2021 BMW X7 vs 2022 Subaru Forester

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 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 xDrive40i test vehicle featured 22-inch aluminum wheels, premium extended leather, and a trailer hitch, among other luxurious options, bringing its price to $91,745. The X7's massive grille was a defining feature, fitting well with its large SUV stature. Inside, it shared many design elements with the X5, offering high-tech design and high-quality materials, though some controls required acclimation.

The 2022 Subaru Forester, particularly in its Wilderness trim, was designed for practicality and ruggedness. It came in several trims, starting at $25,195 for the base model and reaching $35,295 for the Touring trim. The Wilderness model, priced at $33,945, was equipped with water-repellant StarTex simulated leather and an option package that included a navigation system and Harman Kardon sound system, bringing the total to $36,014. The Forester Wilderness featured a suspension lift, higher ride height, and protective cladding, giving it a distinctive, rugged appearance.

Inside, the Forester emphasized function over form, with a cabin that combined hard plastic and soft surfaces. The 8-inch Starlink infotainment system was user-friendly, though the presence of three display screens was less than ideal. The Forester excelled in practicality, with features like upgraded roof rails and a full-size spare wheel. Its interior was spacious, with comfortable seating and ample cargo space, making it a compelling choice for those seeking adventure and practicality.

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 eBoost mild-hybrid technology added 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 smooth and serene driving with its Dynamic Handling Package and Active Comfort Drive system.

The 2022 Subaru Forester continued with its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. It featured a CVT and AWD, with the Wilderness model offering a 25% increase in initial torque supply. The Forester's towing capacity was doubled to 3,000 pounds. The EPA rated the Forester Wilderness at 26 mpg combined, and during testing, it averaged 25.9 mpg. The Forester excelled in off-road conditions, with its dual-function X-Mode system and re-tuned suspension providing improved ride and handling. The Wilderness model's longer springs and shocks increased ground clearance to 9.2 inches, enhancing its off-road capabilities.

The 2021 BMW X7 offered a luxurious interior with features like the Cold Weather Package, Luxury Seating Package, and premium Merino leather upholstery. Front-seat comfort was exceptional, with heated seats, armrests, and steering wheel as standard. The second-row captain's chairs were comfortable, though access could be challenging due to long rear doors. The third-row seat was surprisingly accommodating for adults, and the power clamshell tailgate revealed a small cargo space, expandable to 90.4 cubic feet with seats folded.

The 2022 Subaru Forester prioritized functionality, with easy entry and exit due to tall seating hip points. The StarTex upholstery was water-resistant, and the Wilderness model included all-weather floor mats and a rubber cargo mat. The Forester's interior was spacious, with comfortable seating and practical storage solutions. Cargo space measured 28.9 cubic feet without the sunroof, expanding to 74.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The upgraded roof rails accommodated a three-person roof tent, enhancing its adventure-ready appeal.

The 2021 BMW X7 featured Live Cockpit Professional digital instrumentation and an iDrive 7.0 infotainment system with a 12.3-inch display. The system included Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM 360L, and Connected Package Pro. Wireless smartphone charging, natural voice recognition, and gesture control were also available. The iDrive system was user-friendly, though it could be distracting while driving. A head-up display was included, though visibility was limited with polarized sunglasses.

The 2022 Subaru Forester came with a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and Starlink connected services. Higher trims featured an 8-inch screen with navigation and a Harman Kardon sound system. The Wilderness model included a 180-degree forward-view camera. The Forester's technology was practical, with features like PIN Code Access for outdoor enthusiasts.

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 Driving Assistance Professional Package included Active Driving Assistant Pro, offering features like evasive-steering assist and traffic-jam assist. The X7's ADAS was effective, though it occasionally struggled with lane maintenance and automated lane changes. The Parking Assistance Package added semi-automated parking assist and a surround-view camera.

The 2022 Subaru Forester introduced the EyeSight 4.0 safety system, offering improved accuracy and smoothness. It included features like automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. The Forester also offered a rear-seat reminder system, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Touring trim featured DriverFocus, a facial recognition technology. The Forester earned a 5-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA and was expected to retain its "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS.