BMW X3

The BMW X3 is a small luxury SUV. It offers more room than BMW's extra-small SUV, the X1, without being as large as its midsize X5. The X3's mix of practicality, fuel efficiency and performance has made it a class favorite since its introduction in 2003. For 2022, the X3 gets a light styling refresh featuring slimmer headlights, a larger grille and a revised front bumper. The rear of the X3 also gets a new look via restyled taillights.

BMW has also fiddled with the X3's engines. It has discontinued the plug-in hybrid model, the xDrive30e, so all that's left is the four-cylinder in the sDrive30i and xDrive40i and the six-cylinder in the M40i. The M40i's engine now comes with a 48-volt mild hybrid system. This system features an upgraded starter-generator and an additional battery to assist with engine acceleration, making the stop-start system run smoother and allowing for more efficient engine operation in heavy traffic.

Serious competition can be found in everything from the Mercedes-Benz GLC to the Volvo XC60 to the stirring Alfa Romeo Stelvio. Read our test team's Expert Rating on the 2022 X3 to learn more about its strengths and weaknesses.