2020 Toyota 4Runner vs 2021 BMW X5

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner was characterized by its tall slab sides, high beltline, and short overhangs, contributing to its timeless design. Its utilitarian attitude was reminiscent of an XJ Jeep Cherokee, with flared wheel wells designed to accommodate off-road tires and short overhangs allowing it to tackle steep pitches. The hood scoop, a visual cue for the off-road-focused TRD trim, was one of the few non-functional elements. The front end featured small, angular headlights, and the grille varied across packages, with the TRD Pro boasting blacked-out accents and the Limited featuring chrome. The Canadian lineup was based on the SR5 trim with five packages, including the Limited package, which aimed at comfort with leather upholstery and an 8-inch touchscreen. Despite these features, the 4Runner Limited retained a utilitarian feel with plenty of plastic and a seating position designed for off-road adventures.

The 2021 BMW X5 was known for its high-quality craftsmanship, fitting seamlessly into BMW's SUV range. Its design, from the kidney grille to the body shape, was unmistakably BMW, though it risked blending in with other models. The X5 featured full adaptive LED headlights and a choice of matte aluminum or high-gloss black accents, depending on the trim. The M Sport styling added a sporty touch with body-colour matched trim and high-gloss black details. The interior shared a common design with other BMW models, featuring an abundance of black plastic, leather, and soft-touch materials. M Sport models included unique styling elements like an M sports steering wheel and model-exclusive trim strips. The X5 offered a choice of 20-, 21-, or 22-inch wheels, depending on the trim level.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner was equipped with a 4-litre V6 engine producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. This setup allowed for a towing capacity of up to 2,268 kilograms (5,000 pounds). However, the engine was not designed for smoothness or efficiency, with fuel consumption estimated at 14.8 litres per 100 kilometres in the city, 12.5 on the highway, and 13.8 combined. The 4Runner excelled off-road, with its body-on-frame construction and advanced traction systems like crawl control and Multi-Terrain Select. On-road, it exhibited significant body roll and vague steering, making it feel like a blast from the past.

The 2021 BMW X5 offered a range of powertrain options, all paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base xDrive40i model featured a 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine with 335 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque. The X5 M50i boasted a twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 with 523 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque, while the X5 M delivered 600 horsepower, increasing to 617 with the Competition Package. The new xDrive45e plug-in hybrid model achieved 389 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque, with a 50-kilometre all-electric range. The X5's steering dynamics were less engaging than expected, with issues at both low and high speeds. The cabin was quiet, and the suspension absorbed road imperfections well. Charging the hybrid model was convenient, with a five-hour charge time on a Level 2 charger and a total driving range of about 600 kilometres.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner offered excellent outward visibility and a relatively tight turning radius of 5.6 metres. The interior featured large, chunky knobs for HVAC and stereo controls, with easy-to-use physical buttons around the 8-inch touchscreen. The tall front seat position provided a commanding view, though power-retractable running boards were necessary for easier access. The 4Runner offered an optional third row of seats, but these were best suited for short and occasional use, lacking legroom and comfort.

The 2021 BMW X5 made efficient use of space, with well-placed cupholders and a wireless phone charging pad. The seating was comfortable for short trips, though the front seats could feel hard after extended periods. The rear seats accommodated two adults comfortably, and an optional third row was available. The split liftgate was easy to operate, with a vehicle height adjustment button for loading cargo. The X5's cargo area was spacious, though slightly reduced in the xDrive45e model. Moving children and cargo in and out of the second row was somewhat challenging due to the narrow door openings.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. While Toyota's proprietary system was not difficult to understand, the onboard navigation system was less intuitive than smartphone-based options. The 4Runner also included Bluetooth connectivity, a single USB port, and subscription services like Sirius XM and Safety Connect. Despite these updates, the 4Runner lagged behind competitors in terms of total features and usability, with the most advanced features hidden in the powertrain.

The 2021 BMW X5 came with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The iDrive system required some acclimation but was user-friendly once familiar. Standard features included a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, a 10-speaker sound system, voice recognition, Bluetooth, five USB ports, navigation, HD Radio, satellite radio, automatic climate control, a panoramic sunroof, and remote start. Optional upgrades included a head-up display, quad-zone climate control, a wireless smartphone charger, and premium audio systems. The wireless Apple CarPlay had connectivity quirks, occasionally taking over music operations unexpectedly.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P), which included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, and automatic high beams. It also featured eight standard airbags. The NHTSA awarded the 4Runner four out of five stars overall, with three stars in the rollover test. The IIHS gave it a Good rating in most crash tests, except for a Marginal score in the small overlap front: driver-side test. The adaptive cruise control worked well, but the high centre of gravity and imprecise steering highlighted the need for a more active lane-keeping assist system.

The 2021 BMW X5 came with a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warning. However, the Driving Assistance Professional Package had issues with adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping systems, particularly in bright sunlight and light rain. The IIHS awarded the X5 nearly all Good ratings, while the NHTSA gave it a four-star overall safety rating. Despite seven recalls, the X5 remained a safe choice.