2021 BMW X7 vs 2021 Honda Pilot

The 2021 Honda Pilot aimed to balance styling with reliability, safety, comfort, and performance. Despite efforts to enhance its rugged appearance with a 2019 refresh and a 2020 Black Edition, the exterior design remained polarizing. The Pilot was available in seven trims, ranging from the base LX to the upscale Black Edition, with prices between $32,250 and $49,920. The Black Edition, priced at $51,435 with optional white paint, featured exclusive black leather upholstery with red accents, but its minivan-like interior design and drab exterior did not appeal to everyone.

In contrast, the 2021 BMW X7 stood out with its superior interior quality, prestige, and technological sophistication. It was available in three versions: the xDrive40i, M50i, and Alpina BX7, with prices starting at $74,900 and reaching $141,300. The X7 xDrive40i test vehicle, priced at $91,745, featured luxurious materials and advanced technology. Its massive grille was a defining feature, and the styling was both traditional and glamorous, securing its position as BMW's flagship SUV. The interior shared similarities with the X5, offering high-tech design and quality materials, though some quirks required acclimation.

The 2021 Honda Pilot was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. It featured a nine-speed automatic transmission and an optional torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system. The Pilot offered a comfortable ride with athletic handling, thanks to its MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension. Fuel-saving technologies included variable-cylinder management and automatic engine stop/start, with an EPA rating of 22 mpg combined for AWD models. However, its off-road capability was limited by modest ground clearance and all-season tires.

The 2021 BMW X7 xDrive40i featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with 335 horsepower and 331 lb-ft of torque. It included an eight-speed sport automatic transmission and BMW's xDrive AWD system. The eBoost mild-hybrid technology aimed to improve fuel economy, though EPA ratings dropped to 21 mpg combined. The X7 accelerated to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds, but its self-leveling air suspension struggled with excessive body motions. Despite its nearly 5,400-pound curb weight, the X7 offered smooth and serene driving, with advanced features like Active Comfort Drive and Integral Active Steering enhancing the experience.

The 2021 Honda Pilot offered ample space for families, seating up to eight with a second-row bench seat. The test vehicle featured comfortable leather-wrapped, heated, and ventilated front seats, though the front passenger seat had limited adjustment. Second-row captain's chairs were optional, providing comfort and sliding forward for third-row access. The Pilot offered 16.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 83.9 cubic feet with seats folded. Storage was abundant, with compartments throughout the cabin.

The 2021 BMW X7's interior was luxurious, with features like heated and massaging front seats and premium Merino leather upholstery. Front-seat comfort was outstanding, and second-row captain's chairs offered exceptional comfort, though rear door length could pose entry challenges. The third-row seat accommodated adults, with a five-zone climate control system ensuring comfort. The X7 provided 48.6 cubic feet of cargo space with the third row folded, expanding to 90.4 cubic feet with the second row down, though it fell short of class leaders.

The 2021 Honda Pilot featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and HondaLink connected services. The Special Edition added wireless phone charging, while the Touring trim included navigation, a WiFi hotspot, and a premium audio system. The system was adequate but lacked a tuning knob and had limited HondaLink services. The Touring trim also offered a rear-seat entertainment system with various connectivity options.

The 2021 BMW X7 boasted a 12.3-inch iDrive 7.0 infotainment system with navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. It included enhanced SiriusXM 360L, Connected Package Pro, and a WiFi hotspot. The system featured wireless charging, natural voice recognition, and gesture control, though the latter was inconsistent. The iDrive system was user-friendly, but finding features while driving could be distracting. The test vehicle also had a head-up display, though visibility was limited with polarized sunglasses.

The 2021 Honda Pilot came standard with Honda Sensing, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic warning. The Pilot received favorable crash-test ratings, with a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and "good" ratings from the IIHS, though some areas received lower scores.

The 2021 BMW X7 included standard safety technologies, with additional features available in the Driving Assistance Professional Package and Parking Assistance Package. The package added features like evasive-steering assist and traffic-jam assist, which worked well in reducing stress. However, some lane-maintenance and lane-changing features were less refined. Overall, the X7's driving assistance technology was impressive, with the Parking Assistance Package offering semi-automated parking and a surround-view camera.