2023 BMW X7 vs 2023 Honda HR-V

The 2023 Honda HR-V underwent a significant styling transformation, shedding some of its previous quirky charm for a more sophisticated and modern appearance. The lowered beltline and simplified detailing contributed to a sleeker look, with cleaner lines and fewer interruptions. The windshield wipers were discreetly tucked under the hood's lip, and the black molding strips on the roof were removed. The EX-L model we tested featured perforated leather seats and a refined interior that felt more upscale than its price might suggest. The HR-V's cabin was thoughtfully designed, with a metal honeycomb grille hiding the vents and touch-sensitive reading lights adding a premium touch. Despite its fastback design, visibility remained excellent, thanks to larger rear seat windows and door-mounted mirrors.

In contrast, the 2023 BMW X7 received a mid-cycle makeover, adopting a bolder design inspired by the BMW 7 Series sedan. The front end featured LED accent lights and a recessed headlight design, which, while polarizing, aimed to make a statement. The sides and rear of the X7 remained largely unchanged, offering a sense of familiarity. Inside, the X7's dashboard was refreshed with a curved glass housing for the digital instrument panel and infotainment touchscreen. The interior materials were of high quality, with supple leather upholstery and a new Sensafin synthetic substitute. While the X7's interior revisions added a modern and elegant touch, the exterior design changes were met with mixed reactions.

The 2023 Honda HR-V was powered by a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine, producing 158 horsepower and 138 pound-feet of torque. This marked an improvement over the previous model, with a 17 hp and 11 lb-ft increase. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) featured a Step-Shift function to mimic traditional automatic transmission sounds during acceleration. The HR-V offered Normal, Snow, and ECON drive modes, with Sport mode available for a more spirited drive. While the HR-V was fun to drive on mountain roads, it wasn't overpowered, and competitors offered more powertrain options. The HR-V was available in both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations, with improved suspension and widened tracks enhancing its driving dynamics.

The 2023 BMW X7 lineup began with the xDrive40i model, featuring a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine and a 48-volt mild hybrid system, delivering 375 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. The X7 M60i model upgraded to a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine with 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque. 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 engine. The X7's handling was composed, with minimal body roll, and it offered a good balance of performance and comfort, though the ride was slightly firmer compared to some luxury SUVs.

The 2023 Honda HR-V, a subcompact SUV, offered a well-thought-out interior with a center console featuring a shelf for drive mode controls and USB ports. The HR-V's fastback design sacrificed less than half an inch of rear-seat headroom, with 39.4 inches in the front and 38.0 inches in the rear. Cargo space measured 24.4 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 55.1 cubic feet with them folded. The HR-V's passenger volume varied slightly between trims, with the EX-L offering 97.3 cubic feet. The rear seats featured a 60/40 split and created a nearly flat floor when folded down, providing flexibility for cargo and passengers.

The 2023 BMW X7, a large SUV, offered ample space for passengers and cargo. The second-row seats accommodated taller passengers comfortably, and the third row provided adequate head- and legroom for average-sized adults. The X7's cargo space measured 12.8 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding 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, with a large center console bin and well-sized cupholders.

The 2023 Honda HR-V featured a tablet-style infotainment system with a physical knob for power and volume control. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard across all trims, with wireless versions available on the EX-L. The EX-L also offered a 9-inch infotainment display, a Qi-compatible wireless charging pad, and an eight-speaker audio system. The HR-V's technology package included a 7-inch digital gauge cluster and a 7-inch color touchscreen display, with the EX-L trim offering additional features like WiFi capability and SiriusXM.

The 2023 BMW X7 came with the latest iDrive infotainment system, which, despite its intuitive layout, had some drawbacks. Many physical buttons were replaced by touchscreen controls, making it challenging to access certain functions quickly. Voice commands were available but could be slow to process. The X7's infotainment system was less user-friendly than previous iterations, with a need for more physical buttons for frequently used features.

The 2023 Honda HR-V came standard with the Honda Sensing suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), including adaptive cruise control, collision-mitigation braking, lane-keeping assist, and more. New features for 2023 included traffic-sign recognition, traffic jam assist, and automatic high-beams. The HR-V's safety features were generally unobtrusive and provided peace of mind. While crash test results for the 2023 model were not yet available, the 2022 HR-V received favorable ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS.

The 2023 BMW X7 offered a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including frontal collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and more. The M60i trim added a surround-view camera system, with options for adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. The X7's safety features performed well during testing, with no false alarms or unpredictable responses. The highway driving assist feature was particularly appreciated for reducing driver fatigue on long trips.