2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid vs 2019 BMW X5

The 2019 BMW X5 was designed with a focus on delivering a sedan-like driving experience despite its size and weight. BMW's approach was to prioritize on-road comfort over off-road capabilities, a decision that proved prescient as consumer preferences shifted towards smoother rides. The X5 offered a five-passenger layout, expandable to seven, though the third row was notably cramped. It came with two turbocharged engine options: a 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder for the xDrive40i and a 4.4-liter V8 for the xDrive50i, both paired with a ZF 8-speed automatic transmission. The base xDrive40i started at $60,700, featuring AWD, adaptive LED headlights, a panoramic sunroof, and a comprehensive safety suite. Various packages allowed for customization, adding features like keyless entry, satellite radio, and advanced climate controls.

In contrast, the 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, introduced as part of a mid-cycle refresh, maintained the same dimensions as its gasoline counterpart. The hybrid model featured subtle exterior changes, such as blue-outlined Honda emblems and "Hybrid" badges. Inside, the CR-V Hybrid retained the familiar cabin layout, with a push-button gear selector replacing the traditional shifter. The hybrid system combined a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with electric motors, offering 212 horsepower and 232 pound-feet of torque. The CR-V Hybrid excelled in fuel efficiency, achieving 40 mpg city and 35 mpg highway. Despite a slight reduction in cargo space due to the battery placement, the CR-V Hybrid provided ample passenger room and a low cargo floor for easy loading.

The 2019 BMW X5 was lauded for its performance, particularly the xDrive40i's turbocharged inline 6-cylinder engine, which delivered 335 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque. The engine provided smooth and consistent power, especially in Sport mode, and the 8-speed ZF automatic transmission was praised for its efficiency and seamless gear changes. The xDrive50i's V8 engine offered even more power, with 456 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque, enabling a 0-60 mph time of around 4 seconds. The X5's ride quality was enhanced by its Cluster Architecture platform, which combined steel, aluminum, and carbon fiber for improved strength and performance. The optional air suspension allowed for adjustable ride height, contributing to a smooth yet sporty driving experience.

The 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid featured a two-motor hybrid system with AWD, producing a total of 212 horsepower and 232 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid system eliminated the need for a traditional transmission, using four fixed-ratio gear sets and a lock-up clutch instead. The CR-V Hybrid excelled in fuel economy, achieving 40 mpg city and 35 mpg highway. While it ranked third in fuel efficiency compared to competitors like the Ford Escape and Toyota RAV4 hybrids, the CR-V Hybrid offered a comfortable ride with responsive steering. The hybrid drivetrain's on-demand torque made it more enjoyable to drive than the gasoline model, though the EV mode was limited to short distances.

Inside the 2019 BMW X5, the design shifted towards aggressive angles and dual 12.3-inch screens for the updated iDrive infotainment system. While the design was modern, some materials felt less premium compared to competitors. The seats were a point of contention, with limited comfort and ventilation options. However, the X5 offered ample space for passengers and cargo, with 33.9 cubic feet of trunk space expandable to 72.3 cubic feet. The split rear tailgate and air suspension made loading cargo easier, and the X5 could tow up to 7,200 pounds when properly equipped.

The 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, while maintaining the same exterior dimensions as the gasoline model, sacrificed some cargo space to accommodate the battery pack. It offered 33.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 68.7 cubic feet. Despite this reduction, the CR-V Hybrid provided more cargo volume than the Ford Escape Hybrid and competitive passenger space. The configurable center console bin added versatility, though the armrest's adjustability was overly sensitive. The CR-V Hybrid's low cargo floor facilitated easy loading and unloading, and it offered a class-competitive 8.2 inches of ground clearance.

The 2019 BMW X5's technology offerings were a mixed bag. The gesture control system was inconsistent, and the iDrive interface, while well-designed, required a learning curve. The Driving Assistance Plus package, which offered semi-autonomous driving features, was problematic at high speeds, with issues like lane wandering and overcorrection. However, the Extended Traffic Jam Assistant worked well in stop-and-go traffic. The X5 offered options like Parking Assistant Plus, a night-vision system, and a premium sound system, but the technology package's overall execution left room for improvement.

The 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid came standard with Bluetooth connectivity, keyless entry, and automatic headlights. The EX trim added a 7-inch touchscreen, smartphone integration, and additional USB ports. The Touring trim offered navigation, wireless charging, and a premium audio system. However, the infotainment system's lack of haptic feedback and complicated menu navigation were drawbacks. The instrument panel provided useful information but required navigating through multiple menus, which could be distracting while driving.

The 2019 BMW X5 featured a new brake-by-wire system, providing a nearly natural feel with occasional grabby feedback during braking. It received a 4-star rating from the NHTSA, with 5-star ratings in side crash tests. The IIHS named it a Top Safety Pick+, awarding top scores in all tests.

The 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid earned a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS and a 5-Star Safety Rating from the NHTSA. It came standard with Honda Sensing, a suite of safety and driver-assistance technologies, including automatic braking, forward-collision warning, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available starting with the EX trim.