2021 BMW X7 vs 2022 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 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness, on the other hand, redefined the traditional station wagon concept, leaning more towards a rugged Jeep-like appearance. It featured a higher ground clearance of 9.5 inches, aggressive all-terrain tires, and unique design elements like a matte black hood decal and Anodized Copper accents. The Outback Wilderness was designed for adventure, with a robust roof rack capable of supporting a 700-pound static load, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. Its distinctive styling injected a sense of purpose and personality into the Outback lineup.

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 AWD system. The X7 featured eBoost mild-hybrid technology, which included a 48-volt starter/generator and battery, aimed at improving fuel efficiency and responsiveness. However, the EPA ratings showed a slight decrease in fuel economy compared to the previous year, with 19 mpg in the city, 24 mpg on the highway, and 21 mpg combined. Despite its weight, the X7 accelerated to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds, offering a smooth and serene driving experience, although it struggled with excessive body motions in certain driving conditions.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This engine provided ample power for the midsize SUV, which had a towing capacity of 3,500 lbs. The Outback Wilderness achieved an EPA rating of 24 mpg combined, though real-world testing showed an average of 21.3 mpg on a mountainous route. While the CVT transmission offered eight programmed ratios, it lacked the engaging feel of a dual-clutch automatic. The Wilderness trim excelled off-road, with 9.5 inches of ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and a dual-function X-Mode traction system, making it the most capable Outback for challenging terrains.

The 2021 BMW X7 offered a luxurious interior with features like heated and ventilated front seats, premium Merino leather upholstery, and a five-zone climate control system. The second-row captain's chairs provided exceptional comfort, and the third-row seats were surprisingly accommodating for adults. The X7's cargo space was limited behind the third row but expanded to 48.6 cubic feet with the seats folded down, and a maximum of 90.4 cubic feet with the second row down.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured StarTex water-repellant upholstery, which was practical for outdoor activities but could be uncomfortable in hot weather. The interior offered heated front and rear seats, dual-zone climate control, and ample space for passengers. The cargo area provided 32.5 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats and 75.7 cubic feet with the seats folded flat. The Outback Wilderness also boasted a robust roof rack with a 700-pound static load rating, ideal for rooftop camping.

The 2021 BMW X7 came with Live Cockpit Professional digital instrumentation and an iDrive 7.0 infotainment system, both featuring 12.3-inch displays. The system included Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM 360L, and a natural voice-recognition system. While the iDrive system was user-friendly, it could be distracting while driving. The test vehicle also featured a head-up display, although it was difficult to see with polarized sunglasses.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was equipped with an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which controlled most functions except for volume and temperature. The voice recognition system required specific prompts, making it less intuitive than competitors. While Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, the lack of a premium sound system was a notable omission. The Outback's PIN code entry system was a practical feature for outdoor enthusiasts.

The 2021 BMW X7 included standard safety features, with additional options available in the Driving Assistance Professional Package and Parking Assistance Package. These packages offered advanced driving assistance systems, including evasive-steering assist and semi-automated parking. While generally effective, the lane-maintenance technology occasionally struggled in certain conditions.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured the EyeSight ADAS, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The Wilderness trim also had steering-responsive headlights and a blind-spot warning system. While the DriverFocus distraction mitigation technology was unavailable, the EyeSight system performed well during testing. The 2021 Outback received high safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA.