2021 BMW X7 vs 2020 Toyota Sienna

The 2020 Toyota Sienna, despite being updated in 2018, still felt somewhat dated in its third generation. The vehicle occasionally exuded an upscale vibe, but the hollow "thud" of its front doors and the outdated instrument panel, reminiscent of Toyota's 2010 parts bin, detracted from its modernity. However, the simplicity of the controls made them user-friendly. The Sienna offered a range of trims, from the well-equipped base L with features like 17-inch alloy wheels and a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, to the Limited Premium with leather seats and a JBL premium audio system. The SE trim, recommended by CarGurus, included a power rear liftgate, which was a critical feature for families. The Nightshade Edition added a touch of style with dark accents and wheels.

In contrast, the 2021 BMW X7 stood out with its superior interior quality and technological sophistication. It was considered more prestigious than its competitors, such as the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator. The X7's styling was appealing, with traditional BMW cues and a massive grille that suited its large SUV frame. Inside, the X7 shared high-tech design and high-quality materials with the X5, offering a luxurious experience. The vehicle's presence on the road was significant, and it was equipped with features like 22-inch aluminum wheels and premium extended leather. The X7's interior was both comfortable and technologically advanced, making it a strong contender in its class.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 296 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The Sienna offered stout acceleration, with a Sport mode for enhanced throttle and shift response. It had a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds and was available in both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations, with the latter offering better traction in inclement conditions. The FWD Sienna achieved fuel economy ratings of 19 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined, while AWD versions returned slightly lower figures. Despite its size, the Sienna handled well, with a low center of gravity and broad base, though its steering was twitchy at higher speeds.

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 equipped with an 8-speed sport automatic transmission and BMW's xDrive AWD system. The X7 incorporated eBoost mild-hybrid technology, which aimed to improve fuel economy and responsiveness. However, the 2021 model's fuel economy ratings were slightly lower than the previous year, at 19 mpg city, 24 highway, and 21 combined. The X7 accelerated to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds, offering ample power. Despite its size and weight, the X7 provided a smooth and serene ride, with features like Active Comfort Drive and Integral Active Steering enhancing its handling capabilities.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna excelled in cargo space, offering 150 cubic feet, surpassing competitors like the Chrysler Pacifica and Honda Odyssey. However, accessing this space required removing the second-row seats, which could be cumbersome. The third row folded seamlessly into the floor, but getting into the backseat was challenging. Toyota also offered mobility access features, such as the Auto Access Seat, making it a practical choice for families with specific needs.

The 2021 BMW X7 provided a luxurious interior with features like heated and ventilated seats, five-zone climate control, and premium Merino leather upholstery. Front-seat comfort was outstanding, and the second-row captain's chairs were equally comfortable. The third-row seat was surprisingly accommodating for adults, though accessing it required some maneuvering of the power seats. The X7 offered 48.6 cubic feet of cargo space with the third row folded and 90.4 cubic feet with the second row down, which was less than some competitors but still practical for most needs.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna came with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, supporting Amazon Alexa and Apple CarPlay. It included Bluetooth connectivity, five USB ports, and a WiFi hotspot with a 6-month trial. The Limited trim added navigation and a JBL premium audio system. The Driver Easy Speak feature allowed the driver to communicate with rear passengers through the speakers, a useful innovation for families.

The 2021 BMW X7 featured the Live Cockpit Professional digital instrumentation and iDrive 7.0 infotainment system, both with 12.3-inch displays. The system included Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, 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. The head-up display was a useful addition, though it was difficult to see with polarized sunglasses.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna was equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS-P) suite, including lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, and dynamic cruise control. It earned five stars from the NHTSA and top ratings from the IIHS in several crash tests. Blind-spot monitoring was available on higher trims.

The 2021 BMW X7 came standard with numerous 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 assist. The X7's advanced driving assistance systems were generally impressive, though there were some minor issues with lane-maintenance technology in specific situations.