2023 BMW X7 vs 2023 Ford Escape

The 2023 BMW X7 underwent a significant mid-cycle makeover, drawing inspiration from the redesigned BMW 7 Series sedan. The most noticeable change was the repositioning of LED accent lights to where the previous headlights were, with the actual headlights now tucked underneath. This bold design choice, along with the oversized kidney grille, continued to polarize opinions. While the facelift aimed for a more assertive look, it came at the cost of grace and cohesiveness. The interior saw a refresh with a curved glass housing for the digital instrument panel and infotainment touchscreen, and a new gear selector design. The quality of materials remained high, with supple leather and a new synthetic substitute, though some interior trim choices caused unwanted glare. Despite mixed feelings about the exterior, the interior updates provided a modern and elegant feel.

In contrast, the 2023 Ford Escape embraced a more European design language, moving away from its earlier blocky exterior. The refresh included a more traditional front end with a centered Ford logo and a stylish LED light bar. The Escape offered a range of trim levels, with the ST-Line Elite featuring 19-inch wheels and body-color accents for a sleek appearance. Inside, the Escape's diamond-stitched leather upholstery looked upscale but felt somewhat hard. The seats were comfortable, and the driver's seat was easily adjustable. However, the interior was dominated by plastic materials, some of which felt cost-cutting. Despite this, the Escape's design was more upscale than many competitors, resembling the Mazda CX-5.

The 2023 BMW X7 offered two engine options. The base xDrive40i model featured a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine with a 48-volt mild hybrid system, producing 375 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. This setup allowed the X7 to reach 60 mph in 5.8 seconds. The M60i model upgraded to a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, delivering 523 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque, achieving 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. Despite its nearly 6,000-pound weight, the X7 handled well, with potent acceleration from the V8 and adequate performance from the six-cylinder. The ride was slightly firmer than some luxury SUVs, but it maintained a good balance of performance and comfort.

The 2023 Ford Escape offered multiple powertrain options, including a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine with 180 horsepower and 199 pound-feet of torque, available with front-wheel or all-wheel drive. The ST-Line Select, Platinum, and ST-Line Elite trims featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, exclusively with all-wheel drive. While the four-cylinder provided impressive output, the Escape was not a performance crossover, with a soft suspension and no paddle shifters. The brakes offered predictable stopping power, and the steering was well-weighted, avoiding the twitchiness seen in some competitors.

The 2023 BMW X7 excelled in providing ample space, with the second-row seats accommodating taller passengers comfortably. The power-operated middle row allowed access to the third row, which could hold average-sized adults, though thigh support was limited. Cargo space behind the third row was 12.8 cubic feet, expanding to 48.6 cubic feet with the third row stowed and 90.4 cubic feet with the middle seats folded. The split tailgate and suspension-lowering feature made loading easier. Front-seat storage was generous, with a large center console bin and well-sized cupholders.

The 2023 Ford Escape offered comfortable seating with excellent ergonomics. The steering wheel felt good to hold, and the armrests were well-positioned. The Escape's cargo space was 37.5 cubic feet behind the second row and 65.4 cubic feet with the second row folded, falling short of some competitors. Passenger space was slightly less than rivals, but headroom was impressive, and the front-seat backs were padded to maximize rear-seat space.

The 2023 BMW X7 featured the latest iDrive infotainment system, which was less intuitive than previous versions. Many physical buttons were replaced by touchscreen controls, complicating tasks like adjusting seat settings and cruise control. Voice commands offered a workaround, but they interrupted audio playback. The system's complexity detracted from its usability, and more physical buttons would have been appreciated.

The 2023 Ford Escape impressed with its Sync 4 system, featuring an 8-inch or optional 13.2-inch touchscreen. The larger screen enhanced the cabin's look and offered easy navigation between features like Android Auto and native navigation. While Sync 4 was slightly slow to respond, its layout and ease of use were commendable. Minor annoyances included the volume knob's placement, but overall, the tech features were attractive and intuitive.

The 2023 BMW X7 lacked crash test results from NHTSA and IIHS, but it offered a comprehensive suite of safety features. Standard equipment included collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and more. The M60i trim added a surround-view camera, with options for adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. The highway driving assist feature was particularly effective in reducing driver fatigue.

The 2023 Ford Escape received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA, with high scores in frontal and side-crash tests. However, it received a Marginal score in IIHS's updated side-impact test. The Escape came standard with Ford's Co-Pilot360 suite, including forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. The optional Co-Pilot360 2.0 added adaptive cruise control and a surround-view camera, enhancing safety and convenience.