2021 model year, rode on the Toyota New Global Architecture K (TGNA-K) platform, shared with several other Toyota and Lexus models. Measuring 186.6 inches long, 73.0 inches wide, and 65.9 inches tall, the Venza had a modern exterior design with a deeply scalloped body side and a prominent tailgate with a stripe of LED lighting. The nose featured a significant overhang, making it more suitable for urban environments than off-road adventures.

Inside, the Venza offered a Lexus-like interior with high-quality materials and an elegant layout. The layered dash and well-placed touchscreen display provided a comfortable and supportive environment for front and rear passengers. The Venza's interior was designed for comfort and convenience, with features like an overhead console, power-adjustable front seats, and an electric parking brake. The cabin also included multiple cupholders and bottle holders, as well as a spacious cargo area with up to 55.1 cubic feet of space when the second row was folded flat.

The 2022 BMW X3 featured an eight-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters as standard. The X3 sDrive30i and xDrive30i were powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 248 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, with a 0-60 mph time of 6 seconds. The sDrive30i had an EPA-rated fuel economy of 23 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined, while the xDrive30i offered 21 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 24 mpg combined.

The X3 M40i, with a 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine and a new mild-hybrid system, produced 382 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, achieving a 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds. The M40i's fuel economy was rated at 21 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined. The mild-hybrid system provided smoother start/stop operation and an additional 11 horsepower during acceleration. The M40i also featured a flap-controlled sports exhaust system, sport brakes, an adaptive suspension, and an AWD system tuned for a rear-oriented torque split.

The 2022 Toyota Venza was powered by a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder gasoline engine and three electric motors, producing a combined 219 horsepower. The hybrid system balanced electric and gas drive for optimal efficiency and performance, with drivers able to choose between electric-only (EV) operation, Normal, Eco, and Sport drive modes. Regenerative braking helped recharge the lithium-ion battery, while the main charge came from the gas engine.

The Venza offered a smooth and agile driving experience, with a wheelbase shared with the Camry, making it maneuverable and comfortable for everyday driving. The hybrid system provided a seamless transition between electric and gas power, ensuring efficient performance without the need for charging infrastructure.

The 2022 BMW X3 provided seating for five and ample storage space. The rear seats featured a 40/20/40-split, offering flexibility for cargo and passengers. With the rear seats up, the X3 had 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 upgraded Vernasca leather adding softness and pliability. The redesigned center console and larger infotainment system improved accessibility and ergonomics.

The 2022 Toyota Venza also seated five in two rows, with good headroom and legroom in both rows. The second row had 45.2 inches of hip room, making it comfortable for three adults. The cabin felt spacious, especially with the available Star Gaze fixed panoramic glass roof. The Venza offered numerous convenience features, including an overhead console, power-adjustable front seats, and an electric parking brake. The cabin had multiple cupholders and bottle holders, and the lithium-ion battery pack under the second-row seats had little impact on cargo capacity. The Venza could hold up to 28.8 cubic feet of luggage behind the second row, expanding to 55.1 cubic feet with the seats folded flat.

The 2022 BMW X3 came standard with BMW Live Cockpit Plus with iDrive 7 telematics, featuring a 5.1-inch color display instrument panel and a 10.25-inch infotainment screen. The system included navigation, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa integration, two USB ports, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and various connected digital features. An optional Live Cockpit Professional enlarged both screens to 12.3 inches and provided a fully digital experience. The X3 also offered a 12-speaker 205-watt HiFi sound system, with an optional Harman Kardon surround sound system on M40i models. Additional tech options included a Convenience Package and a Premium Package, adding features like keyless entry, a panoramic sunroof, heated seats, and a head-up display.

The 2022 Toyota Venza featured a hybrid powertrain that required no special attention to operate. The Venza's hybrid setup provided efficient performance without the need for charging infrastructure. The Predicted Efficient Drive (PED) program used the navigation system to optimize battery charging based on driving habits and road conditions. The LE and XLE models came with an eight-inch touchscreen, AM/FM/HD Radio, SiriusXM satellite radio, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa capability, and Bluetooth connectivity. The Limited trim added a nine-speaker JBL audio system, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, and intelligent touch-capacitive controls. Both multimedia setups included Toyota Connected Services, with features like Safety Connect, Service Connect, Remote Connect, and WiFi Connect. An Advanced Technology Package was available for the Limited trim, adding a head-up display and rain-sensing windshield wipers.

The 2022 BMW X3 received a five-star crash safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Standard safety features included adaptive LED headlights, a rearview camera, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, active blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rear collision avoidance, park distance control with auto braking, forward-collision warning, and active pre-collision protection systems. The available Parking Assistance Package added parking assistance plus, active park distance control, and a 360-degree surround camera view. The Driving Assistant Professional Package included traffic jam assistance, back-up assistant, front cross-traffic alert, active lane-keep assist, and side collision avoidance.

The 2022 Toyota Venza came with the Toyota Star Safety System, which included stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, smart stop technology, and a rearview camera. The Venza also had eight airbags, three-point seatbelts for every seating position, and LATCH lower anchors for child safety seats. The Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 (TSS 2.0) group of driver aids included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, daytime bicycle detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert with steering assist, automatic high beams, lane tracing assist, and road-sign assist. The Venza received a Top Safety Pick rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.