2020 Toyota Sienna vs 2019 BMW X5

The 2019 BMW X5 was designed with a focus on delivering a sedan-like driving experience, despite its substantial 2,250-kilogram weight and tall stature. BMW's approach was to prioritize on-road comfort over off-road capabilities, a decision that initially drew criticism but ultimately aligned with consumer preferences for smooth pavement rides. The X5 offered a five-passenger layout, expandable to seven, though the third row was notably cramped. It featured two turbocharged engine options: a 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder and a 4.4-litre V8, both paired with a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission. The base xDrive40i model came with a starting price of $71,500 and included a range of features such as adaptive LED headlights, a panoramic sunroof, and a digital gauge cluster. Optional upgrades included a head-up display, wireless charging, and a rear-seat entertainment system.

In contrast, the 2020 Toyota Sienna, part of its third generation, felt somewhat dated despite updates in 2018. The Sienna's design and features, such as the instrument panel, reflected its age, though it offered simplicity and ease of use. Available in multiple trims, including CE, LE, SE, and XLE, the Sienna provided a range of features from a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay to leather upholstery and a power liftgate in higher trims. The XLE Limited trim added premium leather seats, a JBL audio system, and a DVD rear-seat entertainment system. The Sienna also offered a Nightshade Edition for those prioritizing style, featuring dark accents and wheels.

The 2019 BMW X5 excelled in performance, with its turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine delivering 335 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque. The xDrive40i model boasted a 0-100 km/h time of just over 5 seconds, while the xDrive50i's V8 engine offered 456 horsepower and a 0-100 km/h time of around 4.7 seconds. The X5's eight-speed ZF automatic transmission was praised for its smooth operation, and the vehicle's fuel economy was impressive for its class, with estimates of 11.7 L/100 km city, 9.1 highway, and 10.5 combined. The X5's ride quality was enhanced by its Cluster Architecture platform and optional air suspension, providing a smooth yet sporty experience.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna featured a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 296 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Sienna offered both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive options, with AWD being a unique selling point in its class. The FWD Sienna achieved fuel economy ratings of 12.6 L/100 km city, 9.1 highway, and 11.0 combined, while AWD models returned slightly higher figures. The Sienna's handling was surprisingly decent for a minivan, with a low centre of gravity and broad base contributing to its stability. However, its steering response was twitchy at higher speeds, requiring constant attention.

Inside the 2019 BMW X5, the design shifted to aggressive angles and dual 12.3-inch screens for the iDrive infotainment system. While the design was appealing, some materials felt less premium compared to competitors. The seats were somewhat uncomfortable, with limited adjustability and ventilation. However, the X5 offered ample space, with 960 litres of trunk space expandable to 2,047 litres with the seats down. The air suspension facilitated easy cargo loading, and the X5 could tow up to 3,000 kilograms.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna excelled in cargo space, offering 4,247 litres, surpassing competitors like the Chrysler Pacifica and Honda Odyssey. Accessing this space required removing the second-row seats, which was easier with captain's chairs than a bench. The third-row seats folded seamlessly into the floor, though accessing the backseat could be challenging. Toyota also offered mobility access features, such as the Auto Access Seat, enhancing the Sienna's versatility.

The 2019 BMW X5's technology was a mixed bag. The gesture control and voice commands were inconsistent, and the iDrive interface, while well-designed, required a learning curve. The driving-assistance features, offering Level 2 autonomy, were problematic at high speeds, leading to safety concerns. However, features like Parking Assistant Plus and the Harman Kardon stereo were well-received, with the option for a Bowers & Wilkins sound system.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna's base CE trim included a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth connectivity, and five USB ports. Higher trims offered an 8-inch screen, navigation, and a JBL audio system. The Limited trim featured Driver Easy Speak, an intercom system for communicating with rear passengers, showcasing Toyota's focus on family-friendly innovations.

The 2019 BMW X5 featured a new brake-by-wire system, providing a nearly natural feel. It received a four-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS, with top scores in all tests.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna came standard with Toyota Safety Sense (TSS-P), including lane-departure alert, lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, and dynamic cruise control. It earned five stars from the NHTSA and top ratings from the IIHS, with its driver-assistance features rated as Superior.