2022 BMW X3 vs 2023 Kia Telluride

The 2022 BMW X3 was available in four variants, excluding the PHEV, with all models featuring standard all-wheel-drive. The exterior design was slightly revised to present a more aggressive stance, with a larger kidney grille and a black sensor bar positioned between the grilles. 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 finished with larger redesigned exhaust tips and a new bumper. The X3 offered nine exterior finishes, with new metallic colours Brooklyn Grey and Tanzanite Blue. The interior was clean and efficient, with options for wood trim, an anthracite headliner, and new perforated SensaTec synthetic leather upholstery. The X3 provided a variety of interior colour choices and ambient lighting options.

The 2023 Kia Telluride featured fresh front and rear styling, updated headlights and taillights, and new wheel designs. New paint colours included Midnight Lake Blue, Dawning Red, and Jungle Green, with fresh interior colours of Terracotta, Navy, and Sage Green. The X-Line model replaced the Nightfall Edition, featuring a raised suspension, unique grille design, and black 20-inch wheels. The X-Pro model added exclusive 18-inch wheels and all-terrain tires. Interior updates included a digital instrumentation panel and a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The Telluride offered a variety of trim levels in Canada, with prices starting at $50,195 for the EX and reaching $62,795 for the X-Pro. The interior was spacious, with premium Nappa leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and heated and ventilated front- and second-row captain’s chairs.

The 2022 BMW X3 featured an eight-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. The xDrive30i model was powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 248 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, with a 0-100 km/h time of 6.3 seconds. The M40i model had a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine with a mild-hybrid system, producing 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 an additional 11 horsepower during acceleration but did not improve fuel efficiency.

The 2023 Kia Telluride retained its 3.8-litre V6 engine, producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. It offered Eco, Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow driving modes, with an AWD system featuring a low-speed Lock setting. The Telluride X-Line averaged 9.8 litres per 100 kilometres, while the X-Pro averaged 11.5 L/100 km. The X-Pro model had a raised suspension, improved approach and departure angles, and a new Downhill Brake Control system. It also featured 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires and an improved cooling system, increasing towing capacity to 2,495 kilograms. The Telluride provided a smooth ride quality and was quiet inside, with some wind noise at highway speeds.

The 2022 BMW X3 offered seating for five, with a standard 40/20/40-split rear seat. The cargo area was spacious, with enough room for backpacks and additional luggage. The SensaTec faux-leather seats were comfortable, with the option to upgrade to Vernasca leather for added softness. The X3 featured a redesigned centre console, a standard 10.25-inch infotainment system, and an optional 12.3-inch touchscreen. The vehicle's ergonomics were improved, with easier access to touchpoints and a smudge-free matte finish on the buttons.

The 2023 Kia Telluride accommodated seven or eight passengers, with premium Nappa leather upholstery and power-adjustable front seats. The second-row captain’s chairs were heated and ventilated, with manual side-window sunshades and USB ports. The third-row seating area was more comfortable than many competitors, with ample leg support. The Telluride offered a smart power tailgate with proximity-sensing and an automatic closing function. Cargo space was generous, with 601 litres behind the third row, 1,304 litres with the third row folded, and 2,455 litres with both rear rows folded.

The 2022 BMW X3 featured BMW Live Cockpit Plus with 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 enlarged both screens to 12.3 inches. The X3 had a standard 12-speaker 205-watt HiFi sound system, with an optional Harman Kardon surround sound system for M40i models. Other tech options included comfort access keyless entry, a panoramic sunroof, and a head-up display.

The 2023 Kia Telluride came with a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Kia Connect services. It featured over-the-air updates, Bluetooth pairing for two devices, and six USB charging ports. The Telluride included Driver Talk and Quiet Mode, a wireless phone charger, and a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. New digital-key technology and a Full Display rear-view mirror were available. The Telluride offered an optional head-up display with a larger viewing area and a Leading Vehicle Departure Alert system.

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 forward-collision warning. Optional features included parking assistance plus, active park distance control, and a 360-degree surround camera view.

The 2023 Kia Telluride offered a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, and lane-keeping assist. It featured adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, Highway Drive Assist, and a Rear Occupant Alert system. The Telluride was rated as a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.