2021 BMW X7 vs 2020 Subaru Outback

The 2020 Subaru Outback was a testament to the brand's commitment to enhancing an already successful formula. With its sixth-generation model, Subaru focused on incremental improvements, maintaining the Outback's reputation for utility, safety, and performance. The vehicle was built on Subaru's Global Platform, boasting a 70% increase in structural rigidity. While the exterior changes were subtle, the interior saw significant upgrades, including an 11.6-inch touchscreen for most trims and the innovative DriverFocus technology, which used facial recognition to adjust settings and monitor driver alertness. The Outback was available in seven trim levels, starting with the 2.5i at an MSRP of $26,645, offering features like LED headlights, keyless entry, and automatic climate control. Higher trims introduced more luxurious features, such as leather upholstery, a Harman Kardon stereo, and a turbocharged engine option for those seeking more power.

The 2021 BMW X7 was a standout in the luxury SUV segment, offering superior interior quality compared to competitors like the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator. The X7's design was both traditional and glamorous, with its massive kidney grille fitting the large SUV's stature. Inside, the X7 was a haven of comfort and technology, featuring premium Merino leather upholstery, heated and ventilated seats, and a five-zone climate control system. The X7 xDrive40i, starting at an MSRP of $74,900, came with a host of standard features, including Live Cockpit Professional digital instrumentation, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and a head-up display. The optional Driving Assistance Professional Package and Parking Assistance Package further enhanced the vehicle's safety and convenience features, making the X7 a top choice for those seeking a luxurious and technologically advanced SUV.

The 2020 Subaru Outback offered two engine options: a 2.5-liter engine with 182 horsepower and a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine producing 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. The base engine provided a modest 7-hp increase over the 2019 model and achieved 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. Both engines were paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which Subaru tuned to mimic a traditional automatic transmission, minimizing the typical droning and rubberbanding effects. The Outback's symmetrical all-wheel-drive system was active at all times, ensuring consistent power delivery and reducing the risk of wheel slip. With 8.7 inches of ground clearance and upgraded X-Mode on the Onyx XT trim, the Outback was capable of handling various terrains, although it wasn't designed for extreme off-roading.

The 2021 BMW X7 xDrive40i was powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine, delivering 335 horsepower and 331 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed sport automatic transmission and BMW's xDrive all-wheel-drive system, provided a smooth and powerful driving experience. The X7 also featured BMW's eBoost mild-hybrid technology, which included a 48-volt starter/generator and a second battery to improve fuel economy and responsiveness. Despite the addition of this technology, the 2021 X7 xDrive40i's fuel economy ratings were slightly lower than the previous year's model, with 19 mpg in the city, 24 mpg on the highway, and 21 mpg combined. The X7 xDrive40i could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds, offering ample power for highway driving. The optional Dynamic Handling Package further enhanced the driving experience with features like M Sport brakes and Integral Active Steering, providing improved maneuverability and stability.

The 2020 Subaru Outback was a testament to the functional benefits of the station wagon design, offering 32.5 cubic feet of trunk space, which expanded to 75.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. This increase in cargo volume was partly due to Subaru's updated measurement method for 2020. The interior was spacious enough to accommodate taller passengers comfortably, with ample headroom and legroom. Visibility was a strong point for the Outback, with excellent sightlines in nearly every direction, although the rear quarters presented a minor blind spot. The design of the Outback prioritized practicality and safety, making it a popular choice for families and outdoor enthusiasts.

The 2021 BMW X7 was a luxurious and spacious SUV, offering a decadent interior with features like heated rear seats, five-zone climate control, and premium Merino leather upholstery. Front-seat comfort was outstanding, with ventilated and massaging front multi-contour seats. The X7's rear doors were long, which could make entry and exit challenging in tight parking spaces, but once inside, passengers enjoyed exceptional comfort. The third-row seat was surprisingly accommodating for adults, with a five-zone climate control system ensuring comfort for all occupants. The power clamshell tailgate revealed a small cargo space behind the third row, which expanded to 48.6 cubic feet with the seats folded down, and a maximum of 90.4 cubic feet with the second row folded.

The 2020 Subaru Outback featured an 11.6-inch touchscreen that was visually appealing and easy to navigate. However, the system suffered from lag, affecting the user experience when interacting with the navigation app, radio, and other functions. The camera resolution was also considered subpar, especially given the large screen size. Despite these drawbacks, the Outback's technology had potential, with features like Android Auto and Apple CarPlay available through the StarLink infotainment system.

The 2021 BMW X7 was equipped with the Live Cockpit Professional digital instrumentation and the iDrive 7.0 system, which included Android Auto and Apple CarPlay technology. The system also featured enhanced SiriusXM 360L, Connected Package Pro with real-time traffic and parking information, and BMW Remote Services with WiFi hotspot access. The iDrive 7.0 system was user-friendly, offering a better experience than previous iterations. The X7 also included a head-up display, although it was difficult to see with polarized sunglasses. Overall, the X7's technology package was comprehensive and impressive, providing a seamless user experience.

The 2020 Subaru Outback offered a strong standard safety suite, including features like adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep alert and assist. However, the DriverFocus system, which was designed to monitor driver alertness, was found to be unreliable, often giving false alerts. The Outback's symmetrical all-wheel-drive system was a standout feature, providing consistent power delivery and reducing the risk of wheel slip. Despite some issues with the DriverFocus system, the Outback maintained Subaru's reputation for safety.

The 2021 BMW X7 came equipped with a comprehensive suite of standard safety technologies, with additional features available in the optional Driving Assistance Professional Package and Parking Assistance Package. The Driving Assistance Professional Package included features like evasive-steering assist, traffic-jam assist, lane-control assist, and emergency stop assist. The X7's driving assistance technology was praised for its accuracy, smoothness, and reliability, reducing stress in various driving conditions. The Parking Assistance Package added semi-automated parallel parking assist, a surround-view camera, and a drive recorder system, further enhancing the X7's safety and convenience features.