2022 BMW X3 vs 2023 Mazda CX-50

The 2022 BMW X3 was available in four variants, excluding the PHEV: xDrive30i, M40i, and M, all 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 between the grilles for a distinctive look. 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 updated with larger exhaust tips and a new bumper, complemented by an M Sport Package for xDrive30i models, specialized aero wheels, and new paint options. The interior of the X3 was clean and efficient, offering a variety of inserts, power-adjustable front seats, and new perforated SensaTec synthetic leather upholstery. The cabin was equipped with ambient lighting and a panoramic moonroof, with interior colour choices varying by material and model.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 featured a blunt nose, long hood, and rakish windshield, with a cabin pulled back toward the rear wheels, showcasing Mazda's subtle seductiveness. The CX-50 conveyed ruggedness with blistered fender swells, lower body cladding, and fake skid plates. The exterior design elements, including a standard black grille and mirror caps, came together appealingly, with a new CX-50 Meridian Edition offering exclusive wheels and all-terrain tires. The CX-50 was available in two versions: the entry-level GS-L and GT trims with a 187-horsepower engine, and the GT Turbo and Meridian Edition variants with a turbocharged engine producing up to 256 hp. The interior displayed Mazda's driver-focused design, with quality materials and polished metallic trim. The back seat was roomy, and the CX-50 offered a good-looking compact crossover experience.

The 2022 BMW X3 featured an eight-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. The xDrive30i variant 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 variant had a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine with a mild-hybrid system, producing 382 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, with a 0-100 km/h time of 4.5 seconds. The M40i offered a more exhilarating driving experience with a flap-controlled sports exhaust system, sport brakes, adaptive suspension, and a rear-oriented torque split AWD system. The mild-hybrid system provided an additional 11 hp during "intermediate sprints" but did not improve fuel efficiency.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 offered a base engine with 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and Mazda’s i-Activ AWD system. The GT Turbo trim featured a turbocharged engine producing between 227 hp and 256 hp, depending on the fuel type, with torque ranging from 310 lb-ft to 320 lb-ft. The CX-50 provided smooth acceleration and a broad power curve, with Mazda’s Mi-Drive modes ensuring natural vehicle behaviour. The CX-50 felt firmer in ride quality compared to the CX-5, with a hint of torque steer during acceleration. The CX-50 Turbo had a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds and performed well on various road conditions, though it lacked a downhill assist control system.

The 2022 BMW X3 offered seating for five, with a roomy interior for a compact crossover. The rear seats featured a 40/20/40-split, providing ample cargo space for backpacks and equipment. The SensaTec faux-leather seats were comfortable, with the upgraded Vernasca leather offering more softness. The X3's sport seats were supportive, with an extendable bottom seat cushion for taller drivers. The redesigned centre console featured a larger infotainment system, with push-button and rocker-style controls for climate and audio functions.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 GT Turbo was equipped with power-adjustable heated front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and dual-zone automatic climate control. The front seats were comfortable for long drives, with the back seat offering ample room for adults. The CX-50 provided adequate storage space, though some opportunities for additional storage were missed. The power rear liftgate revealed 889 litres of cargo space, with a long load floor and side bins for securing items. Maximum cargo space measured 1,595 litres, slightly less than the CX-5 due to the CX-50’s lower roofline.

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, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, satellite radio, and various connected digital features. An optional Live Cockpit Professional provided a fully digital experience with larger screens. The X3 came with a 12-speaker 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 Mazda CX-50 featured a Mazda Connect infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, and Mazda Connected Services. The system came with a 10.25-inch display, though it lacked touchscreen control for native functions. Mazda offered touchscreen control for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with the display located at a distance from the driver. The available 12-speaker Bose Centerpoint surround-sound system provided a satisfying audio experience. The CX-50 also offered an Active Driving Display, projecting data within the driver’s line of sight.

The 2022 BMW X3 received a five-star crash safety rating from the NHTSA. It featured 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 safety features included parking assistance, traffic jam assistance, and active lane-keep assist.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 was rated as a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS, though it fell short of the Top Safety Pick+ designation. It offered a comprehensive standard package of driving assistance systems, including active blind-spot monitoring, Traffic Jam Assist, front and rear parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system. The CX-50’s driving assistance systems generally worked well, though the adaptive cruise control occasionally failed to recognize slower vehicles cutting into the gap ahead.