2021 BMW X7 vs 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser was a masterclass in understated elegance. Its design choices, such as the dished hood, were not just for aesthetics but served practical purposes like improving forward sight lines. The subtle bulging of the fenders provided both a visual cue of the vehicle's width and space for wheel travel. The Heritage Edition added a touch of retro flair with blackened trim and bronze BBS wheels, enhancing its rugged yet refined appearance. Inside, the Land Cruiser offered a near-luxury experience with black perforated leather seating and a functional, albeit slightly plain, dashboard. The 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, surrounded by a plethora of buttons and knobs, was a nod to its utilitarian roots, while the analog gauges added a classic touch.

In contrast, the 2021 BMW X7 exuded a sense of opulence and modernity. It boasted superior interior quality compared to its competitors, with premium materials and advanced technology. The X7's massive grille was a bold statement, fitting for its size and status. Inside, the X7 shared design elements with the X5, offering high-tech features and high-quality materials. The cabin was a blend of luxury and functionality, with intuitive controls and a few quirks that required getting used to. The X7's styling was both traditional and glamorous, securing its place at the top of BMW's SUV lineup.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser was powered by a robust 5.7-liter V8 engine, delivering 381 horsepower and 401 lb-ft of torque. This naturally aspirated engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4WD, made the Land Cruiser a formidable force on and off the road. Its off-road capabilities were enhanced by a Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System and a Multi-Terrain Select control knob, allowing drivers to adapt to various terrains. With an approach angle of 32 degrees and a fording depth of 27.55 inches, the Land Cruiser was built for adventure. Despite its size, the vehicle offered a serene driving experience, with controlled body roll and excellent visibility.

The 2021 BMW X7 xDrive40i featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine, producing 335 horsepower and 331 lb-ft of torque. The engine was complemented by BMW's eBoost mild-hybrid technology, which aimed to improve fuel efficiency and responsiveness. Despite a slight drop in EPA ratings, the X7 delivered impressive performance, accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds. The Dynamic Handling Package, with features like Active Comfort Drive and Integral Active Steering, enhanced the driving experience, though the X7's weight was noticeable on winding roads. The eight-speed sport automatic transmission was a standout, providing seamless shifts and contributing to the X7's smooth and serene ride.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser was designed for both urban and off-road environments. It featured standard skid plates, tow hooks, and mudguards, making it ready for rugged adventures. The three-row configuration offered flexibility, with heated second-row seats and a split-folding third row. The Land Cruiser's interior was equipped with four-zone climate control and numerous cup holders, catering to family needs. Its split tailgate design was both practical and charming, ideal for picnics and easy loading.

The 2021 BMW X7 offered a luxurious interior with features like heated and ventilated seats, a five-zone climate control system, and premium Merino leather upholstery. The second-row captain's chairs provided exceptional comfort, while the third row was surprisingly accommodating for adults. The power clamshell tailgate revealed a modest cargo space, expandable to 90.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Despite its opulence, the X7's long rear doors could pose challenges in tight parking spaces.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser, though based on an older platform, was equipped with modern technology like a Qi-compatible charging station and a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The system included Toyota Premium Audio with Integrated Navigation, but lacked Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Enhanced Multi-Terrain Monitor camera was a valuable feature for off-road and urban navigation.

The 2021 BMW X7 featured the advanced iDrive 7.0 infotainment system with a 12.3-inch touchscreen. It supported both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with enhanced SiriusXM 360L and Connected Package Pro. The system included wireless charging, natural voice recognition, and gesture control, though the latter could be inconsistent. The head-up display was a useful addition, though visibility was limited with polarized sunglasses.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense P, offering features like a pre-collision system, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. It also included the Star Safety System and 10 airbags, providing comprehensive protection. However, it lacked crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS.

The 2021 BMW X7 came standard with a suite of safety technologies, with additional features available in the Driving Assistance Professional Package and Parking Assistance Package. These included evasive-steering assist, traffic-jam assist, and semi-automated parking. The X7's advanced driving assistance systems were generally effective, though there were occasional issues with lane-maintenance technology.