2021 BMW X7 vs 2021 Toyota RAV4

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 presented a rugged exterior that was reminiscent of a traditional SUV, with its boxy fender flares, chiseled taillights, and a scowling front end. This aggressive styling set it apart from previous RAV4 generations and most other compact crossovers, giving it a distinctive presence on the road. Despite its bold exterior, the RAV4 was built on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, which was shared with other Toyota models like the Camry and Sienna. This meant that while the RAV4 looked adventurous, its mechanical underpinnings were more conventional.

In contrast, the 2021 BMW X7 exuded luxury and sophistication, with a design that commanded attention. It boasted greater interior quality than competitors like the Cadillac Escalade and more technological sophistication than the Lexus LX 570. The X7's massive grille was a defining feature, fitting well with its large SUV stature. Inside, the X7 shared design elements with the X5, offering high-quality materials and intuitive controls. The vehicle's styling was both traditional and glamorous, securing its position at the top of BMW's SUV lineup.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 was equipped with a "Dynamic Force" 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, available in front-wheel drive (FWD) or optional all-wheel drive (AWD). Despite its impressive thermal efficiency and racing engine-like revving capabilities, the RAV4's transmission struggled to keep up, leading to a less dynamic driving experience. The RAV4 offered off-road capabilities with models like the Adventure and TRD Off-Road, featuring a torque-vectoring rear axle and 8.6 inches of ground clearance, but lacked traditional off-roading features like a two-speed transfer case.

The 2021 BMW X7 xDrive40i featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with 335 horsepower and 331 lb-ft of torque. This engine was complemented by BMW's eBoost mild-hybrid technology, which included a 48-volt starter/generator and battery to enhance fuel efficiency and responsiveness. Despite the technology, the X7's fuel economy ratings were slightly lower than the previous year. The X7 accelerated to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds, offering ample power. However, its self-leveling air suspension struggled with body motions, affecting driving enjoyment. The Dynamic Handling Package improved maneuverability and stability, but the X7's weight was noticeable on highways and canyon roads.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 offered a tall, upright roof providing ample headroom and good outward visibility. However, legroom was slightly behind competitors, and the rear seats were less comfortable for long trips. The RAV4's cargo space was above average at 37.6 cubic feet with the rear seats in place, but still trailed behind the Honda CR-V. The interior featured oversized knobs and easy-to-use controls, though storage space was somewhat limited.

The 2021 BMW X7's interior was luxurious, with features like heated and massaging front seats, premium Merino leather upholstery, and a five-zone climate control system. Front-seat comfort was exceptional, and the second-row captain's chairs were equally comfortable. The third-row seat was surprisingly accommodating for adults, though accessing it required some maneuvering of the power seats. Cargo space was limited behind the third row but expanded to 48.6 cubic feet with the seats folded, and 90.4 cubic feet with the second row down.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 came standard with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Most trims featured a 7-inch touchscreen, with higher trims offering larger screens. The infotainment system was user-friendly but lacked standout features, and the gasoline RAV4 did not include a head-up display.

The 2021 BMW X7 featured BMW's Live Cockpit Professional digital instrumentation and iDrive 7.0 infotainment system, both with 12.3-inch displays. The system included Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, enhanced SiriusXM 360L, and Connected Package Pro. Additional features included wireless smartphone charging, natural voice recognition, and gesture control. The head-up display was also available, though it was difficult to see with polarized sunglasses.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS, with top scores in crash tests and front-crash prevention. However, it missed the highest rating due to mixed headlight scores. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall rating. Standard safety features included Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, with higher trims offering additional features like blind-spot monitoring and a 360-degree camera system.

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. These included evasive-steering assist, traffic-jam assist, and semi-automated parking assist. The X7's advanced driving assistance systems were generally impressive, though there were some issues with lane-maintenance technology in specific situations.