2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 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 body shape, ensuring it stood out as a luxury SUV. However, this familiarity also meant it could blend in with other BMWs 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 unique interior styling, including an M sports steering wheel and exclusive trim strips. Inside, the X5 maintained a consistent BMW aesthetic, with a mix of leather and soft-touch materials, though it was criticized for its abundance of black plastic.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid presented a bold and distinctive design that required some acclimation. Its blunt and bulbous nose, combined with black windshield pillars, gave it a unique appearance. The Highlander Hybrid was available in LE, XLE, Limited, or Platinum trims, with Canadian pricing ranging from $45,950 to $56,450. The Platinum model featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen, a surround-view camera system, and a host of other amenities. While the Highlander Hybrid offered an upscale two-tone interior with leather upholstery, it was noted for its loud and hollow-sounding instrument-panel shroud. The asymmetrical dashboard design housed the infotainment and climate controls, but the glossy black detailing could cause reflections on sunny days.

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 producing 335 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque. The M50i variant boasted a twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 with 523 hp, while the X5 M delivered up to 617 hp with the Competition Package. The new xDrive45e plug-in hybrid model combined a 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine with a 24-kilowatt-hour battery, achieving 389 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque. It offered up to 50 kilometres of all-electric range and a seamless transition between power modes. However, the X5's steering dynamics were criticized for being less engaging than expected, especially at higher speeds. Fuel efficiency varied, with the xDrive45e rated at 4.7 litres-equivalent per 100 kilometres when using both electricity and gas.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid transitioned from a V6 engine to a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, achieving a combined fuel consumption of 6.7 L/100 km. Its total output was 243 hp, a decrease from the previous generation's 306 hp. The hybrid system used an "E-CVT" to mimic an automatic transmission. While the Highlander Hybrid improved in fuel efficiency, it was less enjoyable to drive, with adequate but uninspiring power. The drivetrain sounded strained during hard acceleration or hill climbs, and the steering was described as lifeless. Despite these drawbacks, the Highlander Hybrid excelled in urban environments, offering immediate electric motor torque and a quiet ride on the freeway.

The 2021 BMW X5 made efficient use of space, with well-placed cupholders and a wireless phone charging pad. The seating was spacious and 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 X5's split liftgate and vehicle height adjustment button facilitated easy loading of cargo. Without the third row, the cargo area was spacious, though the xDrive45e offered slightly less space. However, the rear doors did not open very wide, making it challenging to move children and cargo in and out.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Platinum provided roomy accommodations for the driver and front passenger, with a 10-way power seat adjustment for the driver. The second-row bench seat increased seating capacity to eight, but the Highlander felt narrow, and three adults in the second row would be uncomfortable. The third-row seat was cramped and difficult to access. Storage was plentiful but not as generous as the previous generation, with a smaller dashboard shelf and a wireless smartphone charger that blocked access to the storage area. Cargo space behind the third-row seat measured 453 litres, expanding to 1,370 litres with the third row folded down. Maximum capacity was 2,387 litres, though the lack of storage wells for securing items was noted.

The 2021 BMW X5 came equipped with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The 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 automatic climate control, a wireless smartphone charger, and premium audio systems. The iDrive system required some acclimation but was user-friendly once familiar.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid featured Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio as standard. The Platinum trim offered a 12.3-inch touchscreen, an 11-speaker JBL premium audio system, and a navigation system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with large stereo volume and tuning knobs and main-menu shortcut buttons. The JBL sound system's performance varied depending on music type, and the Driver Easy Speak technology projected the driver's voice through the speakers. A video rearview mirror provided an unobstructed view, and the driver information display offered detailed data.

The 2021 BMW X5 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety and driver assistance 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 or light rain. The X5 received nearly all Good ratings from the IIHS and a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, which included automatic high beams, dynamic radar cruise control, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and lane departure with steering assist. The system added intersection support and emergency steering assistance for 2021. The adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assistance had some inconsistencies, but the Highlander received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.