2021 BMW X7 vs 2020 Honda Passport

The 2020 Honda Passport was a testament to Honda's consistent design philosophy, offering a familiar yet appealing aesthetic that resonated with loyal Honda customers. Its exterior design was a blend of ruggedness and athleticism, positioned between the Honda Pilot and CR-V in terms of size and capability. The Passport's Elite trim came fully equipped with features like a scratch-resistant matte black grille, 20-inch black alloy wheels, and black-rimmed LED headlights, enhancing its robust appearance. The interior was sophisticated, with a focus on utility, featuring a mix of durable and soft materials. The spacious cabin, perforated heated and ventilated front seats, and a leather-trimmed heated steering wheel added to the comfort and appeal of the Passport.

In contrast, the 2021 BMW X7 exuded luxury and sophistication, standing out with its superior interior quality and technological sophistication. The X7's design was bold, with a massive grille that suited its large SUV stature. Inside, the X7 shared similarities with the X5 but offered a more luxurious experience with high-quality materials and advanced technology. The X7's interior was designed for comfort, with features like heated and ventilated seats, a leather-wrapped dashboard, and a suede headliner. The vehicle's visual presence and prestige were unmatched, making it a top choice for those seeking a luxurious and technologically advanced SUV.

The 2020 Honda Passport was powered by a reliable 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, provided sufficient power for various driving situations. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, with FWD models achieving 20 mpg city and 25 mpg highway, while AWD models managed 19 mpg city and 24 mpg highway. The Passport excelled in off-road conditions, thanks to its torque-vectoring AWD system and drive modes like Snow, Sand, and Mud. It could tow up to 5,000 pounds, outperforming rivals like the Nissan Murano and Chevrolet Blazer.

The 2021 BMW X7 featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with 335 horsepower and 331 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed sport automatic transmission. BMW's eBoost mild-hybrid technology enhanced performance and fuel efficiency, although the X7's EPA ratings were slightly lower than the previous year, at 19 mpg city and 24 mpg highway. The X7 accelerated to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds, offering a smooth and powerful driving experience. Despite its size, the X7 handled well, thanks to features like the Dynamic Handling Package and Integral Active Steering, although it struggled with excessive body motions on winding roads.

The 2020 Honda Passport was a practical choice, offering ample space and comfort for passengers. Its size allowed for good visibility and spacious seating for four adults, with no third-row option. The Passport excelled in cargo space, with 41.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and the most under-floor storage in its class. The interior featured cloth upholstery, with perforated leather available, and amenities like tri-zone automatic climate control and second-row sunshades.

The 2021 BMW X7 offered a luxurious and comfortable interior, with features like heated and massaging front seats, five-zone climate control, and premium Merino leather upholstery. The X7's third-row seating was surprisingly spacious, accommodating adults comfortably. Cargo space was limited with the third row in use but expanded to 48.6 cubic feet with the seats folded down, and 90.4 cubic feet with the second row down. The X7's interior was designed for comfort and convenience, with power-adjustable seats and a power clamshell tailgate.

The 2020 Honda Passport featured a practical infotainment system, with the EX-L, Touring, and Elite trims offering an 8.0-inch Display Audio touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The system was user-friendly, with a manual power button and volume knob. Higher trims added features like a 10-speaker audio system, satellite radio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot.

The 2021 BMW X7 boasted advanced technology, with a 12.3-inch iDrive 7.0 infotainment system and Live Cockpit Professional digital instrumentation. The system included Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM 360L, and Connected Package Pro with real-time traffic and parking information. The X7 also featured wireless smartphone charging, natural voice recognition, and gesture control, although the latter was inconsistent. A head-up display was available, though difficult to see with polarized sunglasses.

The 2020 Honda Passport prioritized safety, earning good scores from the IIHS and NHTSA, and was named an IIHS Top Safety Pick. It came standard with the Honda Sensing suite, including collision mitigation, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims offered additional features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic detection.

The 2021 BMW X7 included standard safety technologies, with optional packages adding features like evasive-steering assist and traffic-jam assist. The Driving Assistance Professional Package enhanced the X7's ADAS, providing smooth and accurate assistance in various driving conditions. The Parking Assistance Package added semi-automated parking and a surround-view camera.