2020 Toyota Sienna vs 2021 BMW X5

The 2020 Toyota Sienna, part of its third generation, had been around since the 2011 model year and received updates in 2018. Despite these updates, the 2020 version still felt somewhat dated, with occasional upscale touches. The front doors emitted a hollow "thud" when closed, a detail that many automakers strive to refine. The instrument panel appeared to be from Toyota's 2010 parts bin, but its simplicity made the controls user-friendly. The Sienna offered various trim levels, including CE, LE, SE, and XLE, each with distinct features. The base CE trim was well-equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels, remote keyless entry, and a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay. The LE trim added family-friendly features like sliding dual power side doors and heated front seats. The SE trim included a power liftgate and leather upholstery, while the XLE added luxury touches like leather-trimmed seating and a power moonroof. The XLE Limited offered premium leather seats and a JBL audio system. For those prioritizing style, the Nightshade Edition added dark accents and 19-inch wheels.

The 2021 BMW X5 was known for its high-quality craftsmanship, fitting seamlessly into BMW's SUV lineup. 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 upscale exterior finishes, with M Sport models offering sportier styling. Wheel options ranged from 20 to 22 inches, depending on the trim. Inside, the X5's design was consistent with other BMW models, featuring leather and soft-touch materials, though there was an abundance of black plastic. M Sport models had unique interior styling, including an M sports steering wheel and exclusive trim strips. The interior was spacious, with comfortable seating for short trips, though the front seats could feel hard after extended periods. The X5 retained its split liftgate, offering convenience with full power functionality and adjustable vehicle height for loading cargo.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna was equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 296 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered a Sport mode for enhanced throttle and shift response, providing stout acceleration. The Sienna's powertrain was front-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive available on most trims, offering a unique selling point in its class. The FWD Sienna achieved fuel efficiency of 12.6 L/100 km in the city and 9.1 on the highway, while AWD versions returned 13.4 L/100 km city and 9.6 highway. The Sienna's low centre of gravity and broad base contributed to decent handling dynamics, though its steering response could feel twitchy at higher speeds.

The 2021 BMW X5 offered multiple powertrain options, all paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base xDrive40i featured a 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine with 335 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque, with AWD standard. The X5 M50i boasted a twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8, delivering 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque. The X5 M offered 600 hp, increasing to 617 hp with the Competition Package. The new xDrive45e plug-in hybrid model achieved 389 hp and 443 lb-ft 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, with the suspension absorbing road imperfections. The xDrive45e's charging port location was convenient, and it offered a total driving range of about 600 kilometres when fully charged. Fuel efficiency varied across models, with the xDrive45e rated at 4.7 litres-equivalent per 100 kilometres when using electricity and gas.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna excelled in cargo space, offering 4,247 litres, surpassing competitors like the Chrysler Pacifica and Honda Odyssey. However, accessing this space required removing the second-row seats, which could be cumbersome with the bench option. The third-row seats folded seamlessly into the floor, but getting into the backseat could be challenging. Toyota offered mobility access features, including a built-in rotating lift seat, making it an affordable option for those needing mobility conversions.

The 2021 BMW X5 made efficient use of space, with front cupholders conveniently placed and a wireless phone charging pad. The seating was spacious and comfortable for short trips, though the front seats could feel hard over time. The X5 offered an optional third row, though it wasn't tested. The split liftgate was easy to operate, with a vehicle height adjustment button for loading cargo. The X5 xDrive45e had slightly less cargo space than the traditional X5, but the difference was negligible for most buyers. Moving children and cargo in and out of the second-row seats was less convenient due to the limited door opening width.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna's base CE trim featured a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, a long-awaited addition. It also included Bluetooth connectivity and five USB ports. Higher trims offered an 8-inch screen, navigation, and a JBL 10-speaker audio system. The XLE Limited trim included Driver Easy Speak, an intercom system that broadcasted the driver's voice to the rear speakers.

The 2021 BMW X5 came with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system had connectivity quirks, with Apple CarPlay taking over music operations unexpectedly. Standard features included a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, a 10-speaker sound system, and a panoramic sunroof. Optional upgrades included a head-up display, quad-zone climate control, and premium audio systems. The iDrive system required some acclimation but was user-friendly once familiar.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna came standard with the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS-P) suite, 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 in various crash tests.

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