2023 BMW X7 vs 2022 Hyundai Tucson

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson was built on a new platform, offering a long-wheelbase model in the U.S. with two rows of seating and an expanded cargo area. Its front design featured Hyundai's new signature look, with a parametric grille that cleverly concealed LED daytime running lights, Bi-LED headlights, and LED front turn signals. When lit, these lights formed a distinctive shape reminiscent of the Aztec Spirit Bird's wings. The Tucson's side profile borrowed design elements from the Hyundai Elantra, including a silver D-pillar that created a floating roof effect. At the rear, the Tucson sported LED-illuminated toothy taillights, except for the base model, which helped it stand out among compact SUVs. Depending on the trim level, the Tucson rode on either 17- or 19-inch wheels, with high-end models featuring premium fascias, skid plates, and a panoramic sunroof. The interior was well-appointed, with stain- and odor-resistant cloth seats, and a dashboard with horizontal lines and an uncluttered aesthetic, providing a sense of spaciousness.

The 2023 BMW X7 underwent a mid-cycle makeover, adopting a bolder design inspired by the BMW 7 Series sedan. The front end featured LED accent lights where the previous headlights were, with the actual headlights recessed underneath. The oversized kidney grille remained a polarizing feature, and the new styling was expected to be equally controversial. The sides and rear of the X7 retained their previous design, with two design themes available: the chrome-trimmed Design Pure Excellence model and the dark-finished M Sport. Inside, the X7's dashboard received a refresh, with a curved glass housing for the digital instrument panel and infotainment touchscreen. The center console featured a new toggle switch-like gear selector. Interior materials were of premium quality, with leather upholstery and a new Sensafin synthetic substitute. The X7's interior was well-built, with no creaking on bumpy roads, and the revisions gave it a more modern and elegant appearance.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson offered two powertrain options: a 2.5-liter direct-injected four-cylinder engine and a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine. The ICE engine produced 187 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It delivered a combined fuel economy of 28 mpg. The hybrid powertrain, with a total system output of 226 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, provided a more engaging driving experience. It achieved 37 mpg combined, making it more fuel-efficient than its ICE counterpart. The Tucson Hybrid's power output surpassed that of competitors like the Ford Escape Hybrid, Honda CR-V Hybrid, and Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. All-wheel drive was standard on the hybrid and available on ICE models, performing well in off-road testing. The forthcoming Tucson PHEV promised even more power, with an estimated 261 horsepower and 224 pound-feet of torque, and an expected electric range of around 25 miles.

The 2023 BMW X7 lineup began with the base xDrive40i model, featuring a new 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine with a 48-volt mild hybrid system. It delivered 375 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, propelling the X7 to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds. The X7 M60i model upgraded to a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine with a similar hybrid system, producing 523 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque, reaching 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. Despite its nearly 6,000-pound weight, the X7 handled well on the road, with potent acceleration from the V8. The ride was slightly firmer than some luxury SUVs, reflecting BMW's focus on driver engagement. Overall, the X7 offered a good balance of performance and comfort.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson, a budget-friendly compact SUV, offered a well-appointed interior comparable to its competitors like the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, and Ford Escape. It featured a six-way power-adjustable driver's seat, with an eight-way version available on higher trims. The Tucson's new platform provided more passenger and cargo space, with rear seats offering two inches more legroom than the RAV4. The cabin comfortably accommodated a family of four, with a 74.8 cubic-foot cargo area. The rear featured a 60-40 split-folding bench seat and a dual-level cargo floor on ICE models. A hands-free liftgate was available on mid-grade models and up.

The 2023 BMW X7, as a large SUV, offered ample space, particularly in the second row, which accommodated taller passengers comfortably. The third row, accessible via a power-operated middle row, provided adequate head- and legroom for average-sized adults, though thigh support was limited. 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, 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 covered bin with a wireless charging pad.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson came equipped with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, a six-speaker audio system, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, HD Radio, and two USB ports. Higher trims offered a 10.25-inch touchscreen, though it required wired connections for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The larger screen was embedded in a black plastic head unit, with touchpoints for climate control and media functions. The touchpoints were responsive, but the narrow steering wheel controls were less user-friendly.

The 2023 BMW X7 featured the latest iDrive infotainment system, which, despite its intuitive layout, had moved many physical buttons to the screen. Basic functions like temperature adjustments were straightforward, but more complex tasks required navigating through menus. Voice commands were available but interrupted audio playback. The system's reliance on voice controls highlighted the need for more physical buttons and intuitive menus.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson had not been tested by the IIHS or NHTSA. It featured the Hyundai SmartSense Safety Feature suite, including forward collision-avoidance assist, lane-keep assist, automatic high beams, and more. Additional features like blind-spot warning, adaptive cruise control, and a surround-view camera system were available. Hyundai offered a comprehensive warranty package, including a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty.

The 2023 BMW X7 had not been tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, but it came with a comprehensive list of safety features. Standard features included frontal collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and lane departure warning. The M60i trim added a surround-view camera system, with options for adaptive cruise control and a highway driving assist feature. The safety features performed well, with no false alarms or unpredictable responses.