2023 BMW X7 vs 2022 Nissan Pathfinder

The fifth-generation 2022 Nissan Pathfinder took design cues from Nissan’s new era of SUV design. Up front, a contemporary take on the brand's V-motion grille was matched to the Rogue and Armada. A new Nissan logo adorned the three-slot grille, paying homage to the first-generation Pathfinder. LED headlights framed the grille while slim LED daytime running lights provided an eyebrow-like effect leading to a bulky, slated C-pillar, echoing the original Pathfinder’s design. Offering a total of 14 paint jobs and color combinations, including a striking black roof that extended to the C-pillars, Nissan delivered an intriguingly modern aesthetic.

The side panels and hood lent the SUV a beefier look than the fourth-generation model, aligning more with the robust designs of the Kia Telluride than the Toyota Highlander. With sleek, thin taillights wrapping around the large liftgate, which boasted a gate-wide badging, Nissan succeeded in crafting a more rugged and capable-looking vehicle. The Pathfinder was made 0.6 inches wider with a track 1.2 inches wider, making it look more planted on the road. It stood 0.2 inches higher and was 0.8 inches shorter end-to-end, boasting significantly more legroom than its predecessor.

The 2023 BMW X7, after four years in production, got a substantial mid-cycle makeover. The biggest change was up front, with the SUV adopting the aesthetic of the redesigned BMW 7 Series sedan. LED accent lights now resided where the previous model's headlights had been, while the actual headlights were recessed beneath, offering a somewhat polarizing look with the oversized kidney grille. BMW aimed for a bolder design and achieved a more resolute presence, though at the expense of some grace and cohesiveness. Having two design choices, the base Design Pure Excellence model featured chrome exterior trim, while the M Sport replaced the chrome with a dark finish.

Inside, the X7 received a refresh with a curved glass sheet housing the digital instrument panel and central infotainment touchscreen. The dash had a minimalist design with a narrow strip of piano black trim and a toggle switch-like gear selector replacing the prominent crystal lever. The cabin's materials upheld a premium standard, with refined leather upholstery and new Sensafin synthetic covering for the dash and doors. Glossy wood and carbon fiber trim, however, caused midday sun reflections, with matte and open-pore alternatives providing a warmer touch.

Nissan retained the 3.5-liter V6 engine in the 2022 Pathfinder, producing 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque. The engine was mated to a new nine-speed automatic transmission, replacing the old continuously variable transmission (CVT). The new gearbox was praised for its smooth operation through the gears, paired with an electronic shift-by-wire drive selector and paddle shifters. Available in both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations, FWD models boasted five drive modes, while AWD versions offered seven terrain modes.

Fuel economy for the FWD Pathfinder stood at an EPA-estimated 21 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined. AWD increased highway mpg by one, maintaining 23 mpg combined, while the fully-equipped Pathfinder Platinum with AWD registered 20 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined. With a stable suspension setup and a tight turning radius, the Pathfinder was highly maneuverable and offered a 6,000-pound maximum towing capacity.

The 2023 BMW X7 lineup began with the X7 xDrive40i model, powered by a new 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine paired with a 48-volt mild hybrid system. This configuration produced 375 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque, 40 hp and 52 lb-ft more than its predecessor. The X7 M60i model upgraded to a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 with a similar hybrid system, delivering a robust 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, capable of 0-60 mph in a claimed 4.5 seconds. Both engines utilized an eight-speed automatic transmission, propelling power to all four wheels.

Despite almost 6,000 pounds of mass, the X7 managed to hide its weight on the road, providing potent acceleration from the V8 and satisfactory performance from the base six-cylinder. Handling was limited by the weight and ride height but remained composed, while body roll was well managed. The ride comfort, although slightly firmer than some luxury SUVs, maintained BMW's hallmark engaging and exciting driving experience, blending performance and comfort effectively.

In the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder, interior comfort started with a notably quiet compartment, achieved through better insulation, front-row acoustic laminated glass, door-mounted outside mirrors, and thicker second-row glass. Nissan focused on flexibility for families, including wide-opening doors, second-row captain's chairs option, and the ability to fit three car seats across the second-row bench.

Innovative features like EZ Flex Latch and Glide allowed easy third-row access through button-operated second-row seats. The second-row center console was removable, creating an adaptable space, and upfront, an expanded center console provided 13.4 liters of storage. Cargo space was ample, with 16.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 80.5 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded flat. Additional storage under the rear floor added practical versatility.

The 2023 BMW X7 excelled in spaciousness, particularly in the second row that accommodated taller passengers comfortably. Access to the third row was facilitated by power-operated middle seats, although it required some patience. The third row accommodated average-sized adults with adequate head- and legroom but offered limited thigh support. Cargo space began with 12.8 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 48.6 cubic feet with it folded. Maximum capacity reached 90.4 cubic feet with all rear seats stowed. An additional split tailgate eased the loading process, particularly with a button to lower the suspension.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder was loaded with practical technology starting from the base trim. Standard features included a six-speaker audio system, 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, Siri Eyes Free, Google Assistant Voice Recognition, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, voice recognition, Bluetooth, satellite radio, and hands-free text messaging. Upper trims received a fully digital 12.3-inch instrument panel, head-up display, 9-inch infotainment screen, 13-speaker Bose audio system, wireless charging, and more.

For basic functions, BMW's iDrive system in the 2023 X7 was intuitive, but more complex operations revealed its flaws. Physical buttons were replaced by touch commands, complicating tasks like adjusting seat settings or cruise control parameters. Voice commands offered a workaround, though they interrupted ongoing media and took time to process, underscoring the need for more physical controls for frequently used features.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder came standard with Nissan Safety Shield 360, offering automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, high-beam assist, and rear automatic braking. Additional features included a driver alertness monitor and forward-collision warning, with upper trims benefiting from a surround-view monitor and an extra airbag.

The 2023 BMW X7, while lacking crash test results, came equipped with comprehensive safety features. Standard protocols included frontal collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, adaptive headlights, front and rear parking sensors, and automatic high beams. The M60i trim added surround-view camera systems with an extensive suite of driver assists, including semi-automated parking and highway driving assist, praised for reducing driver fatigue on long trips.