2021 BMW X3 vs 2020 Acura MDX

The 2020 Acura MDX was a good-looking crossover SUV that, while not groundbreaking or attention-grabbing, fit in seamlessly with its surroundings. It didn’t draw admiring glances or special treatment from valets, yet it didn't embarrass its driver either—it simply blended in. Acura's Jewel Eye LED headlights were a standout feature, both functionally and aesthetically. These headlights integrated five LED elements per side, arranged horizontally in a housing with turn signals and running lamps, and flanked a trapezoidal grille sporting a prominent Acura logo. The MDX's exterior design was sleek and low-slung, with meticulously painted surfaces and chrome finishes, epitomizing Acura's strength in building quality vehicles.

Inside, the 2020 MDX featured a modern and straightforward design. Acura resisted the common luxury interior trend of excessive padding and stitching. The center stack was especially notable, incorporating twin infotainment screens: an 8.0-inch LED screen for navigation and an On Demand Multi-Use Display (ODMD) touchscreen below. The high-quality materials and superior fit and finish gave the interior a sturdy, well-crafted feel, with knobs and switches that clicked with authority and rewardingly tactile materials.

Conversely, the 2021 BMW X3, launched in its third generation in 2018, received updates in 2020, including a plug-in hybrid model and M performance variants. This redesign refined the X3’s original formula, elevating it to offer the same luxury refinement found in larger BMW models. Visually, the X3 resembled a downsized BMW X5, exuding a similar grandeur.

Inside, the X3 featured BMW's signature mechanical and straightforward styling, which, while functional, wasn’t as visually pleasing as the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class. However, its dash was undeniably practical. The 2021 X3 came in several trims, each boasting distinct features. The sDrive30i and xDrive30i models came standard with 18-inch alloy wheels, synthetic leather upholstery, tri-zone climate control, and a 10.2-inch infotainment system with navigation. Buyers could further equip the X3 with genuine leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, a hands-free power liftgate, and additional luxury features. Higher trims like the M40i featured 19-inch alloy wheels, 14-way power-adjustable front seats, unique exterior styling, and an improved suspension system.

The 2020 Acura MDX offered two powertrain choices. The first was a naturally-aspirated 3.5-liter V6 engine that produced 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and available in either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Alternatively, the MDX Sport Hybrid combined a 3.0-liter V6 gasoline engine with three electric motors, yielding a total system power of 321 hp and 289 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain used a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT) and an all-wheel-drive system.

In driving tests, the gasoline-only MDX with Acura's Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system showcased impressive straight-line performance and nimble handling, particularly with the torque-vectoring technology that distributed power to the outside wheel during cornering. This gave the MDX a sharp and agile feel in corners without understeering or tire slip. The MDX's four-wheel independent suspension absorbed road imperfections magnificently, enhancing its comfort on long journeys.

The 2021 BMW X3 featured a variety of powertrains. The sDrive30i and xDrive30i trims used a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 248 hp, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The sDrive30i was rear-wheel drive, while the xDrive30i had all-wheel drive, both providing solid acceleration for urban commuting and highway driving.

The xDrive30e plug-in hybrid combined a gasoline engine with electric motor assistance to produce 288 hp, offering brisk acceleration and a 17-mile electric-only range. It could recharge in 3.5 hours using a 240-volt charger or almost 12 hours with a 120-volt outlet. For higher performance, the M40i’s twin-turbo inline-six delivered a robust 382 hp, enhancing acceleration and cornering capabilities, while the X3 M performance model churned out a thrilling 473 hp, catering to those seeking adrenaline-pumping drives alongside practical SUV utility.

The 2020 Acura MDX excelled as a family-friendly SUV, offering three rows of seats backed by thoughtful functionality. Its second-row seats could slide and recline, facilitating easier access to the third row and flexible legroom sharing. The interior dimensions boasted good headroom across all rows. Cargo capacity was ample, with 15.8 cubic feet of luggage space behind the third row, expandable to 43.4 cubic feet with the third row folded flat, and a maximum of 90.9 cubic feet with the second row also folded down. There were additional storage solutions like a glove box, overhead sunglass pocket, flexible center console, and door panel pockets, while second-row passengers had access to cupholders and seat back pouches, and third-row passengers had storage bins and cupholders.

Similarly, the 2021 BMW X3 impressed with its cargo space and passenger accommodations. With the rear seats up, it offered a generous 28.7 cubic feet of cargo space, extending to 62.7 cubic feet with the seats folded flat, placing it among the most spacious in its segment. A standard power liftgate and optional hands-free power liftgate added convenience. The X3's front row provided abundant headroom and legroom, coupled with a commanding driving position. Rear seats were equally accommodating, ensuring comfortable seating for adults even on longer trips. Complementing the central touchscreen, physical buttons and dials were available for common functions, aiding ease of use when the driver needed quick adjustments.

The 2020 Acura MDX simplified its trim choices into packages filled with tech features. Standard tech on the base MDX included Siri Eyes Free, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, hands-free Bluetooth, SMS/MMS text message and email capability, a CD/MP3 and WMA-compatible disc player, five USB ports, SiriusXM satellite radio, and an eight-speaker audio system.

The Technology Package added $5,000 to the base price, featuring rain-sensing windshield wipers, LED puddle lights, parking sensors, navigation with Acura Real-Time Traffic and Traffic Rerouting, GPS-linked climate control, remote engine start, and a premium Acura/ELS Studio Audio system with 10 speakers. The additional $6,750 Advance Package included these features along with an Active Damper System suspension, LED fog lights, heated and ventilated front seats, a surround-view camera system, and more. An optional $2,000 Entertainment Package added a rear entertainment system with a 110-volt power outlet, wireless headphones, and various screen options based on the chosen package level.

The 2021 BMW X3 came standard with a 10.2-inch touchscreen running the iDrive infotainment system, which was praised for its ease of use. The dual-interface capability, utilizing both touchscreen and iDrive dial, catered to different user preferences. Standard features included Apple CarPlay (with Android Auto as an optional addition), communication systems, and various audio options.

Optional tech enhancements included wireless device charging, a fully digital instrument panel, and a 16-speaker Harman Kardon premium stereo system. BMW also offered gesture control for basic functions, though this system sometimes reacted to non-intended movements like animated gesticulating while conversing.

The 2020 Acura MDX came loaded with an impressive suite of standard safety features under the AcuraWatch umbrella. This included adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. Moreover, the Technology Package added blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, while the Advance Package included a Head-Up Warning display. All MDX models came with a comprehensive set of airbags, a rearview camera (upgraded to surround-view in the Advance Package), stability control, Trailer Stability Assist on AWD models, and the ACE Body Structure designed to absorb crash impact.

Safety ratings were high, with the MDX earning top scores from the IIHS in crash-test categories, though headlights were rated “acceptable.” It also received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2021 BMW X3 also came well-equipped with standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors. Optional safety equipment included adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, adaptive headlights, and a head-up display.