2021 BMW X7 vs 2021 Toyota 4Runner

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 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 Toyota 4Runner, on the other hand, had not seen a redesign in over a decade, yet its rugged and utilitarian design remained timeless. While not conventionally attractive, the 4Runner's two-box body with flared fenders and trapezoidal wheel arches exuded a sense of durability and practicality. Available in various trims, including the SR5, TRD Off-Road, Limited, and TRD Pro, the 4Runner was a reliable tool for those seeking adventure. Its design and functionality were akin to a well-crafted tool, requiring no frequent updates to maintain its appeal.

The 2021 BMW X7 xDrive40i featured 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 incorporated eBoost mild-hybrid technology, which included a 48-volt starter/generator and a second battery, aimed at improving fuel economy and responsiveness. Despite these advancements, the X7's fuel economy ratings were slightly lower than the previous year, with 19 mpg in the city, 24 mpg on the highway, and 21 mpg combined. The X7 could accelerate to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds, offering a smooth and serene driving experience, although its handling in tight curves was less than ideal.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner was equipped with a 4.0-liter V6 engine, producing 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque. It came with a five-speed automatic transmission and a part-time 4WD system. The 4Runner excelled in off-road conditions, thanks to its A-Trac traction control system and optional features like a locking rear differential and Crawl Control. However, on paved roads, the 4Runner felt slow and cumbersome, with heavy steering and brakes. Its fuel economy was rated at 17 mpg combined, with a maximum range of about 385 miles on a full tank.

The interior of the 2021 BMW X7 was luxurious, featuring heated and ventilated seats, premium Merino leather upholstery, and a five-zone climate control system. The front seats offered exceptional comfort, while the second-row captain's chairs provided ample space. The third-row seats were surprisingly accommodating for adults, although accessing them required some maneuvering. 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.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota 4Runner's interior was more utilitarian, with comfortable front and rear seats and ample legroom. The Trail Special Edition featured a sliding cargo deck and a large roof rack, providing plenty of storage space. Cargo capacity measured up to 47.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 89.7 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The 4Runner's interior was practical, with easy-to-clean materials and a straightforward layout.

The 2021 BMW X7 was equipped with advanced technology, including the Live Cockpit Professional digital instrumentation and iDrive 7.0 infotainment system with a 12.3-inch touchscreen. It supported Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and SiriusXM 360L, along with a natural voice-recognition system. The X7 also featured a head-up display and gesture control, although the latter was sometimes inconsistent.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner Trail Special Edition had a more basic technology package, with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. It included a premium audio upgrade with dynamic navigation and voice recognition. The system was user-friendly, with physical buttons and knobs for easy operation, even while wearing gloves.

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. These included evasive-steering assist, traffic-jam assist, and semi-automated parking assist. The X7's safety systems were generally reliable, though there were occasional issues with lane-maintenance technology.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner featured Toyota Safety Sense P, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane departure warning. However, it lacked blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic warning. The 4Runner received mixed safety ratings, with a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA and a "Marginal" rating for small overlap frontal-impact protection from the IIHS.