2021 Toyota RAV4 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 interior, while consistent with BMW's design language, was criticized for its overuse of black plastic, though it did offer leather and soft-touch materials. M Sport models added a sporty flair with unique styling elements.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Limited AWD, despite its high price tag, maintained a more understated appearance. Its styling was robust for a compact SUV, though it lacked the larger alloy wheels of its non-hybrid counterpart. Inside, the RAV4 Hybrid was both stylish and practical, with a mix of quality materials and some hard plastics. The interior was functional, with a few minor issues like a rattle from the license plate. Overall, the RAV4 Hybrid offered a comfortable and practical cabin, with a focus on functionality over luxury.

The 2021 BMW X5 offered a range of powertrains, 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. The M50i variant boasted a twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 with 523 hp, while the X5 M reached 600 hp, or 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 engaging drive experience typical of BMWs. Fuel efficiency varied, with the xDrive45e rated at 4.7 litres-equivalent per 100 kilometres when using both electricity and gas.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid combined a 2.5-litre 4-cylinder gas engine with electric motors, producing 219 horsepower. The hybrid system provided standard AWD and offered several driving modes, including EV mode, which emitted a whirring noise for pedestrian awareness. The RAV4 Hybrid's CVT operated smoothly, and its regenerative braking system was effective. The SUV's steering was well-weighted, and its suspension design contributed to a comfortable ride. However, the all-season tires lacked grip, affecting cornering performance. The RAV4 Hybrid excelled in fuel efficiency, averaging 5.9 L/100 km in testing, and offered a pleasant driving experience, especially for daily commutes.

The 2021 BMW X5 made efficient use of space, with well-placed cupholders and a wireless phone charging pad. The seating was comfortable for short trips, though the front seats could feel hard over longer journeys. The rear seats were spacious, and an optional third row was available. The split liftgate and adjustable vehicle height made loading cargo easy, though the doors didn't open wide enough for easy access to the second row. The cargo area was spacious, even in the plug-in hybrid model.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid offered comfort with an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat and heated and ventilated front seats. Rear-seat legroom was decent, and the backrest reclined slightly. The dashboard was well-organized, with large climate control knobs and an easy-to-use infotainment system. Storage was ample, with useful shelves and cupholders. The cargo area provided 1,059 litres of space, expanding to 1,977 litres with the rear seats folded. However, the premium sound system's subwoofer took up some cargo space.

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, and various connectivity options. Optional upgrades included a head-up display, premium audio systems, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The iDrive system required some acclimatization but was user-friendly once familiar.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid offered infotainment systems with either a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen, both supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The larger screen included SiriusXM satellite radio and various connected services. The top-tier system featured an 11-speaker JBL audio system with dynamic navigation. The infotainment display was user-friendly, with shortcut buttons and voice recognition technology. Toyota also offered advanced camera-based technology, including a 360-degree camera system.

The 2021 BMW X5 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including 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, particularly in bright sunlight or rain. The X5 received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and mostly Good ratings from the IIHS.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. The system generally performed well, though the lane-tracing feature could be overly assertive. The RAV4 Hybrid earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and top marks from the IIHS, except for its headlights.