The 2020 BMW X3 M comes with all wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 8-speed shiftable automatic.Turbocharged six-cylinder engine produces 473 horsepower or 503 in Competition model.All-wheel-drive system sourced from the BMW M5.Updated suspension components and chassis reinforcement.
Pros Accelerates faster than many sports cars Grip and handling are excellent Still as practical as a standard X3
Cons Excessively stiff ride, even in the softest setting Exhaust can drone at highway speeds
BMW's heroic performance SUV lineup now has a compact offering in the form of the X3 M and the X3 M Competition. Honestly, we're surprised it took this long for the masters at the M performance division to swap out the X3's already sporty suspension with even sportier gear and drop in a more powerful engine.
BMW's X3 M Competition promises to blend urban family friendliness with spirited road and track performance. But we threw that out the window and instead went rallying in the Outback.
Pros Impressive surrogate rally car chops Great chassis on clay Proper M-spec running gear Bloody quick on dirt
Cons Cleaning out the bulldust afterwards
The 2017 Toyota Highlander ranks 3 out of 18 Midsize SUVs. With an unmatched list of standard advanced driver assistance features, the 2017 Toyota Highlander is one of the best values in the midsize SUV class. Its interior is high-end and comfortable, and there’s plenty of cargo space.
Pros Lots of standard active safety features Above-average fuel economy Comfortable and quiet on the highway
Cons Dull performance and handling Cramped third-row seat
The Toyota Highlander gets a stronger, more responsive powertrain for 2017, but the main strengths are the ride quality, the cabin refinement, and the space for eight. A somewhat more aggressive look, more power, an improved set of safety features, and a new sportier SE model highlight the changes Toyota is ushering in for its spacious crossover utility vehicle, the 2017 Highlander. The SE joins LE, LE Plus, XLE, Limited, and Limited Platinum models. The Highlander Hybrid is now also available in LE and XLE trims, in addition to the carry-over Limited and Limited Platinum.
Pros Wide range of powertrains Flexible second row Easy third-row access Good connectivity Cabin quality
Cons Design is soemwhat bland Base engine is under powered Somewhat busy dash design Hybrid only delivers if you drive gingerly
For 2017, the Highlander receives a number of significant midcycle changes. The styling has been updated, highlighted by a larger, more pronounced grille and redesigned LED taillights. The V6 engine is new, boasting more power and better fuel economy along with an eight-speed transmission and an automatic stop-start system. New feature content includes the Toyota Safety Sense technology suite, which comes standard on every trim level. There's also a new SE trim level that features uniquely sporty styling elements and a retuned suspension for sharper handling.
Pros Just-right exterior and interior size for many families Standard high-tech safety features Strong V6 engine with improved fuel economy Quiet and compliant ride
Cons Third-row seat isn't as roomy as those of many competitors Touchscreen and other controls may require an extra-long reach Undesirable base four-cylinder engine
