2021 BMW X7 vs 2021 Subaru Outback

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 had a significant visual presence compared to the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class. Despite its impressive attributes, the choice of a luxury SUV often came down to personal preference, and the X7 was no exception.

The 2021 Subaru Outback, redesigned for the 2020 model year, retained a familiar and comfortable feel reminiscent of older Subaru models. While the base trim featured two 7-inch touchscreens, higher trims boasted a more modern 11.6-inch portrait display. The interior quality was a marked improvement over pre-2015 models, with substantial materials and comfortable seating. The Outback's exterior design remained smooth and plain, with high gray cladding for protection. It was a lifted wagon, offering a unique alternative to typical crossovers or SUVs, with adaptive LED headlights and a new brown paint option for 2021.

The 2021 BMW X7 xDrive40i featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine, delivering 335 horsepower and 331 lb-ft of torque. It was equipped 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 showed a slight decrease compared to the previous year. The X7 accelerated to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds, offering a smooth and serene driving experience. Despite its nearly 5,400-pound curb weight, the X7 demonstrated effortless speed and fluidity, though it struggled with excessive body motions in certain driving conditions.

In contrast, the 2021 Subaru Outback's base 2.5-liter flat-four engine produced 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, paired with a CVT. This setup was criticized for being underpowered, especially when the vehicle was fully loaded. The XT trim offered a turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four engine with 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, significantly improving performance. The Outback excelled in ride comfort and off-road capability, thanks to its high ground clearance and Subaru’s proactive AWD system. The XT trim's fuel economy was slightly lower than the base engine, but the performance gains were considered worthwhile.

The 2021 BMW X7's interior was luxurious, with features like heated and ventilated seats, premium leather upholstery, and a five-zone climate control system. The second-row captain's chairs were exceptionally comfortable, and the third-row seat could accommodate adults, albeit with some effort to access. 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, though these figures were not class-leading.

The 2021 Subaru Outback offered impressive interior space, with 76 cubic feet of cargo capacity with the rear seats folded and 33 cubic feet with them raised. The cargo area was wide and flat, providing ample storage. The Outback's seating was comfortable, with excellent visibility and numerous storage options. However, some features like push-button start and rear climate vents were only available on higher trims. The standard roof rails with integrated crossbars were a standout feature, offering convenience and cost savings.

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, enhanced SiriusXM, and Connected Package Pro. Wireless smartphone charging and a natural voice-recognition system were also available, though gesture control was inconsistent. The head-up display was difficult to see with polarized sunglasses.

The 2021 Subaru Outback's infotainment system appeared dated, with graphics reminiscent of older gaming consoles. However, it offered modern features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Subaru EyeSight was standard, providing adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and forward automatic emergency braking. The system relied on cameras rather than radar, which could affect performance in certain conditions.

The 2021 BMW X7 came standard with a comprehensive suite of safety technologies, with additional features available in the Driving Assistance Professional Package and Parking Assistance Package. The ADAS was praised for its accuracy and smooth operation, though some specific situations revealed limitations in lane-maintenance and automated lane-changing capabilities.

The 2021 Subaru Outback featured a stronger and stiffer chassis, with standard airbags and driver assists available on higher trims. It earned the IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" award and received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it scored four stars in the front passenger frontal crash and rollover tests.