2022 Toyota Sequoia 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 offered different styling options, such as the xLine with satin aluminum finishes and the M Sport with body-colour matched trims and high-gloss black accents. The interior, while consistent with BMW's design language, was criticized for its overuse of black plastic, though it did include leather and soft-touch materials. M Sport models added unique styling elements like an M sports steering wheel and exclusive trim strips.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Sequoia continued its long-standing design, having not undergone a major redesign since 2008. Its exterior maintained a classic look with a modest grille and elegant wheel arches, giving it a substantial presence. The Sequoia's dimensions were impressive, with a height of 1,956 mm, a width of 2,030 mm, and a length of 5,210 mm, riding on a 3,099 mm wheelbase. Despite its age, the Sequoia's interior was built to last, with high-quality materials and tight seams. However, its design felt dated compared to modern SUVs, with a smaller 7-inch touchscreen and a 4.2-inch driver information screen. The Nightshade Special Edition model attempted to modernize the Sequoia with some updated features, but the overall design remained rooted in the past.

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 all-wheel drive as standard. The X5 M50i boasted a twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 engine delivering 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 not meeting BMW's usual standards, with dynamics likened to a Lincoln. The X5's fuel efficiency varied, with the xDrive45e rated at 4.7 litres-equivalent per 100 kilometres when using both electricity and gas.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia was powered by a single 5.7-litre i-Force V8 engine, producing 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. This engine was known for its durability and reliability, making it a suitable match for the Sequoia. The SUV had a payload capacity of up to 608 kilograms and a towing capacity of 3,221 kilograms. Despite its weight of around 2,721.5 kilograms, the Sequoia offered a smooth and stable ride, with a robust body-on-frame construction and ample ground clearance for off-road capabilities. Its fuel consumption was higher than modern standards, with ratings of 18.5 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 13.9 on the highway. The Sequoia's handling was praised for its stability, though its size required careful maneuvering in tight spaces.

The 2021 BMW X5 made efficient use of its interior space, with front cupholders conveniently placed and a wireless phone charging pad keeping technology out of sight. The seating was comfortable for short trips, though longer journeys revealed a hardness in the front seats. The rear seats were spacious enough for two adults, with an optional third row available. The X5's climate controls were easy to manage, and the split liftgate with power functionality made loading cargo straightforward. The xDrive45e model offered slightly less cargo space due to its battery, but the difference was minimal for most buyers.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia prioritized passenger comfort, offering roomy seating across all three rows with ample headroom and legroom. Three-zone climate control catered to all passengers, and a power moonroof added to the airy feel. Heated front seats were standard, with heated rear seats available on higher trims. The Sequoia's cargo space was generous, with 535 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,886 litres with the third row folded, and a massive 3,401 litres with both rear rows down. The cargo area also featured a 12-volt outlet, ideal for outdoor activities.

The 2021 BMW X5 came equipped with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. However, the Apple CarPlay system had connectivity issues, often taking over musical operations unexpectedly. The standard features included a digital gauge cluster, a 10-speaker sound system, and various connectivity options. Buyers could upgrade to a head-up display, a premium audio system, and additional comfort features. The iDrive system required some acclimatization but was user-friendly once familiar.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia's technology was less advanced, with a 7-inch touchscreen and a dated operating system. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, providing some modern connectivity. The Sequoia Platinum and TRD Pro models added navigation and a JBL premium audio system. While the Sequoia's technology lagged behind competitors, Toyota updated its exterior lighting to LED and included standard safety features like a rear backup camera and parking sonar.

The 2021 BMW X5 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety and driver assistance 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 high safety ratings from the IIHS and a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, despite being subject to several recalls.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia had not been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS, but it offered a robust set of safety features. The Toyota Safety Sense P suite included pre-collision systems, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning. The STAR safety system provided stability and traction control, anti-lock brakes, and more. The Sequoia also featured a full complement of airbags, crumple zones, and child safety features, ensuring a safe environment for passengers.