2021 BMW X7 vs 2021 Ford Explorer

The 2021 Ford Explorer was a testament to Ford's consistent design language across its SUV lineup, with a sporty exterior that was both appealing and familiar. Its design, characterized by raked belt lines and distinctive grilles, varied across its six trim levels, offering a range of aesthetic options from a basic black grille to a full chrome finish. Inside, the Explorer provided a practical and comfortable environment with three rows of seating as standard, although the third row was best suited for children. The dashboard featured a clean layout with an 8-inch LCD touchscreen and ample storage space, making it a functional choice for families. The XLT trim was particularly popular, offering enhanced features like a power front passenger seat and a 6.5-inch instrument panel screen, while higher trims introduced leather upholstery and additional luxury touches.

In contrast, the 2021 BMW X7 exuded luxury and sophistication, standing out with its imposing presence and high-quality interior. The X7's design was both traditional and glamorous, with its massive kidney grille fitting the large SUV's stature. Inside, the X7 shared similarities with the X5 but offered a more opulent experience, featuring premium materials and advanced technology. The cabin was designed for comfort, with heated and ventilated seats, a five-zone climate control system, and ample space for passengers in all three rows. The X7's interior was not only about luxury but also about practicality, with a power clamshell tailgate and flexible cargo space that could be expanded by folding down the rear seats.

The 2021 Ford Explorer offered a range of powertrains to suit different driving preferences. Its base 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivered a robust 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, outperforming some competitors like the Kia Telluride. The Explorer's higher trims featured a 3.0-liter EcoBoost twin-turbo V6, providing up to 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque in the sport-oriented ST model. Despite its weight, the Explorer managed to offer decent towing capabilities, ranging from 5,000 to 5,600 pounds, depending on the configuration. The 10-speed automatic transmission with SelectShift capability was standard across all trims, ensuring smooth and efficient power delivery.

The 2021 BMW X7, on the other hand, was equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine, producing 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, providing a smooth and responsive driving experience. The X7 also featured BMW's eBoost mild-hybrid technology, which aimed to improve fuel efficiency and performance. Despite its nearly 5,400-pound curb weight, the X7 demonstrated impressive acceleration, reaching 60 mph in just 5.8 seconds. The Dynamic Handling Package further enhanced the driving experience, offering features like Active Comfort Drive and Integral Active Steering for improved maneuverability and stability.

The 2021 Ford Explorer offered a versatile interior with seating for up to seven passengers, although most trims featured second-row captain's chairs, reducing capacity to six. The Explorer provided 39 inches of legroom for second-row passengers, making it competitive with other midsize SUVs. With the third row in use, the Explorer still offered 21 cubic feet of cargo space, which expanded to 81 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. While this was adequate for most needs, it fell short compared to some larger competitors.

The 2021 BMW X7, in contrast, provided a more luxurious and spacious interior. Equipped with features like heated and massaging front seats, the X7 ensured comfort for all occupants. The second-row captain's chairs were exceptionally comfortable, and the third row was surprisingly accommodating for adults. The X7's cargo space was flexible, with 48.6 cubic feet available with the third row folded and a maximum of 90.4 cubic feet with the second row down. Although these figures were not class-leading, the X7's interior was designed for both luxury and practicality.

The 2021 Ford Explorer came equipped with a range of technology features, starting with an 8-inch touchscreen and the Ford Sync 3 infotainment system. Standard features included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 4G WiFi hotspot, and a six-speaker audio system. Higher trims offered upgrades like a 10.1-inch touchscreen and a 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system. The Explorer also provided multiple charging options, including USB ports and 12-volt power points, with a wireless charging pad available on higher trims.

The 2021 BMW X7 featured BMW's Live Cockpit Professional digital instrumentation and the iDrive 7.0 infotainment system, both displayed on 12.3-inch screens. The system included navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, along with enhanced SiriusXM 360L and Connected Package Pro. The X7 also offered wireless smartphone charging, a natural voice-recognition system, and gesture control, although the latter could be inconsistent. The head-up display was a useful addition, although it was difficult to see with polarized sunglasses.

The 2021 Ford Explorer was recognized as a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS, achieving top scores in crash tests. It came standard with the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite, which included features like blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. However, some advanced features were only available on higher trims, requiring consumers to pay more for additional safety.

The 2021 BMW X7 came standard with a comprehensive suite of safety technologies, with additional features available in the Driving Assistance Professional Package and the Parking Assistance Package. These packages included advanced systems like evasive-steering assist, traffic-jam assist, and semi-automated parking assist. The X7's safety technology was generally impressive, although there were some instances where the systems were less effective.