Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs BMW X7

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 headlights used to be, with the actual headlights now tucked underneath. This bold design choice, coupled with the oversized kidney grille, made the X7's front-end styling quite polarizing. While the sides and rear remained largely unchanged, the interior saw a refresh with a curved glass housing for the digital instrument panel and infotainment touchscreen. The interior materials were of high quality, featuring supple leather upholstery and a new Sensafin synthetic substitute. Despite some harsh reflections from glossy trim choices, the X7's interior revisions gave it a modern and elegant appearance.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid maintained its previous design with minimal changes, such as a new Cypress Green paint color and standard power-folding exterior mirrors for higher trims. The Highlander Hybrid's exterior was described as over-styled, with exaggerated forms and a lack of subtlety. Inside, the cabin featured large elements like a 12.3-inch touchscreen and oversized controls, contributing to a visually busy environment. The interior materials and build quality were criticized, with controls feeling inexpensive and storage areas unlined. Despite these drawbacks, the Highlander Hybrid offered a quiet ride, thanks to acoustic front window glass in higher trims.

The 2023 BMW X7 offered two engine options, starting with the base xDrive40i model featuring a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine paired with a 48-volt mild hybrid system. This setup delivered 375 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, allowing the X7 to reach 60 mph in 5.8 seconds. The M60i model upgraded to a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, producing 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, achieving 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. Both engines were mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission with all-wheel drive. Despite its nearly 6,000-pound weight, the X7 handled well, with potent acceleration from the V8 and a composed ride. The suspension managed body roll effectively, providing a balance between performance and comfort.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine with two electric motor-generators, producing a total of 243 horsepower. The hybrid system allowed for electric-only driving at low speeds, but the gas engine's 175 pound-feet of torque limited high-speed passing power. While the Highlander Hybrid could tow up to 3,500 pounds, it struggled with power in mountainous terrain. The SUV offered Eco, Normal, and Sport driving modes, with AWD models featuring a Trail mode for light off-road use. The Highlander Hybrid prioritized fuel economy, though it fell short of its EPA rating, averaging 28.7 mpg during testing. The ride was soft and compliant, but the driving experience lacked engagement and excitement.

The 2023 BMW X7 excelled in providing ample space for passengers and cargo. The second-row seats accommodated taller passengers comfortably, and the power-operated middle row facilitated access to the third row. While the third row offered adequate head- and legroom, the seat cushion was lower, affecting thigh support. Cargo space behind the third row measured 12.8 cubic feet, expandable to 48.6 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 90.4 cubic feet with the middle seats down. The X7 featured a split tailgate and a button to lower the suspension for easier loading. Front-seat passengers enjoyed generous storage options, including a large center console bin with a wireless charging pad.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid offered seating for seven or eight, depending on the configuration. Most models featured second-row captain's chairs, making the third row best suited for occasional use. The interior included three-zone automatic climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated second-row captain's chairs. While the front seats provided power adjustment, additional thigh support was desired. The second-row seats were comfortable, with sunshades for added privacy. Accessing the third row was challenging, and the seats were flat and uncomfortable. Cargo space behind the third row measured 16 cubic feet, expandable to 48.4 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 84.3 cubic feet with the second row down. The Highlander Hybrid's storage areas were unlined, and the center console design was unnecessarily complex.

The 2023 BMW X7 featured the latest iDrive infotainment system, which received mixed reviews. While basic functions like temperature adjustments and audio controls were straightforward, many physical buttons were replaced by touchscreen controls, complicating tasks like adjusting seat settings or adaptive cruise control. Voice commands offered some relief, but the system's execution was slow and interrupted audio playback. The lack of physical buttons for frequently used features and the convoluted menu structure detracted from the overall experience.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid introduced new technology, including a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display with customizable themes. However, the controls for the screen were not intuitive. The infotainment system featured an 8.0-inch touchscreen in lower trims and a 12.3-inch display in higher trims, offering over-the-air updates, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and various connected services. The Drive Connect service plan enhanced the system with voice recognition, cloud-based navigation, and live assistance. The test vehicle included a head-up display and an 11-speaker JBL sound system, which delivered decent sound quality. While the infotainment platform was user-friendly, the graphics could benefit from improved contrast.

The 2023 BMW X7 lacked crash test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, but it boasted a comprehensive suite of safety features. Standard equipment included frontal collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, adaptive headlights, parking sensors, and automatic high beams. 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 effectively reduced driver fatigue on long trips.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid prioritized safety with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, a standard suite of advanced driving assistance systems. This included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, automatic high beams, and road sign assist. Hybrids also featured blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. Limited and Platinum trims added parking sensors with automatic braking and a surround-view camera. The ADAS performed well, though it occasionally struggled with lane markings and rural roads. Safety Connect provided emergency assistance and vehicle location services. The Highlander Hybrid received excellent crash-test ratings from both NHTSA and IIHS.