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, from the iconic kidney grille to the body shape, was unmistakably BMW, though this familiarity sometimes made it blend in with other models. The X5 featured full adaptive LED headlights and offered different styling options, such as the xLine with matte aluminum accents and the M Sport with body-color trims and high-gloss black details. Wheel sizes ranged from 19 to 22 inches, adding to its upscale appearance. 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. The M Sport models added unique interior touches like an M sports steering wheel and exclusive trim strips.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid presented a bold design with a blunt, bulbous nose and black windshield pillars that created a floating roof effect. Its styling was initially polarizing but became more familiar over time. The Highlander Hybrid was available in trims like LE, XLE, Limited, and Platinum, with pricing from $38,410 to $48,365. The Limited trim tested included features like electronic AWD, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, and leather upholstery. While the interior offered a two-tone look and comfortable seating, the dashboard's asymmetrical design and reflective screen were noted drawbacks. The Highlander Hybrid's design aimed to stand out, though its practicality sometimes fell short.

The 2021 BMW X5 offered a range of powertrains, all paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base model featured a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with 335 horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque, available in RWD or AWD. The X5 M50i boasted a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 with 523 hp, while the X5 M reached 600 hp, or 617 hp with the Competition Package. The new X5 xDrive45e plug-in hybrid delivered 389 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque, with a 30-mile all-electric range. Despite its power, the X5's steering and dynamics were less engaging than expected, with a Lincoln-like feel. The cabin was quiet, and the suspension absorbed road imperfections well. Charging was convenient, and the xDrive45e achieved 50 MPGe when using both electricity and gas.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid transitioned from a V6 to a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, achieving 36 mpg combined (35 mpg with AWD) and 243 hp. The hybrid used an "E-CVT" for smooth transitions. While more efficient than its predecessor, the Highlander Hybrid's performance was less thrilling. It managed hills and freeway speeds but sounded strained under pressure. Steering was lifeless, and the ride was soft, with noticeable body movement. On smooth roads, it handled well, but uneven surfaces revealed its limitations. The Highlander Hybrid excelled in urban settings with its electric motor torque and quiet freeway cruising, though it lacked driving enjoyment.

The 2021 BMW X5 made efficient use of space, with front cupholders and a wireless phone charging pad. Seating was comfortable for short trips, though front seats felt hard over time. The rear seats accommodated two adults comfortably, and an optional third row was available. Climate controls were user-friendly, and the split liftgate with power functionality eased cargo loading. The X5 offered ample cargo space, though the xDrive45e had slightly less. However, the rear doors' limited opening angle made accessing the second row challenging.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited provided roomy front accommodations with power-adjustable seats, leather upholstery, and heated features. The second-row bench seat increased capacity to eight but felt narrow for three adults. The third row was uncomfortable, with limited legroom and headroom. Storage was adequate but less generous than before, with a smaller dashboard shelf and a wireless charger blocking access to the center storage. Cargo space was 16 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 84.3 cubic feet with seats folded. However, the lack of storage wells for securing items was a drawback.

The 2021 BMW X5 featured a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, CarPlay sometimes took over music operations unexpectedly. Standard features included a digital gauge cluster, 10-speaker sound system, navigation, and a panoramic moonroof. Optional upgrades included a head-up display, premium audio systems, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The iDrive system required acclimation but was user-friendly over time.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid came with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. The top infotainment system included a 12.3-inch touchscreen, JBL audio, and navigation. Controls were intuitive, with large knobs and shortcut buttons. The voice recognition system worked well, though it didn't control climate settings. The JBL sound system's performance varied, and Driver Easy Speak projected the driver's voice to rear passengers. A video rearview mirror offered a clear view, and the driver information display provided detailed data.

The 2021 BMW X5 included standard safety features like 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, especially in sunlight or rain. The X5 received Good ratings from the IIHS and a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, despite several recalls.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, adding intersection support and emergency steering assistance. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available from the LE trim. The adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance had some inconsistencies, but the system was generally effective. The Highlander earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.