2021 BMW X7 vs 2021 Dodge Durango

The 2021 BMW X7 was a standout in the luxury SUV segment, often seen navigating the bustling streets of metropolitan Los Angeles. It was known for its superior interior quality, surpassing that of the Cadillac Escalade, and boasted more prestige than the Infiniti QX80 or Lincoln Navigator. The X7 offered advanced technological features that outshone the Lexus LX 570 and had a commanding visual presence that rivaled the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class. Despite its impressive attributes, the X7's appeal was subjective, as personal preference played a significant role in this segment. The X7 was available in three versions, with the xDrive40i starting at $74,900, the M50i at $99,800, and the Alpina BX7 at $141,300. The test vehicle, an X7 xDrive40i, was equipped with premium features and options, bringing its price to $91,745.

The 2021 Dodge Durango maintained its muscular and athletic styling, aligning with its Dodge family members, the Charger and Challenger. The Durango's design was refreshed for 2021, particularly evident in the SRT Hellcat model, which featured a cold-air scoop, twin-pipe exhaust, LED headlamps, and a rear spoiler. The Durango offered a variety of wheel options and came in 11 exterior colors with six interior color schemes. Inside, the Durango's cabin was updated with a new instrument panel and touchscreen options, enhancing its modern appeal. The SUV's interior materials ranged from cloth to luxurious leather options, with contrast stitching and unique seat belt colors adding a touch of flair. The Durango's diverse trim levels catered to a wide range of buyers, offering everything from track-ready equipment to premium appointments.

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 was paired with an eight-speed sport automatic transmission and BMW's xDrive AWD system. The X7 featured eBoost mild-hybrid technology, which included a 48-volt starter/generator and battery, enhancing fuel efficiency and responsiveness. Despite the technology, the X7's fuel economy ratings dropped slightly from the previous year, achieving 19 mpg in the city, 24 mpg on the highway, and 21 mpg combined. The X7 accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds, offering ample power for its size. The SUV's Dynamic Handling Package improved maneuverability and stability, though the self-leveling air suspension struggled with excessive body motions. The X7's nearly 5,400-pound curb weight was noticeable on highways, but it maintained a smooth and serene ride, aided by the Active Comfort Drive system.

The 2021 Dodge Durango offered four engine options: a 3.6-liter V6, a 5.7-liter HEMI V8, a 392 HEMI V8, and a supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8. The V6 produced up to 295 horsepower, while the 5.7-liter V8 delivered 360 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque. The 392 HEMI V8 offered 475 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque, and the supercharged 6.2-liter V8 in the SRT Hellcat generated 710 hp and 645 lb-ft of torque. All engines were paired with eight-speed automatic transmissions, with RWD standard and AWD optional. The Durango's steering was precise, but its chassis showed its age, with a suspension that transmitted bumps to the cabin. The SRT models featured robust brakes, and the R/T model with the Tow N Go Package demonstrated impressive towing capabilities. The Durango's SRT Performance Pages provided detailed performance data, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2021 BMW X7's interior was a testament to luxury, featuring heated and ventilated seats, premium Merino leather upholstery, and a five-zone climate control system. Front-seat comfort was exceptional, and the second-row captain's chairs offered similar comfort levels. The third-row seat was surprisingly accommodating for adults, though accessing it required some maneuvering of the power seats. The X7's cargo space was modest, with 48.6 cubic feet available behind the second row and 90.4 cubic feet with both rear rows folded.

The 2021 Dodge Durango excelled as a family hauler, offering comfortable seating for up to seven passengers across three rows. The front and second-row seats provided ample space, while the third row was more spacious than many competitors. The Durango's cargo space was average for its class, but its versatility and improved fit and finish made it a strong contender in the midsize SUV segment. The Durango's interior offered 21 seat options, allowing buyers to customize their vehicle to suit their preferences.

The 2021 BMW X7 featured the Live Cockpit Professional digital instrumentation and iDrive 7.0 infotainment system, both utilizing 12.3-inch displays. The system included Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM 360L, and Connected Package Pro, offering real-time traffic data and a WiFi hotspot. The iDrive system was user-friendly, though it could be distracting while driving. The test vehicle also included a head-up display, though it was difficult to see with polarized sunglasses.

The 2021 Dodge Durango's Uconnect 5 infotainment system was a significant upgrade, offering faster performance and greater personalization. The system included features like Amazon Alexa connectivity, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and over-the-air updates. The larger 10.1-inch touchscreen was available on higher trims, providing clear graphics and responsive touch controls. The Durango also offered a family entertainment system with Blu-ray and DVD players, enhancing its appeal as a family vehicle.

The 2021 BMW X7 came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety technologies, with additional features available in the Driving Assistance Professional Package and Parking Assistance Package. The package included advanced driving assistance systems like evasive-steering assist and traffic-jam assist, which worked well in most situations. However, the lane-maintenance technology occasionally struggled with lane markers and merging lanes. The Parking Assistance Package added features like semi-automated parking assist and a surround-view camera.

The 2021 Dodge Durango's safety features were limited compared to its rivals, with a rearview camera as the only standard active safety feature. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The Durango received a five-star side crash-test rating and a four-star rollover rating from the NHTSA, but its front crash testing ratings were not yet available.