2022 BMW X3 vs 2022 Land Rover Defender

The 2022 Land Rover Defender retained its iconic design, reminiscent of its predecessors with a boxy profile, tailgate-mounted spare wheel, and flat hood. This classic styling was complemented by modern touches such as rounded corners for improved aerodynamics and recessed LED headlights that gave the Defender a unique personality. The vehicle's larger size compared to the original model resulted in increased interior space and improved ergonomics, offering more headroom and legroom. The interior design emphasized the Defender's rugged character, featuring a mix of leather and suede upholstery, exposed metal, and screws, which added to its off-road appeal without compromising on luxury.

In contrast, the 2022 BMW X3 showcased a slightly revised exterior design, presenting a more aggressive stance with a larger kidney grille and adaptive full LED headlights. The rear featured new taillights with a black surround and pincer claw-shaped brake light LEDs, adding a modern touch. The X3 offered a variety of exterior options, including an M Sport Package for enhanced performance aesthetics. Inside, the X3 boasted a clean and efficient design with a well-appointed interior, featuring a variety of inserts, adjustable seats, and a standard panoramic moonroof on the M40i model. The interior colour choices and ambient lighting options provided a customizable and comfortable environment for occupants.

The 2022 Land Rover Defender offered a range of powertrains, starting with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 296 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. A mid-level 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six mild-hybrid powertrain delivered 395 hp and 406 lb-ft. The highlight was the new V8 engine, generating 518 hp and 461 lb-ft of torque, propelling the Defender 90 from zero to 100 km/h in 5.2 seconds. All models featured a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive with a two-speed transfer case. The Defender excelled in off-road capabilities, with features like a 4WD system with low range, good approach, departure, and breakover angles, and a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 kilograms.

The 2022 BMW X3 xDrive30i was powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 248 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, achieving zero-to-100 km/h in 6.3 seconds. The M40i variant featured a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine with a mild-hybrid system, delivering 382 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, with a zero-to-100 km/h time of 4.5 seconds. Both models came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The M40i offered enhanced performance with features like a flap-controlled sports exhaust system, sport brakes, and an adaptive suspension. The mild-hybrid system provided additional power but did not significantly improve fuel efficiency.

The 2022 Land Rover Defender offered versatile interior configurations, with the two-door Defender 90 featuring 40/20/40 split-folding rear seats. While accessing the rear seats was challenging, they provided decent comfort and could be folded for more cargo space. The four-door Defender 110 offered two-row, five-seat, and three-row, seven-seat configurations, with cargo space ranging from 160 litres to 1,875 litres, depending on the seat arrangement. The interior design emphasized functionality, with a large caged storage space, a spacious centre-console storage bin, and optional roof racks and cargo boxes for additional storage.

The 2022 BMW X3 provided ample space for five passengers, with a 40/20/40-split rear seat configuration. The cargo area was spacious enough to accommodate backpacks and additional luggage, with a power tailgate and optional hands-free opening for convenience. The interior featured comfortable SensaTec faux-leather seats, with the option to upgrade to Vernasca leather for added softness. The redesigned centre console and larger infotainment system improved accessibility and usability, while the sport seats offered support and adjustability for a comfortable driving experience.

The 2022 Land Rover Defender came equipped with the Pivi Pro infotainment system, featuring a 10-inch central touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster was standard on all trims except the base model, with an optional 11.4-inch touchscreen available. The system offered intuitive graphics and menu layouts, although the touchscreen required a firm touch to respond. Standard features included a surround-view camera system, with optional upgrades like a 14-speaker Meridian audio system and head-up display.

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. Standard features included navigation, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, Bluetooth, satellite radio, and various connected digital features. An optional Live Cockpit Professional offered larger 12.3-inch screens and cloud-based navigation. The standard 12-speaker HiFi sound system could be upgraded to a Harman Kardon surround sound system on M40i models. Additional tech options included comfort access keyless entry, a panoramic sunroof, and a head-up display.

The 2022 Land Rover Defender offered standard driver-assist features such as lane-keep assist, automatic emergency braking, traffic-sign recognition, and blind-spot monitoring. Adaptive cruise control was optional. Safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available for the Defender, which is common for luxury vehicles.

The 2022 BMW X3 received a five-star crash safety rating from the NHTSA. While IIHS ratings for the 2022 model were not available, the 2018 X3 was named a Top Safety Pick+. The X3 included standard safety features like adaptive LED headlights, a rearview camera, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and active blind-spot monitoring. Optional features included parking assistance, traffic jam assistance, and active lane-keep assist.