2021 Toyota Highlander vs 2021 BMW X5

The 2021 BMW X5 was a testament to the brand's reputation for high-quality craftsmanship. As part of BMW's true SUV range, the X5 maintained the classic BMW aesthetic, from its signature kidney grille to its unmistakable body shape. This consistency in design meant that while the X5 was instantly recognizable as a BMW, it risked blending in with other models from the brand. The exterior featured full adaptive LED headlights and a choice between matte aluminum or high-gloss black finishes, depending on the trim. The M Sport models added a sporty flair with body-coloured trim and larger wheels, ranging from 20 to 22 inches. Inside, the X5's interior was a mix of familiar BMW elements, with a focus on leather and soft-touch materials, 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 Highlander stood out with its bold design, making it easily distinguishable among midsize SUVs. Its wide headlights, long hood, and trapezoidal grille gave it a commanding presence. The Highlander's design was further enhanced by a character line reminiscent of the Supra sports car and taillights that echoed Lexus styling. The introduction of the XSE trim added a sportier look with a restyled front end and 20-inch alloy wheels. The Limited trim, just below the Platinum, offered an upscale appearance with chrome accents. Inside, the Highlander excelled in comfort and luxury, particularly in the Limited trim, with high-quality fit and finish, tan leather seats, and wood details. The Highlander prioritized comfort and convenience, making it an ideal choice for families.

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, delivering 335 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque, with all-wheel drive as standard. The X5 M50i boasted a twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8, producing 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, while the X5 M reached 600 hp, increasing 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, 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 BMW, with dynamics more akin to a Lincoln. The cabin was quiet, and the suspension absorbed road imperfections well. Charging the xDrive45e 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 both electricity and gas.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander, powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine, produced 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Available in front-wheel or all-wheel drive, the Highlander's powertrain was reliable and smooth, though not particularly sporty. It compared well with competitors like the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride in terms of horsepower and torque. The Highlander's handling was typical of a three-row crossover, with a soft suspension prioritizing comfort. The XSE trim offered a slightly sportier drive with retuned suspension components, but it remained focused on family-friendly comfort rather than performance.

The 2021 BMW X5 made efficient use of space, with front cupholders positioned conveniently and a wireless phone charging pad out of the driver's line of sight. The seating was comfortable for short trips, though the front seats could feel hard on longer journeys. The rear seats provided ample space for children and two adults, with an optional third row available. The split liftgate was easy to operate, and the air suspension allowed for vehicle height adjustment, aiding in loading cargo. Without the third row, the cargo area was spacious, though the xDrive45e offered slightly less space. Accessing the second-row seats was somewhat challenging due to narrow door openings.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander excelled in passenger comfort and cargo space. The front featured large shelves for storage, with a pass-through for charging cords. Second-row passengers enjoyed ample legroom, with available captain's chairs that could slide to adjust space for the third row. The third row was suitable for adults only if the second row was moved forward. The rear-seat climate control vents were positioned on the ceiling, which was unconventional. Cargo space behind the third row was 453 litres, expanding to 1,150 litres with the third row folded, and 2,245 litres with both the second and third rows down, offering ample space for most needs.

The 2021 BMW X5 came equipped with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system 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 charger, ventilated and massaging seats, a Wi-Fi hotspot, premium audio systems, rear sunshades, and a dual-panel panoramic roof. The iDrive system required some acclimatization but was user-friendly once familiar.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander offered an 8-inch touchscreen on lower trims, with a 12.3-inch screen available on the Platinum trim. Both systems were user-friendly, though navigation was only available from the Limited grade and struggled with points of interest. Standard features included Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Bluetooth. The 12.3-inch screen was visually impressive but limited in functionality, with certain apps not utilizing the full display. A JBL audio system was standard from the Limited grade, providing good sound quality.

The 2021 BMW X5 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, parking sensors, lane departure warning, and automatic high beams. However, the Driving Assistance Professional Package had issues with adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping, 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, despite being subject to seven recalls.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, which included automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection and intersection support, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-tracing assist, and automatic high beams. Blind spot monitoring and LED headlights were standard, with LED fog lights available from the XLE grade. The Highlander received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.