2021 BMW X7 vs 2020 Toyota 4Runner

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner was characterized by its tall slab sides, high beltline, and short overhangs, contributing to its timeless design. Its utilitarian attitude was reminiscent of the XJ Jeep Cherokee, with flared wheel wells designed to accommodate off-road tires and short overhangs for tackling steep terrains. The hood scoop, a visual cue for the TRD trim, was one of the few non-functional elements. The 4Runner's trim lineup included SR5, SR5 Premium, TRD Off-Road, TRD Off-Road Premium, TRD Pro, and Limited, with the Nightshade and Venture Special Editions adding a stealth aesthetic. Our test model, a Limited trim, aimed at comfort with leather upholstery and an 8-inch touchscreen, but its utilitarian DNA was evident with abundant plastic and a seating position more suited for trails than highways.

In contrast, the 2021 BMW X7 exuded luxury and sophistication, with greater interior quality than a Cadillac Escalade and more prestige than an Infiniti QX80 or Lincoln Navigator. The X7's styling was appealing, with traditional BMW cues and a massive grille that suited its large SUV stature. Inside, the X7 shared high-tech design and high-quality materials with the X5, offering a luxurious experience. The test vehicle, an X7 xDrive40i, featured premium extended leather, a leather-wrapped dashboard, and an Alcantara suede headliner, making it a top contender in its class. Despite its size, the X7 maintained a sense of dynamism, though its weight was noticeable on tighter roads.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner was powered by a 4-liter V6 engine producing 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission. This setup allowed for a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds, but the engine was not designed for fuel efficiency, with an EPA estimate of 16 mpg city, 19 highway, and 17 combined. The 4Runner excelled off-road, with its body-on-frame construction and advanced traction systems like Toyota's CRAWL control and Multi-Terrain Select. The full-time 4WD system on the Limited trim was better suited for maintaining forward progress, while the part-time system in TRD models handled more challenging terrains.

The 2021 BMW X7 xDrive40i 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 and BMW's xDrive AWD system. The eBoost mild-hybrid technology aimed to improve fuel economy, though the EPA ratings dropped to 19 mpg city, 24 highway, and 21 combined. The X7 accelerated to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds, offering smooth and serene driving. The Dynamic Handling Package enhanced the driving experience with features like Active Comfort Drive and Integral Active Steering, though the self-leveling air suspension struggled with excessive body motions.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner offered excellent outward visibility and a relatively tidy turning radius of 18 feet, 7 inches. Inside, the dashboard featured large, chunky knobs for HVAC and stereo controls, with an 8-inch touchscreen. The tall seating position provided a commanding view, though power-retractable running boards were necessary for easier access. The optional third row was best for short and occasional use, with narrow and thin jump seats lacking legroom and comfort.

The 2021 BMW X7's interior was decadent, with heated and ventilated seats, massaging front seats, and premium Merino leather upholstery. The second-row captain's chairs were exceptionally comfortable, though the long rear doors could pose challenges in tight parking spaces. The third row accommodated adults comfortably, with a five-zone climate control system ensuring individual comfort. The power clamshell tailgate revealed a small cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 48.6 cubic feet with the seats down, and 90.4 cubic feet with the second row folded.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. While Toyota's proprietary system was not difficult to understand, the onboard navigation system was less efficient than smartphone apps. The 4Runner also offered Amazon Alexa compatibility, Bluetooth connectivity, and various subscription services. However, it lagged behind competitors in total features and usability, with the most advanced features hidden in the powertrain.

The 2021 BMW X7 boasted a Live Cockpit Professional digital instrumentation paired with an iDrive 7.0 infotainment system, both using a 12.3-inch display. The system included Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, enhanced SiriusXM 360L, and Connected Package Pro with real-time traffic and parking information. Wireless smartphone charging, natural voice recognition, and gesture control were also available, though the latter was inconsistent. The head-up display was difficult to see with polarized sunglasses, but the overall technology offered a better user experience than previous iterations.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P), including adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, and automatic high beams. It also featured eight standard airbags. The NHTSA awarded it four out of five stars overall, with three stars in the rollover test. The IIHS gave it a Good rating in most crash tests, except for a Marginal score in the small overlap front: driver-side test.

The 2021 BMW X7 included standard safety technologies, with additional features available in the Driving Assistance Professional Package and Parking Assistance Package. The Driving Assistance Professional Package added evasive-steering assist, traffic-jam assist, lane-control assist, and emergency stop assist. The X7's ADAS was accurate and smooth, though it occasionally struggled with lane maintenance and automated lane-changing. The Parking Assistance Package offered semi-automated parallel parking assist, a surround-view camera, and a drive recorder system.