2023 BMW X7 vs 2024 Chrysler Pacifica

The 2023 BMW X7 underwent a significant mid-cycle refresh, adopting a bold new front-end design reminiscent of the BMW 7 Series sedan. The SUV featured LED accent lights positioned where the previous model's headlights were, with the actual headlights now recessed below. This redesign aimed for a more assertive look, though it sparked mixed reactions due to its oversized kidney grille. While the front-end changes were polarizing, the sides and rear remained largely unchanged, offering a sense of familiarity. Inside, the X7's interior received a modern update with a curved glass housing for the digital instrument panel and infotainment touchscreen. The materials used were of high quality, with options for leather upholstery and a new Sensafin synthetic substitute. Despite some glossy trim choices causing glare, the interior revisions provided a more elegant and contemporary feel.

In contrast, the 2024 Chrysler Pacifica maintained its contemporary exterior styling without the need for frequent redesigns. Its smooth lines and modest grille offered a refreshing alternative to the flashier designs of competitors like the Toyota Sienna. The Pacifica's design was clean, with hidden sliding-door tracks contributing to its sleek appearance. Available in various trims, including the base Touring and the luxurious Pinnacle, the Pacifica offered a range of features such as LED lighting and wheel options. The interior boasted a minimalist dashboard with well-integrated controls, and the Pinnacle trim featured upscale touches like Nappa leather upholstery. However, some interior elements felt less premium, with plastic mingling with the contrast stitching. Overall, the Pacifica's design was both functional and stylish, appealing to those seeking a refined minivan experience.

The 2023 BMW X7 offered a choice between two powerful engines. The base xDrive40i model featured a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine paired with a 48-volt mild hybrid system, delivering 375 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. This setup allowed the X7 to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds. The M60i model took performance up a notch with a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, producing 523 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0 to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds. Both engines were mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, providing power to all four wheels. Despite its nearly 6,000-pound weight, the X7 handled well, with controlled body roll and a firm yet comfortable ride. The V8 engine offered potent acceleration, while the six-cylinder engine provided adequate power for most drivers.

The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica came equipped with a 3.6-liter V6 engine, generating 287 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on higher trims. The Pacifica's V6 engine, known as the Pentastar, had a long history of use in various Stellantis vehicles, offering peppy acceleration and a towing capacity of 3,600 pounds. The minivan's chassis tuning prioritized comfort and stability, providing a smooth ride and minimizing body motion. While some weight transfer was noticeable during acceleration and deceleration, the Pacifica remained quiet and comfortable, living up to Chrysler's reputation for refinement. Although not a luxury minivan, it offered a more refined experience compared to rivals like the Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna.

The 2023 BMW X7 excelled in providing ample space for passengers and cargo. The second-row seats accommodated taller passengers comfortably, and the large sunroof and windows enhanced the sense of space. Accessing the third row required some patience as the power-operated middle row moved out of the way, but once there, it offered adequate head- and legroom for average-sized adults. The third-row seat cushion was lower, affecting thigh support, but this was common in three-row SUVs. Behind the third row, the X7 offered 12.8 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 48.6 cubic feet with the third row folded and 90.4 cubic feet with the middle seats down. The split tailgate and adjustable suspension made loading and unloading cargo convenient.

The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica featured the innovative Stow ‘n Go seating system, allowing the second-row seats to fold flat into the floor, creating large in-floor storage bins. This system was standard, providing seven seats with second-row bucket seats and a 60/40 split-folding third-row bench seat. An eight-seat configuration was available with the Touring L trim, but it couldn't be combined with Stow ‘n Go or all-wheel drive. Pinnacle and Limited models offered a power-folding third-row seat and a power liftgate. The Pacifica's passenger space was competitive, with ample headroom and legroom in the first two rows. Cargo space was generous, with 32.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 87.5 cubic feet behind the second row, and 140.5 cubic feet with both rows folded. The Stow ‘n Vac built-in vacuum cleaner was a convenient feature, though the raised center console's storage area was less accessible.

The 2023 BMW X7 featured the latest iteration of the iDrive infotainment system, which, despite its intuitive layout, had some drawbacks. Many physical buttons were replaced by touchscreen controls, requiring users to navigate menus for functions like seat heating and adaptive cruise control adjustments. Voice commands were available but could be slow to process and interrupted audio playback. While the system excelled in basic functions, it lacked the convenience of physical buttons for frequently used features.

The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica came standard with a 10.1-inch touchscreen running the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, SiriusXM, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The instrument cluster featured analog gauges with a 7-inch digital display. The Pacifica offered up to 12 USB-C ports, built-in navigation, and a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. The Uconnect 5 system was user-friendly, with intuitive displays and minimal menu navigation. However, a shortcut for the 360-degree camera system was missing. The rear-seat entertainment system included dual 10.1-inch touchscreens, wireless headphones, and Amazon Fire TV connectivity. The FamCam interior camera allowed parents to monitor rear-seat occupants, though an intercom system was not available.

The 2023 BMW X7 lacked crash test results from the NHTSA and IIHS, but it boasted a comprehensive list of safety features. Standard features included frontal collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alerts, lane departure warning, adaptive headlights, and parking sensors. The M60i trim added a surround-view camera system, with options for adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, forward cross-traffic alerts, and a semi-automated parking function. The highway driving assist feature reduced driver fatigue on long trips, and all safety features performed reliably without false alarms.

The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica received a 2023 Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and rear park assist. Optional features included a 360-degree camera system, front park assist, and parallel/perpendicular park assist. The new Emergency Vehicle Alert System provided warnings about nearby emergency vehicles or road hazards.