2021 Toyota 4Runner vs 2021 BMW X5

The 2021 BMW X5 was a testament to BMW's renowned craftsmanship, fitting seamlessly into the brand's SUV lineup. Its design was unmistakably BMW, from the iconic kidney grille to its overall body shape, ensuring it stood out as a luxury SUV. However, this familiarity also meant it could blend in with other BMW models in a crowded parking lot. The X5 featured full adaptive LED headlights and a choice of matte aluminum or high-gloss black finishes, depending on the trim. The M Sport models added a sporty flair with body-coloured trims and larger wheels, enhancing its athletic appearance. Inside, the X5's interior was a mix of high-quality materials and familiar BMW design elements, though it was criticized for its abundance of black plastic. The M Sport models offered unique interior styling, including an M sports steering wheel and exclusive trim strips.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota 4Runner retained its rugged, utilitarian design, largely unchanged for over a decade. Its two-box body with flared fenders and trapezoidal wheel arches exuded timeless styling and practicality. While not conventionally attractive, the 4Runner's design was functional and durable, akin to a reliable tool. The 4Runner was available in various trims, including the Trail and SR5, with options for off-road packages like TRD Off Road and TRD Pro. The interior was straightforward, with hard plastic surfaces and a dashboard featuring large knobs and buttons. Despite its simplicity, the 4Runner's interior was easy to clean and offered a sense of durability. The SUV's charm lay in its simplicity and ruggedness, appealing to those seeking a dependable vehicle for off-road adventures.

The 2021 BMW X5 offered a range of powertrain options, all paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base model, the X5 xDrive40i, featured a 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine producing 335 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque. The X5 M50i boasted a twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 with 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, while the X5 M delivered 600 hp, increasing to 617 hp with the Competition Package. The new X5 xDrive45e plug-in hybrid combined a 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine with a 24-kilowatt-hour battery, achieving 389 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque, and offering up to 50 kilometres of all-electric range. Despite its power, the X5's steering and handling were criticized for lacking the connected drive experience typical of BMWs. The SUV's suspension absorbed road imperfections well, and its cabin remained quiet. Charging the plug-in hybrid was convenient, with a five-hour charge time on a Level 2 charger and a total driving range of about 600 kilometres. Fuel efficiency varied, with the X5 M being the least efficient at 15.7 L/100 km combined, while the xDrive45e achieved 4.7 litres-equivalent per 100 kilometres when using electricity and gas.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner was equipped with a 4.0-litre V6 engine producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. The 4Runner excelled off-road, thanks to its A-Trac traction control system and available off-road packages with features like a locking rear differential and Crawl Control. However, on pavement, the 4Runner felt slow, heavy, and clunky, with steering and braking requiring effort. Its body-on-frame construction contributed to its truck-like driving characteristics, which some found charming. The 4Runner's fuel consumption was higher, averaging 14.0 L/100 km during testing, with a combined rating of 13.8 L/100 km. Its 87-litre fuel tank provided an average range of about 620 kilometres.

The 2021 BMW X5 made efficient use of space, with well-placed cupholders and a wireless phone charging pad. The centre console, however, was cluttered with buttons and dials that were difficult to differentiate at night. Seating was comfortable for short trips, but the front seats could feel hard on longer journeys. The rear seats offered ample space for children and two adults, with an optional third row available. The X5's climate controls were easy to manage, and the split liftgate with power functionality made loading cargo convenient. The air suspension allowed for vehicle height adjustment, aiding in loading heavy items. Without the third row, the X5's cargo area was spacious, though the doors did not open very wide, making it challenging to move children and cargo in and out.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner sat high off the ground, which could be challenging for shorter individuals without running boards. Once inside, the 4Runner offered comfortable seating with good support and ample legroom in the rear. The back seat featured air conditioning vents and USB charging ports, and the vehicle provided an open-air feeling with the moonroof and power windows. A third-row seat was available, but not tested. The 4Runner's cargo space was generous, with up to 1,337 litres behind the back seat and 2,540 litres with the rear seat folded down. Interior storage was decent, and the back bumper served as a convenient seating area for outdoor activities.

The 2021 BMW X5 came equipped with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. However, Apple CarPlay had connectivity issues, often taking over musical operations unexpectedly. The standard features included a 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, ventilated and massaging seats, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and premium audio systems. The iDrive system required some acclimation but was user-friendly once familiar.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner's entry-level Trail grade lacked advanced technology but included a windshield wiper de-icer and a 120-volt AC power outlet in the cargo area. The standard 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system featured Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and five USB ports. A year of free Safety Connect subscription services was included. Upgraded audio systems and dynamic navigation were available through packages. The infotainment system's software was sophisticated, with off-road trail maps, and physical shortcut buttons and knobs made it easy to use, even with gloves. Despite the smaller screen size, the system's functionality was commendable.

The 2021 BMW X5 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of standard safety and driver assistance features, including blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, parking sensors, lane departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. However, the Driving Assistance Professional Package had issues with adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping, particularly in bright sunlight or rain. The X5 received nearly all Good ratings from the IIHS and a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, despite being subject to seven recalls.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner featured Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P), which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. However, it lacked blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic warning. The 4Runner received a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA and a Good rating for roof crush strength from the IIHS. However, its protection for the driver in a small overlap frontal-impact collision was rated Marginal by the IIHS, and the NHTSA gave the front passenger protection a three-star rating in a frontal-impact crash.