The Armada gets a significant makeover for 2021, starting with a squarer front end featuring prominent headlights. The design revisions reach out back, too, with a new bumper and taillights that are connected by a continuous trim piece. There's also a newly available Midnight Edition with blacked-out trim. Inside, Nissan redesigned the center stack and added a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay.
PROS Serenely quiet and comfy, smooth, potent powertrain, pillowy ride.
CONS Dreadful fuel economy, some dated interior elements, wanders at highway speeds.
The 2021 Nissan Armada is a big, comfortable brute that can tow the boat and haul the family all at once.
PROS Spacious inside Lusty V-8 Strong for towing Good safety features Value at the base level
CONS Gas guzzler Third row for kids only Gets expensive Plodding moves
For 2021, BMW reshuffles the X7 lineup by dropping the 456-hp, V-8-powered xDrive50i—the 523-hp M50i continues—and adding the 612-hp Alpina XB7. The latter is the first SUV that the BMW tuning specialist has offered in the U.S. The xDrive40i's powertrain gets a 48-volt starter-generator which, surprisingly, worsens its EPA fuel-economy figures; both its city and highway ratings drop by 1 mpg.
PROS Powertrains' deliciously smooth power, interior as quiet as a library but much comfier, Alpina XB7 is hilariously quick and athletic.
CONS Excessive body roll around corners, cabin and cargo spaces are smaller than expected, power rear seats are S-L-O-W.
The 2021 BMW X7 doesn’t compromise roominess, comfort, performance, or price.
PROS Standard heated armrests, seats, steering wheel Balance of comfort and power Excellent standard features Large touchscreen Larger than competition
CONS Expensive Small cargo with all seats up Two trims, essentially
The 2021 BMW X7 comes with all wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 8-speed shiftable automatic.High-performance, ultra-plush Alpina XB7 is new to the lineup.The X7 xDrive50i trim and optional off-road package are no longer available.Limited-edition Dark Shadow model debuts with unique paint and trim.
PROS Strong engine performance Smooth ride Impeccable interior
CONS Expensive for the class Climate controls can be confusing to use Some systems don't behave as you'd expect
