2023 BMW X7 vs 2023 Honda Pilot

In 2023, the BMW X7 underwent a mid-cycle makeover after four years in production. This revamp brought the big SUV in line with the personality of the redesigned BMW 7 Series sedan. The significant change was upfront, where LED accent lights replaced the headlights’ previous spots, with the actual headlights tucked underneath. The bold and arguably polarizing oversized kidney grille remained, likely to spark as much debate as before. BMW aimed for a bolder design with the facelift, and while it achieved that, the added presence came at the expense of grace and cohesiveness. Even though styles are subjective, and opinions vary, very few outside BMW circles seemed to praise this new restyle.

Retaining the sides and rear similar to the previous model helped maintain some familiarity. Shoppers had choices between two design themes: the base Design Pure Excellence model, featuring chrome exterior trim, and the M Sport, which replaced the chrome with a darker, more sinister finish.

Inside, the X7's dashboard saw the most noticeable changes. A curved sheet of glass now housed the digital instrument panel and central infotainment touchscreen, giving the dash a more elemental design. The center console updated to feature a toggle switch-like gear selector, moving away from last year's protruding crystal lever. Interior materials quality maintained the premium luxury feel typical of BMW, with options for supple leather or Sensafin synthetic substitutes covering the top of the dash and doors. However, the glossy wood and carbon fiber interior trims were best avoided due to harsh midday sun reflections, with matte and open-pore wood alternatives providing a better tactile experience and reduced glare. The sturdily built interior offered a modern, elegant appearance despite the polarizing exterior.

In contrast, the 2023 Honda Pilot adopted a completely redesigned exterior with a more rugged and substantial appearance. Its upright grille and boxier styling made it look bigger, fulfilling this visual promise with actual size increases—3.4 inches longer, up to 1.5 inches wider, and 0.8 inches taller than the previous model. These changes aligned perfectly with the Pilot's all-terrain-capable TrailSport model, which gained legitimate off-road parts including a one-inch taller ride height, unique 18-inch wheels, chunky all-terrain tires, and underbody skid plates.

The interior design remained conventional, focusing on functionality and versatility. Materials quality met class expectations, which had improved thanks to tough competition. Overall, the 2023 Pilot presented a tidy, utilitarian aesthetic that preferred function over form without sacrificing attractiveness.

The 2023 BMW X7 lineup started with the base xDrive40i model, featuring a new 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine and a 48-volt mild hybrid system. Combined, it produced 375 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque—an increase of 40 hp and 52 lb-ft over the previous year's base engine. BMW claimed this all-wheel-drive powertrain could propel the X7 to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds.

Focus on the X7 M60i model revealed an upgrade to a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine with a similar 48-volt hybrid system. Output for this model increased to 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, achieving a 0-60 mph time of 4.5 seconds. Both engines connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission, powering all four wheels. Despite the almost 6,000-pound curb weight, the X7 hid its mass well on the road. V8 acceleration was potent, easily surpassing typical driver expectations, while the base six-cylinder performed adequately if not as smoothly.

Handling was limited by the X7's weight and ride height but still surpassed most drivers' needs with well-managed body roll during cornering. The X7 was composed and confidence-inspiring, though not sporty. Despite its handling prowess, ride comfort remained high, gliding over road imperfections with ease. Compared to other luxury SUVs, its ride was slightly firmer—a hallmark of BMW's engaging driving philosophy.

The 2023 Honda Pilot, meanwhile, was powered by an all-new 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 285 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. Coupled with a new 10-speed automatic transmission, it came standard with front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive available on all models and standard on the Elite and TrailSport trims.

Initial acceleration response was quick, with smooth power delivery and pleasant engine sounds during harder acceleration. The brake pedal was appropriately soft for a family SUV, making smooth stops straightforward. The Pilot handled well for a three-row SUV, instilling confidence when driven conservatively despite noticeable body roll in turns. Steering effort was light, ideal for tight maneuvering but overly light on highways, making it feel somewhat vague.

The off-road-capable TrailSport trim boasted increased ground clearance and all-terrain tires, subtly vibrating on pavement. It balanced off-road ruggedness with on-road composure, making it adept at daily family duties and sporadic adventures.

Shoppers expected generous space from the BMW X7, and it generally delivered. The second-row seats comfortably accommodated taller passengers, enhanced by a large sunroof and expansive windows. Accessing the third row took time due to the power-operated middle row sliding and tilting out of the way, but once moved, it presented a fairly large opening. The third row could seat average-sized adults with adequate head- and legroom, though the lower cushion reduced thigh support, and lateral space got tight with adults.

Cargo space behind the third row measured 12.8 cubic feet, enough for several suitcases or large golf bags. Folding the seats with the push of a button increased capacity to 48.6 cubic feet. Maximum capacity reached 90.4 cubic feet with all seats stowed. The split tailgate helped manage cargo securely, with the lower section preventing items from rolling out and doubling as a bench or loading assist.

Interior storage for front-seat passengers included a large central covered bin housing a wireless charging pad, sizable cupholders, a spacious center armrest bin, and generous door pockets.

The Honda Pilot's interior was more conventional, featuring useful elements like a dash shelf for the front passenger, absent horizontal mesh dash trim seen in other new Hondas. The LX and Sport trims had a seven-inch infotainment touchscreen, while higher trims offered a nine-inch display. Controls for climate and drive modes were logically placed, with ample storage for personal items including a large rubberized shelf, cupholders, a wide center console bin, and front door pockets with cupholders.

A standout feature was the stowable second-row center seat, removable to provide a center pass-through for third-row access or stowable under the cargo floor. Second-row space was ample for tall passengers, while the third row was less inviting with lower thigh support but adequate for short trips.

Cargo capacity behind the third row reached 22.4 cubic feet, expandable to 60.1 cubic feet with the second row flat, and a maximum of 114.3 cubic feet with all seats folded. This was 30 percent more than the Kia Telluride's maximum cargo space.

BMW's iDrive infotainment system, once praised for its intuitive layout, faced criticism in the 2023 X7. Basic functions like temperature adjustments and audio controls remained simple, but deeper functions were more challenging due to the elimination of many physical buttons. Critical tasks such as turning on seat ventilation or adjusting cruise control required navigating through complex menus. Voice commands provided a workaround but interrupted the experience.

The 2023 Honda Pilot's technology was more user-friendly. Higher trims benefited from larger infotainment touchscreens, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless charging pad, and USB ports in every row. The top-tier Elite trim added a head-up display and fully digital instrument panel. Features like Honda's CabinTalk PA system, navigation, Bose premium audio, remote monitoring, control via a smartphone app, and Wi-Fi hotspot were available in the Touring and Elite trims. The TrailSport and Elite also offered the TrailWatch camera system for off-road awareness.

Crash test results for the BMW X7 from NHTSA and IIHS weren’t available, which was common for luxury vehicles. However, BMW's extensive standard safety equipment included frontal collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alerts, lane departure warning, adaptive headlights, front and rear parking sensors, and automatic high beams. The M60i trim added a surround-view camera, with options such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, forward cross-traffic alerts, and semi-automated parking.

The 2023 Honda Pilot had not yet been rated by NHTSA, but Honda anticipated top scores. The Pilot earned a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS. Standard Honda Sensing safety features included forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, traffic-jam assist, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign reader, automatic high beams, and driver attention monitor. Higher trims added low-speed automatic braking and parking sensors. The TrailSport and Elite included surround and multi-view camera systems.