2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid vs 2023 BMW X7

The 2023 BMW X7 underwent a significant mid-cycle refresh, adopting a more assertive front-end design reminiscent of the BMW 7 Series sedan. The SUV featured LED accent lights in place of the previous headlights, with the actual headlights now discreetly positioned underneath. The oversized kidney grille remained a polarizing element, and the new styling was expected to be equally controversial. While BMW aimed for a bolder design, the result was a trade-off between presence and cohesiveness. The interior saw updates with a curved glass housing for the digital instrument panel and infotainment touchscreen, alongside a more elemental dashboard design. Interior materials were of high quality, with options for leather upholstery and a new Sensafin synthetic substitute. The X7's interior revisions provided a modern and elegant appearance, despite mixed opinions on the exterior restyle.

The 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid, starting at $33,700, offered a sporty exterior with black 18-inch wheels and blacked-out trim. The Sport Touring Hybrid, priced at $39,850, featured Canyon River Blue paint and a conservative design with a technical face. The rear quarter view, with Volvo-like taillights, gave the CR-V an upscale look. Inside, the Sport Touring boasted leather seats with orange contrast stitching and quality details like metal mesh air vent covers. The cabin exuded sophistication, with a focus on comfort and practicality. The CR-V's design choices aimed for a balance between sportiness and elegance, appealing to those seeking a refined yet affordable hybrid SUV.

The 2023 BMW X7 offered a range of powerful engines, starting with the base xDrive40i model, which featured 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, an increase from the previous year's model. The X7 M60i model upgraded to a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, producing 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, providing all-wheel drive. Despite its nearly 6,000-pound weight, the X7 handled well on the road, with potent acceleration and a composed ride. The V8 engine offered impressive power, while the base six-cylinder was adequate for most drivers. The X7 balanced performance and comfort, with a slightly firmer ride compared to other luxury SUVs.

The 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid featured a fourth-generation two-motor hybrid drive system, combining a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors. This setup delivered 204 horsepower to the front or all four wheels. The hybrid system operated transparently, with the gasoline engine sometimes acting as a generator. The CR-V Hybrid achieved an EPA-estimated 37 mpg in combined driving, though real-world testing returned 32.4 mpg. The CR-V offered a compliant ride with predictable handling, and the brakes performed well during heavy use. While the steering effort was heavier than expected, the CR-V was easy to drive and provided a hint of fun. However, it wasn't designed for off-road adventures or spirited driving.

The 2023 BMW X7 excelled in providing ample space for passengers and cargo. The second-row seats accommodated taller passengers comfortably, and the large sunroof and windows enhanced the airy feel. Accessing the third row required some patience, but it offered adequate head- and legroom for average-sized adults. The third-row seat cushion was lower, affecting thigh support, but this was common for three-row SUVs. Behind the third row, the X7 offered 12.8 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 48.6 cubic feet with the third row stowed. Folding the middle seats increased capacity to 90.4 cubic feet. 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 and well-sized cupholders.

The 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid impressed with its form and function, offering quality materials, intuitive controls, and comfortable seating. All CR-V Hybrids included a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat, providing excellent support. The front passenger seat offered similar comfort, with power operation in the Sport Hybrid trim. The CR-V's wide rear doors and roomy back seat made it ideal for families, with easy access for installing child safety seats. The back seat provided excellent leg support and adjustable backrest angles. The CR-V offered generous storage, though the glove compartment was smaller than expected. The Sport Touring's hands-free power rear liftgate revealed a 34.7 cubic foot cargo area, expandable to 76.5 cubic feet with the back seat folded down, making it one of the most spacious in its class.

The 2023 BMW X7 featured the latest iDrive infotainment system, which, despite its intuitive layout, had some drawbacks. Many physical buttons were replaced by touchscreen controls, making simple tasks like adjusting seat settings more complicated. Voice commands were available but could be slow to process. While the system worked well for navigation and texting, more physical buttons for frequently used features would have been appreciated.

The 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid came with a 7-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with a larger 9-inch display available. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with wireless smartphone charging, were reserved for higher trims. The Sport Touring trim included navigation and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The voice recognition system was basic, with prompts appearing on the display. The CR-V Hybrid also featured a walk-away automatic locking system, providing peace of mind.

The 2023 BMW X7 came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including frontal collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane departure warning. The M60i trim added a surround-view camera system, with options for adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. The highway driving assist feature reduced driver fatigue on long trips, and all safety features performed reliably during testing.

The 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid included Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems. Standard features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Sport-L and Sport Touring trims added parking sensors and low-speed automatic braking. Honda Sensing performed well during testing, with only minor issues in certain conditions. The CR-V received a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS for 2023, though NHTSA ratings were not yet available.