2020 Toyota Highlander vs 2021 BMW X5

The 2020 Toyota Highlander presented a design that was subtly refined from its predecessor, with a few more degrees of slant in the tailgate glass and more pronounced creases on the body panels. The trapezoidal theme was evident throughout, from the tailgate's license plate cutout to the slimmer headlights and grille. While the exterior might not have been groundbreaking, the interior was where the Highlander truly shone. Toyota focused on quality fit and finish, with silver-painted accents and a multi-layered dash that featured an 8-inch touchscreen. The Limited trim boasted a three-tone interior with rich textures and padded surfaces, offering a level of detail that was hard to find in its competitors.

In contrast, the 2021 BMW X5 maintained the brand's signature look, with its unmistakable kidney grille and body shape. The X5's exterior was both familiar and upscale, with adaptive LED headlights and various trim options that added a sporty flair. Inside, the X5's interior was consistent with BMW's design language, featuring a mix of leather and soft-touch materials. While the interior design might have lacked uniqueness, it was far from shoddy, offering comfort and a quiet cabin experience. The M Sport models added a touch of aggression with unique styling elements, enhancing the overall sporty feel of the vehicle.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander was equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine, available in both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations. This engine delivered 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, providing smooth and brisk acceleration. However, the steering was somewhat loose, and the suspension was soft, leading to a ride that felt more like an older Buick. Despite these drawbacks, the Highlander offered a comfortable and isolating driving experience, especially on long road trips. Fuel efficiency was commendable, with the FWD model achieving 11.9 L/100 km in the city and 8.3 on the highway.

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. For those seeking more power, the X5 M50i came with a twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8, delivering 523 horsepower. The plug-in hybrid xDrive45e model offered 389 horsepower and an all-electric range of up to 50 kilometres. While the X5's powertrains were capable, the steering dynamics were less impressive, lacking the connected drive experience BMW was known for. Fuel efficiency varied across models, with the xDrive45e achieving 4.7 litres-equivalent per 100 kilometres when using both electricity and gas.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander offered seating for eight, or seven with the second-row captain's chairs on the Platinum trim. The second-row seats were highly versatile, with generous legroom and easy access to the third row. Cargo space was ample, with 453 litres behind the third row and up to 2,378 litres with both rows folded. The Highlander's interior was designed with practicality in mind, featuring multiple cupholders, bottle holders, and integrated dash shelves for storage.

The 2021 BMW X5 made efficient use of space, with comfortable seating for short trips. The rear seats were suitable for children and two adults, with an optional third row available. The split liftgate and vehicle height adjustment made loading cargo easier, though the doors did not open very wide. The X5's cargo area was spacious, though slightly reduced in the plug-in hybrid model. The interior controls were well-placed, though some buttons were difficult to differentiate at night.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander's infotainment system felt outdated, with low-resolution screens and a lack of onboard apps. The 12.3-inch touchscreen on the Platinum trim was underutilized, with limited usable area. However, the Highlander did offer a 10-inch head-up display and a 7-inch instrument cluster display, providing useful information. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, adaptive cruise control, and a JBL audio system on higher trims.

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 digital gauge cluster, a 10-speaker sound system, and a panoramic sunroof. Optional upgrades included a head-up display, a premium audio system, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The wireless Apple CarPlay had connectivity quirks, occasionally taking over music operations unexpectedly.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Highlander received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a 2020 Top Safety Pick from the IIHS.

The 2021 BMW X5 featured a comprehensive suite of safety and driver assistance features, including blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. However, the Driving Assistance Professional Package had issues with lane-keeping and adaptive cruise control, particularly in bright sunlight or rain. The X5 received mostly Good ratings from the IIHS and a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.