2022 Lexus NX vs 2023 BMW X7

The 2022 Lexus NX, redesigned and available in four model series, offered a fresh take on the compact crossover SUV. With base prices ranging from $37,950 to $49,000, it presented a variety of trim levels, including the sporty F Sport and the luxurious Luxury. The NX 350, with its turbocharged engine, stood out with its distinctive Lexus design, featuring a prominent spindle grille and refined styling details. The interior embraced a minimalist approach, moving away from the cluttered dashboard of its predecessor. However, the reliance on a 14-inch touchscreen for many functions posed challenges for quick access, despite the retention of physical controls for essential features.

In contrast, the 2023 BMW X7 underwent a mid-cycle makeover, adopting a bolder design inspired by the BMW 7 Series sedan. The front-end styling, with LED accent lights and a recessed headlight design, sparked controversy, while the sides and rear remained largely unchanged. Inside, the X7 received a refresh with a curved glass housing for the digital instrument panel and infotainment touchscreen. The interior materials exuded luxury, with options for leather upholstery and wood trim. Despite its size, the X7 maintained a modern and elegant appearance, though the new front-end styling divided opinions.

The 2022 Lexus NX offered a range of powertrains, with the NX 350 featuring a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive, delivered a smooth and responsive driving experience. The NX 350 F Sport, with its adaptive variable sports suspension and performance dampers, provided a more engaging ride, while the Luxury trim offered a softer driving character. Despite its dynamic improvements, the NX's turbocharged engine lacked the refinement of its German rivals, and road and wind noise were more pronounced than expected.

The 2023 BMW X7 lineup started with the base xDrive40i model, featuring a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine with a 48-volt mild hybrid system, producing 375 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. The X7 M60i model upgraded to a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine with 523 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, providing potent acceleration and a composed driving experience. Despite its weight, the X7 managed body roll well and offered a blend of performance and comfort, though the ride was slightly firmer compared to other luxury SUVs.

The 2022 Lexus NX provided more interior room for passengers and cargo, though it felt cozy from the driver's seat. The F Sport trim offered better bolstering for the front seats, while rear-seat passengers enjoyed roomy accommodations with rear air conditioning vents and USB ports. The NX's cargo space increased to 22.7 cubic feet behind the back seat, expanding to 46.9 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The Luxury trim featured a Thematic Ambient Illumination system with 14 themes, enhancing the cabin's ambiance.

The 2023 BMW X7 excelled in providing ample space for passengers and cargo. The second-row seats accommodated taller passengers comfortably, while the third row offered adequate head- and legroom for average-sized adults. Cargo space behind the third row measured 12.8 cubic feet, expanding to 48.6 cubic feet with the third row stowed and 90.4 cubic feet with the middle seats folded. The X7's split tailgate and adjustable suspension made loading and unloading cargo convenient, while front-seat passengers enjoyed ample storage space for personal items.

The 2022 Lexus NX made significant strides in technology with the new Lexus Interface infotainment system. Featuring large touchscreen displays, natural voice recognition, and cloud-based features, it aimed to attract young digital natives. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Voice Assistant technology, and various connected service subscription plans. A 9.8-inch touchscreen was standard, with a 14-inch screen available as an upgrade. The Mark Levinson premium surround system provided excellent audio quality, though the touchscreen collected fingerprints and reflections.

The 2023 BMW X7 featured the latest iDrive infotainment system, which, despite its intuitive layout, had its drawbacks. Many physical buttons were eliminated, requiring users to navigate the infotainment screen for basic functions. Voice commands offered a workaround, but the system's complexity hindered ease of use. While the iDrive system excelled in navigation and texting, it fell short in providing intuitive access to frequently used features, leaving room for improvement in user experience.

The 2022 Lexus NX came equipped with the comprehensive Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, offering a range of driver assistance and collision avoidance features. Notable additions included Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist, Oncoming Vehicle Detection, and Curve Speed Management. The Emergency Driving Stop System provided an extra layer of safety, bringing the vehicle to a stop if the driver became unresponsive. Additional safety features included blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and Safe Exit Assist technology.

The 2023 BMW X7 boasted a robust suite of standard safety features, including 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 lane-keep assist. The highway driving assist feature reduced driver fatigue on long trips, and all safety features performed reliably without false alarms or unpredictable responses.