2023 BMW X7 vs 2022 Mazda CX-5

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 underwent subtle yet impactful exterior updates, including new LED headlights and taillights, redesigned bumpers, a revised grille, and a fresh rear liftgate. These changes aimed to enhance the vehicle's premium appeal, especially in the top-tier Signature trim, which featured body-color lower exterior trim. Inside, the CX-5 maintained its luxurious feel with premium Nappa leather upholstery, real wood trim, and polished metallic accents. The new seats provided improved comfort, addressing previous complaints about the seating. However, Mazda's decision to revamp the trim levels introduced some confusion, offering a choice between the CX-5 2.5 S and the CX-5 2.5 Turbo, with the latter boasting a turbocharged engine for those seeking more power.

In contrast, the 2023 BMW X7 received a bold mid-cycle makeover, drawing inspiration from the redesigned BMW 7 Series sedan. The front end featured LED accent lights and a recessed headlight design, which sparked mixed reactions due to its polarizing oversized kidney grille. While the sides and rear remained largely unchanged, the interior saw significant updates, including a curved glass housing for the digital instrument panel and infotainment touchscreen. The center console featured a new toggle switch-like gear selector, and the interior materials exuded luxury with supple leather upholstery and a new Sensafin synthetic substitute. Despite some design choices causing glare, the X7's interior revisions added a modern and elegant touch.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine options. The 2.5 S model featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, paired with a revised six-speed automatic transmission for improved responsiveness. All CX-5s came standard with all-wheel drive, and the 2.5 S achieved a combined fuel economy of 26 mpg. For those seeking more power, the 2.5 Turbo variant delivered 256 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque on premium gas, or 227 horsepower and 310 pound-feet on regular gas. The 2.5 Turbo also featured the revised transmission and standard AWD, with a combined fuel economy of 24 mpg. The CX-5's driving dynamics were enhanced with increased structural rigidity and reworked suspension tuning, providing a quieter and smoother ride with reduced body roll and improved handling.

The 2023 BMW X7 lineup began with the xDrive40i model, equipped with a new 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine and a 48-volt mild hybrid system, producing 375 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. The X7 M60i model upgraded to a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine with a similar hybrid system, delivering 523 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. Despite its nearly 6,000-pound weight, the X7 offered potent acceleration, with the V8 reaching 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. The X7's handling was composed, with well-managed body roll and a firm yet comfortable ride, embodying BMW's focus on driver engagement.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 addressed previous complaints about its ride and seating with new furnishings that provided better support and a sportier driving position. Most trims included a height-adjustable front passenger seat, and the 2.5 Turbo model featured leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, and heated and ventilated front seats. The back seat remained snug, but heated outboard cushions and air conditioning vents improved passenger comfort. The control layout, however, was frustrating due to the lack of a touchscreen display and natural voice recognition. Cargo space was adequate, with 30.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 59.3 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2023 BMW X7 offered ample space, with the second-row seats accommodating taller passengers and a large sunroof enhancing the airy feel. Accessing the third row required some time due to the power-operated middle row, but it provided adequate head- and legroom for average-sized adults. 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 X7 featured a split tailgate and a button to lower the suspension for easier loading. Front-seat passengers enjoyed ample storage space, including a large center console bin with a wireless charging pad.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 retained its Mazda Connect infotainment system with a 10.25-inch display, but it lacked touch sensitivity and natural voice recognition. Users had to rely on center console and steering wheel controls, which required acclimation. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with text-messaging support and Mazda Connected Services. The 2.5 S Premium trim and above included a 10-speaker Bose sound system, which performed adequately. Mazda offered a generous three-year trial subscription to its connected services, excluding WiFi.

The 2023 BMW X7 featured the latest iDrive infotainment system, which, despite its intuitive layout, had eliminated many physical buttons, moving functions to the touchscreen. Basic functions were easy to operate, but more complex tasks required navigating through menus. Voice commands were available but interrupted audio playback. The system's reliance on voice controls for navigation and texting was seen as a workaround for the lack of physical buttons and intuitive menus.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 came equipped with a comprehensive i-Activsense package, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims added features like adaptive headlights, a surround-view camera system, and Traffic Jam Assist. The CX-5 received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS, highlighting its strong safety credentials.

The 2023 BMW X7 lacked crash test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, but it offered a robust suite of safety features. Standard equipment included frontal collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, 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, and highway driving assist. The safety features performed reliably, with no false alarms or unpredictable responses.