2023 BMW X7 vs 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander

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 positioned where the previous model's headlights were, with the actual headlights now discreetly placed underneath. The oversized kidney grille, a hallmark of the X7, remained a polarizing element, and the new styling continued to spark debate. While the facelift aimed for a bolder appearance, it arguably compromised the vehicle's grace and cohesiveness. The interior saw a modern update with a curved glass housing for the digital instrument panel and infotainment touchscreen, alongside a more streamlined dashboard design. The quality of materials was top-notch, with options for leather upholstery and a new Sensafin synthetic substitute. Despite some criticisms of the exterior, the interior revisions were generally well-received for their elegance and modernity.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander, built on the TNGA-K platform, was a true crossover, sharing its underpinnings with several other Toyota models. It was notably larger than its competitors, with a length of 201.4 inches and a 116.1-inch wheelbase, offering a spacious interior. The design was more conservative and blockier compared to the smaller Highlander, drawing inspiration from rugged vehicles like the 4Runner. The Grand Highlander was available in three trims, with interior options ranging from Softex synthetic leather to real leather in higher trims. The vehicle was praised for its comfort and well-built interior, making it an excellent choice for road trips. The Grand Highlander also offered a variety of engine options, including a hybrid, catering to different consumer preferences.

The 2023 BMW X7 offered two engine options. The base model, X7 xDrive40i, featured 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. This setup allowed the SUV to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds. The X7 M60i model upgraded to a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, also with a 48-volt hybrid system, delivering 523 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0 to 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, with potent acceleration and a composed ride. The SUV maintained a balance between performance and comfort, though the ride was slightly firmer compared to some luxury competitors.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander offered three engine options. The base engine was a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, producing 265 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. A 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid option provided 245 combined net horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque. The top-tier Hybrid Max powertrain, a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder hybrid, delivered 362 combined net horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque. The Hybrid Max achieved a 0 to 60 mph time of 6.3 seconds. The Grand Highlander was available with front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, except for the Hybrid Max, which was AWD only. While not designed for sporty performance, the Grand Highlander offered adequate acceleration and solid braking. It featured three drive modes—Sport, Eco, and Normal—with additional off-road modes for AWD models.

The 2023 BMW X7 provided ample space, particularly in the second row, with a large sunroof and windows enhancing the airy feel. Accessing the third row required some patience due to the power-operated middle row, but once in place, it offered adequate space for average-sized adults. Cargo space behind the third row was 12.8 cubic feet, expanding to 48.6 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 90.4 cubic feet with all rear seats down. The split tailgate design was practical for loading and unloading, and the interior offered plenty of storage for personal items.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander was larger than most of its rivals, with a total cargo capacity of 97.5 cubic feet. With the second row in place, it offered 57.9 cubic feet, and 20.6 cubic feet with all three rows up. The spacious interior provided excellent head, leg, and shoulder room in every row, making it comfortable for adults, even in the third row. The Grand Highlander was praised for its comfort and practicality, offering a viable alternative to minivans for those seeking ample space.

The 2023 BMW X7 featured the latest iDrive infotainment system, which, despite its intuitive layout, was criticized for eliminating many physical buttons. Basic functions were easy to operate, but more complex settings required navigating through the infotainment screen. Voice commands were available but were seen as a workaround for the lack of physical controls. The system was less user-friendly than previous iterations, with a need for more intuitive menus and physical buttons for frequently used features.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander came with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a significant improvement over previous Toyota interfaces. An intelligent assistant was available through a connected-services subscription, allowing voice command operation for various functions. The system included dual-device Bluetooth connectivity, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Limited and Platinum trims featured an 11-speaker JBL stereo, offering good sound quality. While Toyota's tech had advanced, potential buyers were advised to review subscription options carefully.

The 2023 BMW X7 had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS, but it came with a comprehensive list 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 was particularly appreciated for reducing driver fatigue on long trips.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander had not been crash-tested either, but it included Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 as standard, featuring automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, and blind-spot monitoring. The adaptive cruise control offered four following-distance settings. The updated lane-departure alert could identify three-dimensional objects, reducing false warnings.