Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs BMW X7

The 2023 BMW X7 underwent a significant mid-cycle makeover, drawing inspiration from the redesigned BMW 7 Series sedan. The most noticeable change was the repositioning of LED accent lights to where the headlights used to be, with the actual headlights now tucked underneath. This bold design choice, coupled with the oversized kidney grille, continued to polarize opinions. While the front-end styling was divisive, the sides and rear remained largely unchanged, maintaining a sense of familiarity. Inside, the X7's interior received a refresh with a curved glass display housing the digital instrument panel and infotainment touchscreen. The interior materials were of premium quality, featuring supple leather upholstery and a new Sensafin synthetic substitute. Despite some glossy trim choices causing glare, the overall interior revisions lent a modern and elegant appearance.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid maintained its previous design with minimal changes, introducing a new Cypress Green paint colour. The exterior was characterized by exaggerated forms, including scowling headlights and dramatically sculpted rear forms. Inside, the Highlander Hybrid's cabin was oversized, with large air vents and a giant 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. However, the multi-layered dashboard's mismatched textures and tones, along with reflections from the display, made the interior visually overwhelming. The quality of materials was questionable, with primary controls feeling inexpensive and storage areas unlined. Despite these drawbacks, the Highlander Hybrid offered a quiet ride on the road, with Toyota focusing on minimizing noise.

The 2023 BMW X7 offered two engine options. The base X7 xDrive40i model featured a new 3.0-litre turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine paired 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 with a similar hybrid system, delivering 523 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque, achieving 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds. Both engines were mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission with standard all-wheel drive. Despite its weight of nearly 2,720 kilograms, the X7 handled well, with managed body roll and a composed ride. The ride comfort was slightly firmer compared to other luxury SUVs, but it struck a good balance between performance and comfort.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid combined a 2.5-litre Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine with two electric motor-generators, creating a standard all-wheel-drive system. The powertrain produced 243 combined horsepower, propelling the 2,060-kilogram SUV. The electric motors assisted with acceleration and allowed for low-speed electric-only driving. However, the gas engine's torque was limited, affecting high-speed passing power. The Highlander Hybrid offered Eco, Normal, and Sport driving modes, with a Trail mode for light off-road use. The focus was on fuel economy, with a Predictive Efficient Drive system optimizing efficiency. Despite its quiet highway ride, the Highlander Hybrid's driving experience was unengaging, with soft suspension and a continuously variable transmission contributing to a lacklustre feel.

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 feel. Accessing the third row required some effort, but it offered adequate headroom and legroom for average-sized adults. The cargo space behind the third row measured 362 litres, expandable 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 ample storage options, including a large covered bin with a wireless charging pad.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid offered seating for seven or eight, depending on the trim level. Most models featured second-row captain's chairs, with the third row best suited for occasional use. Standard equipment included three-zone automatic climate control and heated front seats, with higher trims adding features like a heated steering wheel and ventilated seats. The second-row captain's chairs provided comfort, and the side window sunshades offered protection from the sun. However, accessing the third row was challenging, and the seats were less comfortable. The Highlander Hybrid had a dashboard shelf with a wireless charging pad and rubber-lined cupholders. Cargo space behind the third row measured 453 litres, expandable to 1,370 litres with the third row folded and 2,387 litres with the second row folded.

The 2023 BMW X7 featured the latest iDrive 8 infotainment system, which, despite its intuitive layout, had some drawbacks. Many physical buttons were replaced with touchscreen controls, making simple tasks like adjusting seat settings more complicated. Voice commands were available but could be slow to process. The X7 came with a standard Harman Kardon premium sound system and offered a head-up display.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid introduced new technology, including a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display with customizable themes. The infotainment system featured an 8.0-inch or 12.3-inch touchscreen, depending on the trim level, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Connected services, including Remote Connect and Drive Connect, enhanced functionality. The test vehicle included a head-up display and an 11-speaker JBL sound system. While the infotainment system was user-friendly, the graphics could be improved for better visibility.

The 2023 BMW X7 lacked crash test results from major safety organizations, but it offered a comprehensive suite of safety features. Standard features included frontal collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and adaptive headlights. Optional features included a surround-view camera system, adaptive cruise control, and a highway driving assist feature. The safety features performed well, with no false alarms or unpredictable responses.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid excelled in safety, equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ as standard. This included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and more. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. Higher trims added parking sensors and a surround-view camera. The Highlander Hybrid received excellent crash-test ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA.