2021 BMW X7 vs 2020 Honda Pilot

The 2020 Honda Pilot exhibited a dynamic styling consistent with the Honda lineup, featuring thin LED headlights and a multi-tiered grille. Its design cleverly masked its size, giving it a more streamlined appearance. Inside, the Pilot offered a modern cabin with a semi-digital instrument panel, combining analog gauges for fuel and engine temperature with a digital screen for other information. The cabin was comfortable and spacious, though it used hard plastics in many areas, which detracted from its refinement compared to rivals like the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade. The Pilot's trim levels ranged from the basic LX to the luxurious Black Edition, each adding more features and comfort, such as leather upholstery, power liftgate, and panoramic sunroof in higher trims.

In contrast, the 2021 BMW X7 was a symbol of luxury and sophistication, boasting greater interior quality than many of its competitors. It offered a prestigious presence and technological sophistication, with three versions available, starting from the xDrive40i to the high-end Alpina BX7. The test vehicle featured premium extended leather, a leather-wrapped dashboard, and a suede headliner, among other luxurious touches. The X7's styling was bold, with a massive grille that suited its large SUV frame. Inside, it shared high-tech design and quality materials with the X5, providing a comfortable and intuitive driving experience, though some controls required acclimation.

The 2020 Honda Pilot was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. It offered both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive options, with a 6-speed automatic transmission for lower trims and a 9-speed automatic for higher trims like the Touring and Elite. The 9-speed transmission provided smoother acceleration and better fuel economy. Despite its unconventional shifter button setup, the Pilot's V6 engine offered strong acceleration for everyday driving, though it lacked athleticism. The Intelligent Traction Management System allowed drivers to select from Normal, Snow, Mud, and Sand modes, enhancing its capability in various conditions.

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 X7 incorporated eBoost mild-hybrid technology, which improved responsiveness and fuel efficiency, though official EPA ratings showed a slight decrease in fuel economy compared to the previous year. The X7 accelerated to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds, offering ample power. Despite its size, the X7 provided a smooth and serene ride, with features like Active Comfort Drive and Integral Active Steering enhancing its handling and comfort.

The 2020 Honda Pilot offered a spacious cabin with seating for up to eight passengers, or seven with second-row captain’s chairs in higher trims. Its third row was adult-friendly, and the EX trims and above featured one-touch fold-down rear seats for easy access. With the rear seats folded, the Pilot provided 83.9 cubic feet of cargo space, competitive with its rivals. The SUV was designed for family hauling, with plenty of storage spaces and a conversation mirror to keep an eye on rear passengers.

The 2021 BMW X7 was equipped with luxurious features like heated and ventilated seats, premium leather upholstery, and a five-zone climate control system. The second-row captain's chairs were exceptionally comfortable, though the long rear doors could make entry and exit challenging in tight spaces. The third row was surprisingly accommodating for adults, though accessing it required some seat adjustments. The X7 offered 48.6 cubic feet of cargo space with the third row folded, expanding to 90.4 cubic feet with the second row down, though it fell short of class leaders in cargo capacity.

The 2020 Honda Pilot's base LX trim featured a 5-inch color LCD screen with a 215-watt stereo, while higher trims included an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The infotainment system, however, was criticized for its confusing layout and lack of a tuning knob. Higher trims offered additional features like navigation, a rear-seat entertainment system, and a premium audio system. The Elite and Black Edition included a wireless charging pad.

The 2021 BMW X7 came with Live Cockpit Professional digital instrumentation and an iDrive 7.0 infotainment system, both using 12.3-inch displays. The system included Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, enhanced SiriusXM, and Connected Package Pro with real-time traffic and parking information. It also featured wireless charging, voice recognition, and gesture control, though the latter was inconsistent. The iDrive system was user-friendly for those familiar with modern technology, though it could be distracting while driving.

The 2020 Honda Pilot came standard with the HondaSensing suite, including forward-collision avoidance, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. It earned a five-star overall crash test rating from the NHTSA and a Good rating from the IIHS, with a Superior score in crash prevention technology.

The 2021 BMW X7 included standard safety technologies, with additional features available in the Driving Assistance Professional Package and Parking Assistance Package. These packages added advanced driving assistance systems like evasive-steering assist and semi-automated parking. The X7's safety technology was praised for its accuracy and smooth operation, though some specific situations revealed minor issues with lane-maintenance and automated lane-changing capabilities.