2022 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 BMW models in a crowded parking lot. The X5 featured full adaptive LED headlights and a choice between xLine and M Sport styling, with the latter offering a sportier appearance through body-colour matched trims and high-gloss black accents. Inside, the X5's interior was consistent with BMW's design language, utilizing parts from the brand's extensive catalogue. While the interior was not lacking in quality, with leather and soft-touch materials, the abundance of black plastic was prone to collecting dust. M Sport models added unique styling elements, enhancing the sporty feel with features like an M sports steering wheel and exclusive trim strips.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid drew inspiration from Toyota's Tacoma pickup, evident in its trapezoidal grille and upright fascia, giving it a rugged look popular among midsized SUVs. However, its side profile introduced a character line that added unnecessary visual weight, making it appear somewhat bloated. The rear design echoed the front's trapezoidal theme, but the overall body felt disjointed compared to more cohesive competitors like the Kia Telluride. Inside, the Highlander's asymmetrical dash featured a metallic styling element that broke up monotony and provided practical storage. The infotainment touchscreen was positioned for easy visibility, reducing driver distraction. The Bronze Edition introduced unique styling elements like bronze alloy wheels and light grey fabric upholstery, though the latter's durability was questionable. While the Highlander's materials quality lagged behind some rivals, its hybrid status offered a unique appeal in its class.

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, with standard all-wheel drive. The X5 M50i boasted a twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 with 523 hp, while the X5 M reached 600 hp, increasing to 617 hp with the Competition Package. The new xDrive45e plug-in hybrid model delivered 389 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque, offering up to 50 kilometres of all-electric range. Despite its power, the X5's steering dynamics were less engaging than expected, particularly at higher speeds. The cabin remained quiet, with the suspension effectively absorbing road imperfections. Charging the hybrid model was convenient, with a five-hour charge time on a Level 2 charger and a total driving range of approximately 600 kilometres. Fuel efficiency varied across models, with the xDrive45e achieving 4.7 litres-equivalent per 100 kilometres when using both electricity and gas.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and hybrid system, producing 243 horsepower. It featured a continuously variable transmission and standard all-wheel drive, with an electric motor powering the rear axle. The Highlander Hybrid accelerated to 100 kilometres per hour in just over eight seconds, comparable to gasoline-only SUVs in its class. The hybrid powertrain provided a quick initial response, with the gasoline engine taking over for sustained acceleration. The CVT's lack of gear shifts resulted in a droning engine sound under heavy acceleration. Braking was smooth, with regenerative braking seamlessly transitioning to physical brakes. The Highlander Hybrid offered a comfortable ride, with the suspension effectively smoothing out road imperfections. While not sporty, it provided adequate handling for a family vehicle, with a quiet cabin enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2021 BMW X5 made efficient use of space, with front cupholders conveniently positioned and a wireless phone charging pad keeping technology out of sight. Seating was spacious and comfortable for short trips, though longer journeys revealed a slightly hard seat bottom. The rear seats accommodated two adults comfortably, with an optional third row available. Climate controls were easy to manage, and the split liftgate offered full power functionality, with a vehicle height adjustment button aiding in loading cargo. The X5's cargo area was spacious without the third row, though the xDrive45e offered slightly less space. Accessing the second-row seats was somewhat challenging due to narrow door openings.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid's front seats were well-cushioned, with ample adjustments for drivers of varying heights. Storage options were plentiful, with trays, shelves, and large door pockets providing space for personal items. The second-row seats offered generous head- and legroom, with sliding and reclining captain's chairs enhancing comfort. A second-row bench was available, increasing passenger capacity to eight. The third row was less accommodating, suitable for children or smaller adults on short trips. Cargo space behind the third row was limited at 453 litres, but folding the seats expanded it to 1,370 litres, with a maximum of 2,387 litres available with the second row stowed. Higher trims included a hands-free power liftgate for added convenience.

The 2021 BMW X5 came equipped with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system occasionally took over music operations unexpectedly, requiring a reset to resolve. 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 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 acclimation but was user-friendly once familiar.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, with a 12.3-inch option available on top trims. The system was responsive, with logically organized menus and physical shortcut buttons for ease of use. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with wireless charging available on higher trims. Limited trial periods for satellite radio and remote vehicle monitoring were included, with navigation and a JBL premium audio system standard on Limited and Platinum trims.

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, parking sensors, lane departure warning, and automatic high beams. However, the Driving Assistance Professional Package's adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping systems had performance issues, 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, despite being subject to seven recalls.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid achieved a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic high beams. A surround view camera system and head-up display were available on the top Platinum trim. While the safety systems generally performed well, the adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist required some fine-tuning for smoother operation.