2021 BMW X7 vs 2021 Toyota Highlander

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 Toyota Highlander, on the other hand, was anything but boring. It stood out among midsize SUVs with its distinctive styling, featuring wide headlights, a long hood, and an assertive trapezoidal grille. The Highlander’s design was further enhanced by a character line reminiscent of the Supra sports car and taillights that echoed Lexus models. The 2021 model introduced the XSE trim, which added a sportier appearance and some suspension tuning, making it an attractive option for those seeking a blend of practicality and style.

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 rear-biased all-wheel-drive system. The X7 featured eBoost mild-hybrid technology, which included a 48-volt starter/generator and a second battery, enhancing fuel efficiency 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.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Highlander was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque. This engine was mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, available in both front-wheel and all-wheel drive. While the Highlander wasn’t designed for high-speed performance, it provided a reliable and smooth driving experience, suitable for family use. The Highlander’s suspension was tuned for comfort, and the XSE trim offered a slightly sportier feel with retuned shock absorbers and a rear stabilizer bar. Overall, the Highlander’s performance was adequate for its class, offering a balance of power and comfort.

The 2021 BMW X7 offered a luxurious interior with features like heated and ventilated front seats, a five-zone climate control system, and premium Merino leather upholstery. The second-row captain's chairs provided exceptional comfort, although access to the third row required some maneuvering. The X7’s cargo space was limited, with 48.6 cubic feet behind the second row and 90.4 cubic feet with both rear rows folded down.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander focused on practicality, with ample legroom for second-row passengers and adjustable seats to optimize space. The third row was suitable for adults only if the second row was adjusted forward. The Highlander offered 16 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 48.4 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 84.3 cubic feet with both rows down. The interior featured convenient storage solutions, including shelves for devices and a wireless charging pad.

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 a natural voice-recognition system. While the technology was advanced, it could be distracting to use while driving. The X7 also offered a head-up display, although it was difficult to see with polarized sunglasses.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander came with an 8-inch touchscreen on lower trims, with a 12.3-inch option available on higher trims. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Navigation was available but had limitations in finding points of interest. The JBL audio system provided decent sound quality, and the larger screen was visually appealing, though not all apps utilized its full size.

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 advanced driving assistance systems were generally effective, though there were occasional issues with lane-maintenance technology.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, which included automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, intersection support, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. The Highlander received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS, highlighting its strong safety credentials.