2023 BMW X7 vs 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander

The 2023 BMW X7 underwent a significant mid-cycle makeover, adopting a bolder design reminiscent of the redesigned BMW 7 Series sedan. The most noticeable change was at the front, where LED accent lights replaced the previous headlights, which were now tucked underneath. This new styling, with its oversized kidney grille, was expected to be as polarizing as its predecessor. While the facelift aimed for a more assertive look, it came at the cost of grace and cohesiveness. The interior received a refresh with a curved glass display housing the digital instrument panel and central infotainment touchscreen. The materials used were of premium quality, with options like Merino leather and Sensafin synthetic substitutes. Despite the controversial exterior, the interior revisions gave the X7 a modern and elegant appearance.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander was a true crossover built on the TNGA-K platform, sharing its underpinnings with the regular Highlander and other Toyota models. It was larger than its competitors, offering a spacious interior with a length of 5,115 millimetres and a wheelbase of 2,950 mm. The design was more conservative and blockier, drawing inspiration from rugged vehicles like the 4Runner. Inside, the Grand Highlander offered three trims with varying levels of luxury, including Softex synthetic leather and real leather options. The interior was well-built, with ample space and comfort for passengers, making it an excellent choice for road trips. The Grand Highlander excelled in providing a comfortable and well-built environment, with a reputation for mechanical reliability.

The 2023 BMW X7 offered a range of powerful engine options. The base model, X7 xDrive40i, featured a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine with a 48-volt mild hybrid system, producing 375 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain allowed the X7 to accelerate to 100 km/h in approximately 6 seconds. The X7 M60i model upgraded to a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 engine, delivering 523 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque, achieving 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. Despite its weight of nearly 2,720 kilograms, the X7 handled well on the road, offering a blend of performance and comfort. The ride was slightly firmer compared to other luxury SUVs, but it provided a more engaging driving experience.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander offered three engine options. The base model featured a 2.4-litre turbo four-cylinder engine producing 265 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. For those prioritizing fuel efficiency, a 2.5-litre four-cylinder hybrid option delivered 245 combined net horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque. The top-tier Grand Highlander Hybrid Max powertrain combined a 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with electric motors, producing 362 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque. All powertrains came with all-wheel drive. The Hybrid Max offered impressive acceleration, reaching 60 mph in 6.3 seconds. While the Grand Highlander was not designed for sporty performance, it provided adequate acceleration and solid braking. The steering feel was somewhat numb, but the vehicle excelled in comfort and offered various drive modes for different conditions.

The 2023 BMW X7 provided ample space for passengers and cargo. The second-row seats accommodated taller passengers comfortably, and the large sunroof and windows enhanced the airy feeling. Accessing the third row required some time due to the power-operated middle row, but it offered a reasonably large opening. The third row could accommodate average-sized adults, though thigh support was limited. Cargo space behind the third row measured 362 litres, expanding to 1,376 litres with the third row folded and 2,560 litres with all rear seats folded. The X7 featured a split tailgate and air suspension for easier loading. Front-seat passengers had adequate storage space, including a large centre console bin.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander was larger than its rivals, offering exceptional interior space. With a length of over 5 metres and a wheelbase of 2,950 mm, it provided more cargo capacity than competitors. Total cargo capacity reached 2,761 litres, with 1,640 litres behind the second row and 583 litres with all seats up. The Grand Highlander offered a comfortable and spacious interior, with ample headroom, legroom, and shoulder room in all rows. It provided a viable alternative to minivans for those seeking space without compromising on comfort.

The 2023 BMW X7 featured the latest iDrive 8 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. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Harman Kardon premium sound system was standard. A head-up display was available as an option.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander came with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering a visually stunning interface. An intelligent assistant was available through a connected-services subscription, allowing voice commands for various tasks. The system included dual-device Bluetooth connectivity, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Grand Highlander Limited and Platinum trims featured an 11-speaker JBL stereo, providing a balanced audio experience. Streaming audio integration and Sirius XM satellite radio were also available.

The 2023 BMW X7 had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS, but it offered a comprehensive list of safety features. Standard safety equipment included frontal collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, adaptive headlights, and parking sensors. Optional features included a surround-view camera system, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and a highway driving assist feature. The safety features performed well, with no false alarms or unpredictable responses.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander had not been crash-tested either, but it came with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 as standard. This suite included automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert with steering assist, lane-tracing assist, automatic high beams, road-sign recognition, and blind-spot monitoring. The updated lane-departure alert could identify three-dimensional objects, reducing false warnings. Traffic jam assist and a head-up display were exclusive to the Platinum grade. Adaptive cruise control was standard, offering four following-distance settings.