X7 vs Navigator
Same class, different makers. The X7 (BMW) and the Navigator (Lincoln) are built for the same kind of buyer. Here the verdict on paper is fairly clear. The Navigator takes 3 of 4 areas against the X7, starting with engine & performance.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Navigator wins
- Fuel Economy & Range X7 wins
- Space & Practicality Navigator wins
- Off-road & Towing Navigator wins
- Engine & Performance2.1
- Fuel Economy & Range10.0
- Off-road & Towing3.3
- Engine & Performance9.2
- Fuel Economy & Range1.3
- Off-road & Towing10.0
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
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The X7 has better fuel economy
Of all the specs we compared, this is one where the X7 makes its strongest case: 22 mpg against 17 mpg. Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold.
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The Navigator has 65 hp more power
The Navigator clearly leads on total system output, and 440 hp versus 375 hp is a difference that reaches well beyond the spec sheet. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
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The Navigator has 112 lb-ft more torque
On torque, the Navigator posts 510 lb-ft against 398 lb-ft for the X7, a gap big enough to feel in everyday use. The Navigator’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
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The Navigator has room for 8 seats
On seats, the Navigator edges out the X7, 8 seats to 7 seats. The Navigator has room for more passengers, useful for growing families and carpools.
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The X7 has better city fuel economy
This is one of the widest gaps in the whole comparison: 20 mpg for the X7 versus 15 mpg for the Navigator. Hybrids often shine in the city, and the X7 has the better rating here.
Design & Size
Engine & Performance
Navigator leads
Here the Navigator opens up one of its biggest leads in the comparison. The Navigator scores with 65 hp more power. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels. So if engine & performance tops your list, lean toward the Navigator.
Total system output
X7: 375 hp Navigator: 440 hp The Navigator’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
Torque
X7: 398 lb-ft Navigator: 510 lb-ft More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
Fuel Economy & Range
X7 leads
The X7 is the clear pick if fuel economy & range is what you care about most. The X7 takes this one with better fuel economy. Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership. Weighing only fuel economy & range, the X7 comes out ahead.
Fuel economy (combined)
X7: 22 mpg Navigator: 17 mpg The X7 uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot.
Fuel economy (city)
X7: 20 mpg Navigator: 15 mpg In town, driving style has a big effect, but the X7 starts from a better baseline.
Space & Practicality
Navigator leads
It’s a narrow one, but the space & practicality round goes to the Navigator. The Navigator adds room for 8 seats. Third-row seats are often best for kids, so check legroom figures if adults will sit there. Anyone shopping mainly on space & practicality should start with the Navigator.
Seats
X7: 7 seats Navigator: 8 seats Extra seats mean you can take more people along without taking a second car.
Off-road & Towing
Navigator leads
Slight edge to the Navigator on off-road & towing. Most buyers could live happily with either. The Navigator steps ahead thanks to 1,200 lb more towing capacity. If you tow regularly, the Navigator’s higher rating gives you more margin. For off-road & towing, the Navigator is the one to beat.
Max towing
X7: 7,500 lb Navigator: 8,700 lb Towing ratings depend on configuration and equipment, so check the exact trim you’re looking at.
Safety & Tech
Names, not numbers: the safety & tech rows below show what each one is built with, and it’s worth reading them side by side.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | X7 | Navigator |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas (48V mild hybrid) | Gas |
| Engine | 3.0L turbo I6 | 3.5L twin-turbo V6 |
| Total system output | 375 hp | 440 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 398 lb-ft | 510 lb-ft (winner) |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 10-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD (xDrive) | 4x4 |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | X7 | Navigator |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 22 mpg (winner) Most efficient in class | 17 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 20 mpg (winner) Best city economy | 15 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 24 mpg (winner) | 22 mpg |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | X7 | Navigator |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 7 seats | 8 seats (winner) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | X7 | Navigator |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | 7,500 lb Lowest towing capacity | 8,700 lb (winner) Best towing in class |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | X7 | Navigator |
|---|---|---|
| Driver-assist suite | N/A (not specified) | Lincoln Co-Pilot360 |
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
Price
| Spec | X7 | Navigator |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | N/A (not specified) | $99,995 |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the X7 if…
- you drive a lot and want lower running costs (22 mpg vs 17 mpg combined)
- you mostly drive in town (20 mpg vs 15 mpg in the city)
- you want better highway fuel economy (24 mpg vs 22 mpg)
Choose the Navigator if…
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (440 hp vs 375 hp)
- you want more pulling power from low speeds (510 lb-ft vs 398 lb-ft of torque)
- you regularly carry extra passengers (8 seats vs 7 seats)
- you want the higher towing capacity (8,700 lb vs 7,500 lb)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the X7 or the Navigator?
The Navigator wins more of the areas we compared, so it’s the safer pick unless you care more about better fuel economy than anything else.
Executive Summary
Brand loyalty aside, I tried to judge the X7 and the Navigator purely on what they offer. For me, the deciding factor is that only the Navigator gives you 65 hp more power. It also helps that the Navigator has room for 8 seats. The X7 does have a strong card to play: better fuel economy.
In my head, the X7 is the fuel economy & range pick and the Navigator is the engine & performance pick.
My pick: the Navigator, unless you’d trade the rest for better fuel economy.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.