2021 BMW X7 vs 2021 Honda CR-V

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 also offered advanced technological features that outshone the Lexus LX 570, and its visual presence was more commanding than 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 22-inch aluminum wheels, premium leather, and a trailer hitch, among other features, bringing its price to $91,745. The X7's design, characterized by its large grille, was fitting for its size, and its styling was both traditional and glamorous, securing its place at the top of BMW's SUV lineup. Inside, the X7 shared similarities with the X5, offering high-tech design and quality materials, though some features required acclimation.

The 2021 Honda CR-V, on the other hand, was a staple in the compact crossover market, known for its practicality rather than its looks. Its design was similar to many other crossovers, with few distinguishing features apart from its grille and some chrome accents. The CR-V was available in eight colors, though most were variations of gray, black, and white, with more vibrant options limited to higher trims. The interior offered black, gray, and ivory options, with wood panels and chrome available on higher trims. The CR-V's design was modern, with angular seats and headrests, but it faced stiff competition from more distinctively styled rivals like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson.

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. It featured an eight-speed sport automatic transmission and BMW's xDrive AWD system. The X7 incorporated eBoost mild-hybrid technology, which included a 48-volt starter/generator and battery, enhancing fuel efficiency and responsiveness. Despite these advancements, the X7's fuel economy was slightly lower than the previous model, with EPA ratings of 19 mpg city, 24 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined. The X7 accelerated to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds, offering ample power, though its handling was affected by its size and weight.

The 2021 Honda CR-V was equipped with a 190-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine across all trims, achieving 0-60 mph in approximately 7.8 seconds. It featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which provided smooth acceleration but lacked engagement compared to competitors with conventional transmissions. The CR-V offered FWD as standard, with AWD as an option. Its suspension setup included a MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear, providing decent handling and ride quality. While not the most thrilling to drive, the CR-V was reliable and predictable, making it a practical choice for everyday use.

The 2021 BMW X7 offered a luxurious interior with features like heated and ventilated seats, premium leather, and a five-zone climate control system. Front-seat comfort was exceptional, and the second-row captain's chairs were equally comfortable. The third-row seats were surprisingly accommodating for adults, though accessing them required some maneuvering of the power seats. The X7's cargo space was limited behind the third row but expanded to 48.6 cubic feet with the seats folded, and 90.4 cubic feet with the second row down, though this was less than some competitors.

The 2021 Honda CR-V prioritized functionality, offering 102.9 cubic feet of passenger volume and 75.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded. The CR-V's tailgate options varied by trim, with manual, power, and hands-free versions available. Roof rails were standard only on the top Touring trim. The CR-V's interior was designed to comfortably fit five passengers and their gear, making it a practical choice 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. It also offered wireless charging, voice recognition, and gesture control, though the latter was inconsistent. The head-up display was difficult to see with polarized sunglasses, but overall, the technology was advanced and user-friendly.

The 2021 Honda CR-V's base LX trim had a basic 5-inch screen, while other trims featured a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The audio system varied by trim, with the Touring offering a 300-watt system with a subwoofer. Charging ports were plentiful, with USB and 12-volt outlets throughout the cabin. The Touring trim also included a wireless phone charger and satellite navigation.

The 2021 BMW X7 came standard with numerous safety features, with additional options available in the Driving Assistance Professional and Parking Assistance Packages. These included evasive-steering assist, traffic-jam assist, and semi-automated parking. The X7's ADAS was generally effective, though it occasionally struggled with lane maintenance and automated lane changes.

The 2021 Honda CR-V excelled in safety, earning a five-star NHTSA rating and IIHS Top Safety Pick award. Its Honda Sensing system included standard features like a rearview camera, collision warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The only feature not standard on the base LX trim was blind spot monitoring, which was included on higher trims.