2022 BMW X3 vs 2023 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 compared to 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. The updated rear also included larger exhaust tips and a new bumper. The X3 offered nine exterior finishes, with new metallic colours like Brooklyn Grey and Tanzanite Blue. The interior was well-appointed, featuring a clean design with options for wood trim, an anthracite headliner, and various seating materials. The cabin provided a comfortable and adjustable environment, with ambient lighting enhancing the overall experience.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia boasted a bold design that combined the rugged look of the Toyota Tundra with a newly styled SUV body. The Sequoia's grille and front bumper gave it a distinct presence, setting it apart from its pickup truck counterpart. Inside, the Sequoia shared design elements with the Tundra, featuring an industrial theme with leather, wood, and metallic finishes in the upscale Capstone trim. The dashboard was dominated by a large 14-inch infotainment system, and the interior was available in a luxurious cream white-over-black two-tone colour scheme. Despite its luxurious appearance, some materials reminded occupants of its pickup truck origins. The Sequoia lineup included various trims, each offering unique features and capabilities, catering to different preferences and needs.

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. It achieved a 0-100 km/h time of 6.3 seconds. The M40i variant took performance up a notch with a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine, delivering 382 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. It also included a mild-hybrid system, although it didn't significantly impact fuel efficiency. The M40i's 0-100 km/h time was an impressive 4.5 seconds. The X3's AWD system and adaptive suspension provided a dynamic driving experience, especially in the M40i, which featured a sportier setup with a flap-controlled sports exhaust system and sport brakes.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia was equipped with a hybrid powertrain, combining a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, a 10-speed automatic transmission, a 36-kilowatt electric motor/generator, and a 1.87 kilowatt-hour nickel-metal hydride battery pack. This setup delivered 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque. The Sequoia's towing capacity was significantly improved, with a maximum tow rating of 4,137 kilograms in Canada. Fuel efficiency also saw improvements, with a combined rating of 11.7 L/100 km with 4WD. The Sequoia offered various driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Sport+, allowing drivers to tailor the driving experience to their preferences. However, the regenerative braking system could feel unresponsive, and the steering was slow, requiring more effort in tight spaces.

The 2022 BMW X3 provided a comfortable and practical interior with seating for five. The rear seats featured a 40/20/40-split configuration, offering flexibility for cargo and passengers. The X3's cargo space was generous, accommodating backpacks, film equipment, and additional carry-on suitcases. The SensaTec faux-leather seats were comfortable, with the option to upgrade to Vernasca leather for added softness. The X3's interior ergonomics were improved, with a redesigned centre console and a larger infotainment system. The controls for climate and audio functions were conveniently positioned, and the matte finish of the buttons maintained a smudge-free appearance.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia excelled on open roads, offering a comfortable cabin with soft leather upholstery, a JBL premium audio system, and a triple-zone automatic climate control system. The Sequoia's front seats were comfortable, and the power-deploying running boards aided entry and exit. However, the second-row captain's chairs did not slide, limiting flexibility for third-row passengers. The third-row seat was less comfortable, with limited thigh support and legroom. The Sequoia's cargo space was compromised by the hybrid powertrain, with a maximum capacity of 2,460 litres, significantly less than its predecessor. The adjustable cargo shelf provided some versatility, but the overall utility was reduced compared to segment rivals.

The 2022 BMW X3 featured BMW Live Cockpit Plus with iDrive 7 telematics, offering a 5.1-inch colour display instrument panel and a 10.25-inch infotainment screen. The system included navigation, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, satellite radio, and various connected digital features. An optional Live Cockpit Professional upgraded the screens to 12.3 inches and provided a fully digital experience. The X3's sound system options included a standard 12-speaker HiFi system and an optional Harman Kardon surround sound system with 16 speakers. Additional tech options included comfort access keyless entry, a panoramic sunroof, and a head-up display.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia came with a new Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system, with an 8-inch touchscreen on the base TRD Off-road trim and a 14-inch touchscreen on higher trims. The system was intuitive, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Connected services allowed for user accounts and an Intelligent Assistant that responded to voice commands. The Capstone trim included a 10-inch head-up display and a surround-view camera system. However, the system had some quirks, such as glare on the display and occasional issues with Bluetooth pairing.

The 2022 BMW X3 received a five-star crash safety rating from the NHTSA. It included a comprehensive suite of safety features, such as adaptive LED headlights, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, active blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and forward-collision warning with pedestrian/cyclist detection. Optional features included parking assistance, traffic jam assistance, and active lane-keep assist.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, which included forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and more. Additional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and front and rear parking sensors with automatic braking. While crash test results were not available, the Sequoia's platform shared with the Tundra, which received high ratings from the IIHS.