2022 BMW X3 vs 2022 Hyundai Tucson

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson was built on a new platform, offering North American buyers a long-wheelbase model with two rows of seating and an expanded cargo area. Its front showcased Hyundai's new design language, featuring a parametric grille that cleverly concealed LED daytime running lights, Bi-LED headlights, and LED front turn signals. When illuminated, these lights formed a distinctive shape reminiscent of the Aztec Spirit Bird's wings. The Tucson's side profile borrowed design cues from the Hyundai Elantra, with a silver D-pillar creating a floating roof effect. At the rear, LED-illuminated toothy taillights added a unique touch, helping the Tucson stand out among compact SUVs. Depending on the trim level, the Tucson rode on either 17- or 19-inch alloy wheels, with high-end models featuring premium fascias, gloss black pillars, and a panoramic sunroof. The interior was well-appointed, with standard stain- and odour-resistant cloth seats, sport combination seats in the N-Line, and leather-trimmed seats available from the Preferred Trend trim. Horizontal lines across the dashboard and an uncluttered aesthetic contributed to a sense of spaciousness.

The 2022 BMW X3 featured a revised exterior design that exuded a slightly more aggressive stance. The iconic kidney grille was larger, but not overly so, and a black sensor bar between the grilles added a playful touch. The adaptive full LED headlights were slimmer, accommodating new vertical air intakes and a redesigned front bumper. At the rear, new taillights with a black surround and pincer claw-shaped brake light LEDs added a modern touch. Larger redesigned exhaust tips and a new bumper complemented the horizontal-styled exterior lighting. The X3 was available in nine finishes, with new metallic colours like Brooklyn Grey and Tanzanite Blue. Standard 19-inch gray aluminum-alloy wheels were paired with all-season run-flat tires, and an optional aerodynamically optimized 19-inch wheel was available for xDrive30i models. The M Sport Package added sporty elements like larger front air intakes, a sportier rear bumper, and M Sport brakes. The X3's interior was clean and efficient, with available wood trim, an anthracite headliner, and a variety of seating options. The standard infotainment system featured a 10.25-inch screen, with an optional 12.3-inch touchscreen available.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson offered two powertrain variants: a 2.5-litre direct-injected four-cylinder engine and a hybrid powertrain with a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine and an electric motor. The ICE engine delivered 187 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. While not particularly thrilling, it was competent and efficient, with a targeted fuel consumption of 8.2 L/100 km combined for FWD models. The hybrid powertrain was the standout, offering 226 total system horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, making it more powerful than competitors like the Ford Escape Hybrid and Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. The Tucson Hybrid was also more fuel-efficient, with a combined rating of 6.4 L/100 km. AWD was standard on the hybrid and available on ICE models, performing well in off-road testing. The upcoming Tucson PHEV promised even more power, with an estimated 261 horsepower and 224 pound-feet of torque.

The 2022 BMW X3 featured an eight-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters as standard. 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 base X3 offered a balanced performance, suitable for urban and mountain roads, though not particularly exciting. The X3 M40i variant added a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine with a mild-hybrid system, delivering 382 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. It achieved a 0-100 km/h time of 4.5 seconds, offering a more exhilarating driving experience. The M40i featured additional M elements like a flap-controlled sports exhaust system, sport brakes, and an adaptive suspension. The mild-hybrid system provided a smoother start/stop operation and an extra 11 horsepower during acceleration, though it didn't improve fuel efficiency.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson was a budget-friendly compact SUV with a well-appointed interior. It offered a six-way power-adjustable driver's seat as standard, with an eight-way version available on higher trims. Heated front seats were standard, with ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and memory for the driver's seat available. The Tucson's new platform provided more space for passengers and cargo, with rear seats offering 90 millimetres more legroom than the RAV4. The cabin comfortably accommodated a family of four, with more passenger volume than the CR-V, RAV4, and Escape. The 1,095-litre cargo space was comparable to competitors, with a 60-40 split-folding rear bench seat and a dual-level cargo floor.

The 2022 BMW X3 offered comfort and practicality, with seating for five and ample storage space. The rear seats featured a 40/20/40-split, providing enough cargo room for backpacks and equipment. A power tailgate was standard, with an optional hands-free opening available. The SensaTec faux-leather seats were comfortable, with the upgraded Vernasca leather adding softness. The X3's sport seats offered support, with an extendable bottom seat cushion for taller drivers. The redesigned centre console resembled newer BMW models, with a standard 10.25-inch infotainment system and an optional 12.3-inch touchscreen. The layout included push-button and rocker-style controls for climate and audio functions, with a matte finish for a smudge-free appearance.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson came equipped with a robust set of standard tech features, including an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, a six-speaker audio system, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, HD Radio, Bluetooth, and two USB ports. A 4.2-inch multi-information display was positioned in front of the driver. The Preferred trim added satellite radio, Blue Link mobile app compatibility, additional USB outlets, rear air conditioning vents, and dual-zone automatic climate control. Higher trims offered a fully digital instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen with navigation. The touchscreen was embedded within a larger head unit, with touchpoints for climate and media controls. While responsive, the touchpoints required more reliance on steering wheel controls and voice commands.

The 2022 BMW X3 featured BMW Live Cockpit Plus with iDrive 7 telematics as standard, including a 5.1-inch colour display instrument panel and a 10.25-inch infotainment screen. The system offered navigation, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, Bluetooth, satellite radio, and a range of connected digital features. An optional Live Cockpit Professional enlarged both screens to 12.3 inches, providing a fully digital experience. The X3's infotainment system was customizable, with redundancies allowing control via steering wheel-mounted controls, voice activation, or the iDrive controller. A 12-speaker 205-watt HiFi sound system was standard, with a Harman Kardon surround sound system available on M40i models. Additional tech options included comfort access keyless entry, a panoramic sunroof, and lumbar support.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson had not been tested by the IIHS or NHTSA. However, it offered a comprehensive suite of safety features through Hyundai SmartSense. Standard features included forward collision-avoidance assist, lane-keeping assist, automatic high beams, a driver attention monitor, and rear occupant alert. Additional safety options included blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, a surround-view camera system, and remote parking assist. Hyundai provided a 5-year/100,000-kilometre limited warranty for the Tucson.

The 2022 BMW X3 received a five-star crash safety rating from the NHTSA. While IIHS results were not yet available, the 2018 X3 was a Top Safety Pick+. The 2022 X3 added more safety features, including adaptive LED headlights, a rearview camera, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, active blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Additional features included park distance control, forward-collision warning, and active pre-collision protection systems. Optional safety features included parking assistance plus, traffic jam assistance, and active lane-keep assist.