2021 BMW X7 vs 2020 Ford Expedition

The 2020 Ford Expedition, last redesigned in 2018, was a full-size SUV with a clean, albeit somewhat uninspiring, design. Its styling was considered timeless, appealing to those planning to keep the vehicle for many years. The King Ranch edition stood out with its 22-inch aluminum wheels, mesh grille insert, LED headlights, and unique gray-painted lower exterior trim. The Star White metallic paint added to its appeal, though some design elements like the taillights and roof C-pillar were less favored. Inside, the King Ranch featured Del Rio leather in Mesa over Ebony, adorned with King Ranch logos, which sparked mixed reactions. Despite its luxurious cabin, the presence of hard plastic, especially in lower trims, was a drawback, making the Lincoln Navigator a more appealing option for those seeking a more refined interior.

The 2021 BMW X7 was a prominent figure on the roads of metropolitan Los Angeles, often compared to its competitors. It boasted superior interior quality compared to the Cadillac Escalade, more prestige than the Infiniti QX80 or Lincoln Navigator, and advanced technology over the Lexus LX 570. Its visual presence rivaled the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class. The X7 was available in three versions, with the xDrive40i starting at $74,900. The test vehicle, equipped with 22-inch wheels and premium features, had a sticker price of $91,745. The X7's massive grille was a defining feature, fitting for its size. Inside, it shared design elements with the X5, offering high-tech features and quality materials. The X7's styling and interior were designed to impress, positioning it as a top-tier SUV in BMW's lineup.

The 2020 Ford Expedition was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine, delivering 375 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 470 pound-feet of torque at 2,250 rpm. Despite lacking the traditional V8 rumble, the engine provided a pleasant exhaust note. A 10-speed automatic transmission managed power delivery, with optional four-wheel-drive available. The Expedition offered 9.8 inches of ground clearance, except for the MAX 4WD, which had 9.7 inches. Towing capacity was impressive, with the standard model capable of towing 9,300 pounds with rear-drive and 9,200 pounds with 4WD. The Expedition's driving experience was mostly positive, with the engine providing ample power and the 10-speed automatic ensuring smooth gear changes. The adaptive damping suspension on the King Ranch model improved ride quality, though the large wheels sometimes resulted in a busy ride. The independent rear suspension enhanced ride and handling, setting it apart from competitors. Fuel economy averaged 17.7 mpg, slightly below the EPA rating of 19 mpg.

The 2021 BMW X7 xDrive40i featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with 335 horsepower and 331 lb-ft of torque. It was paired with an eight-speed sport automatic transmission and BMW's xDrive AWD system. The eBoost mild-hybrid technology, with a 48-volt starter/generator and battery, aimed to improve fuel economy and responsiveness. However, EPA ratings showed a slight decrease in fuel efficiency compared to the previous year. The X7 accelerated to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds, offering ample power. Despite its size, the X7 handled well, though body motions were noticeable, especially in Sport mode. The Dynamic Handling Package, with features like Active Comfort Drive and Integral Active Steering, enhanced ride quality and maneuverability. The X7's weight was evident on highways, but it maintained speed and fluidity. The eight-speed transmission was praised for its performance, and the M Sport brakes provided reliable stopping power.

The 2020 Ford Expedition excelled in towing, cargo capacity, and passenger comfort. The King Ranch model featured power running boards for easy access, with comfortable heated and ventilated front seats. Interior storage was abundant, with dual glove compartments and a large center bin. The second-row captain's chairs offered first-class comfort, with easy access to the third-row bench. The third-row seat was notably comfortable for adults, thanks to the independent rear suspension. Cargo space was 19.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 57.5 cubic feet with the seats folded, and 104.6 cubic feet with the second row down. The Expedition MAX offered even more space.

The 2021 BMW X7's interior was luxurious, with features like heated and massaging front seats, extended Merino leather, and a five-zone climate control system. Front-seat comfort was outstanding, with heated seats, armrests, and steering wheel as standard. The second-row captain's chairs were also comfortable, though access could be challenging due to long rear doors. The third-row seat accommodated adults, with power seat adjustments for access. Cargo space was limited behind the third row but expanded to 48.6 cubic feet with the seats down, and 90.4 cubic feet with the second row folded.

The 2020 Ford Expedition featured an 8-inch touchscreen with Sync 3, which was user-friendly but occasionally slow. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, FordPass Connect with WiFi, navigation, and an optional Bang & Olufsen sound system. The rear-seat entertainment system and Pro Trailer Backup Assist were notable features, enhancing towing capabilities.

The 2021 BMW X7 boasted a 12.3-inch iDrive 7.0 infotainment system with navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. It included enhanced SiriusXM 360L, Connected Package Pro, wireless charging, and a natural voice-recognition system. Gesture control was available but inconsistent. The head-up display was difficult to see with polarized sunglasses. The iDrive system was intuitive, though finding features while driving could be distracting.

The 2020 Ford Expedition came with Ford Co-Pilot360, offering adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assistance. It received 5-star ratings from NHTSA, with a 4-star rollover resistance rating. IIHS had not tested it.

The 2021 BMW X7 included standard safety features, with optional Driving Assistance Professional and Parking Assistance Packages. These added features like evasive-steering assist, traffic-jam assist, and semi-automated parking. The ADAS was generally effective, though some issues were noted with lane-maintenance and lane-changing systems.