2022 BMW X3 vs 2023 Genesis GV70

Since its inception in 2003, the BMW X3 has grown to become one of the brand’s top sellers. And starting with its second generation (circa 2010), the luxury compact crossover has been built at BMW Spartanburg—the automaker’s only manufacturing facility north of the Mexican border. Incidentally, because Spartanburg is the global producer of every gas-powered BMW crossover besides the X1 and X2, the plant also boasts the highest production numbers of any BMW plant worldwide. One can speculate that the popular X3 has a lot to do with that.

Last redesigned for 2018, the X3 receives a rather hefty mid-cycle refresh for 2022. Updates include design tweaks, new engines, more technology, and an expanded suite of safety features. (Interestingly, while the BMW X3 xDrive30e plug-in hybrid has been dropped from the lineup in the United States, it continues in 2022 in Canada. This model is not covered in this review.)

The definition of luxury has changed. No matter where you look in the various premium vehicle segments, there are entrants that you may not have seen decades ago. From performance SUVs to subcompact crossovers, there are new takes on upscale vehicles. But just as crucially is the entrance of new players. In 2015, the Genesis brand was officially spun off from Hyundai. And with the brand’s expansion into various segments, a compact SUV like the 2023 Genesis GV70 was a must. Competitors include the Audi Q5, BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz GLC, Acura RDX, Porsche Macan, and others.

The GV70 was introduced for the 2022 model year and for 2023, an all-electric model joins the lineup. We evaluated the GV70 on the whole, but with a special focus on how effective the 2023 Genesis GV70 Electrified is for the Korean automaker as an EV and as a compact luxury crossover.