2021 BMW X7 vs 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid

The 2021 BMW X7 was a standout in the luxury SUV segment, often seen navigating the bustling streets of metropolitan Los Angeles. It was known for its superior interior quality, surpassing that of the Cadillac Escalade, and boasted more prestige than the Infiniti QX80 or Lincoln Navigator. The X7 offered advanced technological features that outshone the Lexus LX 570 and had a commanding visual presence that rivaled the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class. Despite its impressive attributes, the choice of a luxury SUV often came down to personal preference, and the X7 was no exception.

The X7 xDrive40i, priced at $74,900, was the entry-level model, while the M50i and Alpina BX7 were available at higher price points. The test vehicle, an X7 xDrive40i, was equipped with premium features such as 22-inch aluminum wheels, extended leather, and a trailer hitch, bringing the total cost to $91,745. The X7's design, characterized by its large grille, was well-suited to its size, and its interior shared many high-quality elements with the X5, offering a luxurious and technologically advanced driving experience.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid, introduced with a two-motor hybrid powertrain, maintained the familiar look of its gas-only counterparts, with subtle distinctions like "Hybrid" badges and blue Honda logos. The CR-V Hybrid's design updates included sophisticated LED fog lights and a unique rear bumper. Inside, it featured distinct trim and instrumentation to display battery status and power distribution, with steering wheel paddles managing regenerative braking.

Available in EX, EX-L, and Touring trims, the CR-V Hybrid came standard with all-wheel drive, with prices ranging from $30,560 to $36,350. The Touring trim, tested with Platinum White Pearl paint, offered a luxurious interior with ivory leather and a two-tone contrast. Despite the presence of fake wood trim, the CR-V Hybrid provided a comfortable and spacious cabin, though it lacked some of the premium features found in its competitors.

The 2021 BMW X7 xDrive40i featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine, delivering 335 horsepower and 331 lb-ft of torque. Paired with an eight-speed sport automatic transmission and BMW's xDrive AWD system, the X7 offered a smooth and powerful driving experience. The eBoost mild-hybrid technology, with a 48-volt starter/generator and battery, aimed to enhance fuel efficiency and responsiveness, though the EPA ratings showed a slight decrease in fuel economy compared to the previous year.

The X7 accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds, demonstrating ample power. Despite its size and weight, the X7 handled well, thanks to the Dynamic Handling Package, which included features like Active Comfort Drive and Integral Active Steering. However, the SUV's self-leveling air suspension struggled with excessive body motions, affecting ride comfort. The X7 excelled in providing a serene and comfortable ride, with advanced braking systems ensuring safety during spirited driving.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid combined a 2.0-liter gasoline engine with an electric assist motor, producing a total of 212 horsepower and 232 lb-ft of torque. The hybrid system offered three driving modes—EV Drive, Hybrid Drive, and Engine Drive—automatically selecting the most suitable one. The CR-V Hybrid's added weight improved weight distribution and maintained the standard AWD model's ground clearance.

The CR-V Hybrid delivered a pleasant driving experience, with quick acceleration and predictable handling. However, its real-world fuel economy of 33.7 mpg fell short of the EPA's 38 mpg rating and lagged behind competitors like the RAV4 Hybrid. Despite this, the CR-V Hybrid's driving dynamics were enjoyable, with a focus on comfort and efficiency.

The 2021 BMW X7's interior was a testament to luxury, featuring heated and ventilated seats, premium leather upholstery, and a five-zone climate control system. Front-seat comfort was exceptional, and the second-row captain's chairs provided ample space and comfort. The third-row seats were surprisingly accommodating for adults, though accessing them required some maneuvering of the power seats. Cargo space was limited behind the third row, but folding the seats expanded the capacity to 90.4 cubic feet.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid excelled in interior space and comfort, with supportive front seats offering 12-way power adjustment and heated functionality. The rear seat provided generous legroom, comparable to the Accord sedan, and featured air conditioning vents and USB ports. Despite the Touring trim's wireless smartphone charger occupying center console space, the CR-V Hybrid offered impressive interior storage. Cargo capacity was slightly reduced due to the battery pack, but it remained practical for everyday use.

The 2021 BMW X7 was equipped with advanced technology, including the Live Cockpit Professional digital instrumentation and iDrive 7.0 infotainment system with a 12.3-inch touchscreen. The system supported Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, along with enhanced SiriusXM 360L and Connected Package Pro. Features like wireless smartphone charging, natural voice recognition, and gesture control were included, though the latter was inconsistent. The head-up display was a useful addition, though visibility was limited with polarized sunglasses.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid's infotainment system, though not outdated in appearance, lagged in performance. The seven-inch touchscreen lacked a tuning knob, and the system was slow to start. Voice recognition was limited, making wired Apple CarPlay or Android Auto necessary for natural interaction. The Touring trim's nine-speaker audio system provided good sound quality, and the infotainment system supported text messaging, SiriusXM, and Pandora.

The 2021 BMW X7 came standard with a comprehensive suite of safety technologies, with additional features available in the Driving Assistance Professional Package and Parking Assistance Package. The Driving Assistance Professional Package included advanced features like evasive-steering assist and traffic-jam assist, enhancing the X7's safety and driving experience. The Parking Assistance Package added semi-automated parking assist and a surround-view camera, further bolstering the X7's safety credentials.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid was equipped with Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driving-assistance systems. Standard features included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. The CR-V Hybrid also featured blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. It earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, ensuring peace of mind for drivers and passengers.