2021 BMW X7 vs 2022 Toyota Sienna

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 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 test vehicle, an X7 xDrive40i, was equipped with 22-inch aluminum wheels, premium extended leather, and a host of other luxurious features, bringing its price to $91,745. The X7's design was characterized by its massive grille, which was fitting for its size, and its styling was both appealing and glamorous, reflecting traditional BMW cues. Inside, the X7 shared many features with the X5, offering high-tech design, quality materials, and mostly intuitive controls.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna, on the other hand, embraced its minivan identity while incorporating SUV-like styling elements. Toyota had a long history with minivans, and the Sienna was a testament to its commitment to the segment. The fourth-generation Sienna, launched in 2021, featured a bold front end and cleverly re-engineered door hinges to enhance its aesthetic appeal. The Sienna's design included 17-inch wheels on base models, with options for 18-inch and 20-inch wheels on higher trims. Inside, the Sienna offered a spacious and practical interior, with clever storage solutions and comfortable seating for all passengers.

The Sienna's interior was designed to avoid the typical minivan feel, with an uncluttered front cabin and ample storage options. It provided comfortable seating for second- and third-row passengers, with available captain's chairs and a spacious third-row bench. The third-row seats could be easily stored away, and the second-row seats offered significant sliding range for easy access. The Sienna's practicality and family-friendly features made it a strong contender in the minivan market.

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 X7 also incorporated eBoost mild-hybrid technology, which included a 48-volt starter/generator and battery to enhance fuel efficiency and performance. Despite these advancements, the X7's fuel economy ratings were slightly lower than the previous model, with 19 mpg city, 24 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined.

The X7's performance was characterized by its smooth and powerful acceleration, with a 0-60 mph time of 5.8 seconds. However, its handling was somewhat compromised by its size and weight, with noticeable body motions during spirited driving. The Dynamic Handling Package, which included features like Active Comfort Drive and Integral Active Steering, helped improve ride quality and maneuverability. The X7's brakes were also commendable, providing reliable stopping power.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna, in contrast, featured a hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors, producing a combined 243 horsepower. The Sienna offered FWD as standard, with an optional AWD system that added an electric motor for the rear wheels. The Sienna's CVT provided smooth and efficient power delivery, with selectable drive modes for different driving conditions. The Sienna's handling was surprisingly good for a minivan, with minimal body roll and a comfortable ride.

The Sienna's hybrid powertrain delivered impressive fuel economy, with EPA ratings of 36 mpg city, 36 mpg highway, and 36 mpg combined for FWD models, and slightly lower ratings for AWD models. The Sienna's battery pack was cleverly integrated under the front seats, and it came with a 10-year/150,000-mile warranty.

The 2021 BMW X7 offered a luxurious and comfortable interior, with features like heated and ventilated seats, premium leather upholstery, and a five-zone climate control system. The front seats were exceptionally comfortable, and the second-row captain's chairs provided ample space and comfort. The third-row seats were surprisingly accommodating for adults, although accessing them required some maneuvering of the power seats. The X7's cargo space was somewhat limited, with 48.6 cubic feet behind the second row and 90.4 cubic feet with the second row folded down.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna, on the other hand, was designed to be a practical family vehicle, with a spacious interior and flexible seating arrangements. It could accommodate a full 4x8 sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed, and offered 33.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 75.2 cubic feet behind the second row, and 101 cubic feet behind the first row. The Sienna's third-row seats could be easily stored away, and the second-row seats offered significant sliding range for easy access. The Sienna also had a 3,500-pound towing capacity.

The 2021 BMW X7 featured a comprehensive suite of technology, including the Live Cockpit Professional digital instrumentation and iDrive 7.0 infotainment system with a 12.3-inch touchscreen. The system supported Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and included features like SiriusXM 360L, Connected Package Pro, and a WiFi hotspot. The X7 also offered wireless smartphone charging, a natural voice-recognition system, and gesture control, although the latter was somewhat inconsistent. The head-up display was a useful feature, although it was difficult to see with polarized sunglasses.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna came equipped with a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, supporting Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. It also included SiriusXM, USB ports, and Bluetooth connectivity. Higher trim levels offered additional features like a JBL audio system, rear-seat entertainment system, and a head-up display. The Sienna also offered telematics services, wireless phone charging, and a digital rearview mirror on higher trims.

The 2021 BMW X7 came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including the optional Driving Assistance Professional Package and Parking Assistance Package. These packages added features like evasive-steering assist, traffic-jam assist, and semi-automated parking assist. The X7's advanced driving assistance systems were generally effective, although there were some instances where the lane-maintenance technology was less reliable.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA. It came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included adaptive cruise control, lane centering, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. The Sienna also featured 10 airbags, LATCH connectors, and a rear-seat reminder system. Tire-pressure monitoring and an inflator kit were standard, with an optional spare tire.