2022 Toyota Sienna 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 of matte aluminum or high-gloss black finishes, depending on the trim. The M Sport models offered a sportier look with body-coloured trims and larger wheels, ranging from 20 to 22 inches. Inside, the X5's interior was consistent with BMW's design language, featuring a mix of leather and soft-touch materials, though it was criticized for its abundance of black plastic. The M Sport models added unique styling elements, enhancing the sporty feel.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Sienna embraced its minivan identity while incorporating SUV-like styling cues. Toyota's commitment to the minivan segment was evident in the Sienna's design, which featured a bold front end and cleverly concealed sliding door channels. The Sienna's profile was assertive, with styling details integrated into the rear fender well and a choice of 17 to 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Sienna offered a spacious and practical cabin, with clever storage solutions and comfortable seating for up to eight passengers. The second-row seats could slide significantly, making access to the third row easy. The third-row bench folded into the floor, maximizing cargo space. The Sienna's interior was designed to avoid the typical minivan feel, offering a more refined and family-friendly environment.

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. The more powerful X5 M50i boasted a twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 engine, producing 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque. The X5 M took it further with 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. It offered up to 50 kilometres of all-electric range. The X5's driving dynamics were a mixed bag, with some issues in steering responsiveness and handling at higher speeds. Fuel efficiency varied across models, with the xDrive45e being the most efficient when using both electricity and gasoline.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna, on the other hand, came exclusively with a hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with two electric motors to produce 243 horsepower. The Sienna offered front-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive available on most trims. The AWD system added a separate electric motor for the rear wheels, enhancing traction without mechanical complexity. The Sienna's electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT) provided smooth power delivery and improved fuel efficiency. The Sienna's handling was surprisingly good for a minivan, thanks to its TNGA platform and independent rear suspension. Fuel consumption was impressive, with FWD models achieving 6.6 litres per 100 kilometres combined, while AWD models were slightly less efficient.

The 2021 BMW X5 made efficient use of its interior space, with well-placed cupholders and a wireless phone charging pad. The seating was comfortable for short trips, though longer journeys revealed some discomfort in the front seats. The rear seats were spacious enough for two adults, and an optional third row was available. The X5's split liftgate was easy to operate, and the vehicle height adjustment feature was useful for loading cargo. However, the doors did not open very wide, making it challenging to move children and cargo in and out of the second row.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna excelled in practicality, capable of accommodating a full 4x8 sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed. The sliding second row added flexibility for loading cargo, with measurements of 949 litres behind the third row, 2,129 litres behind the second row, and 2,860 litres behind the first row. The Sienna also had a 1,585-kilogram towing capacity. The third-row bench easily folded into the floor, and each row offered ample storage and cupholders. Power-operated sliding doors and a rear liftgate, with available foot-motion triggers, added convenience for families.

The 2021 BMW X5 featured a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, the wireless CarPlay had connectivity issues, often taking over musical operations unexpectedly. The standard features included a 12.3-inch 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 other luxury features. The iDrive system required some acclimatization but was user-friendly once familiar.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna came with a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM. However, it lacked wireless connectivity for these features. The Sienna included telematics services, Bluetooth, and optional Qi wireless charging. Audio systems ranged from a six-speaker setup to a 12-speaker JBL system on higher trims. A rear-seat entertainment system was available, featuring an 11.6-inch display. The Sienna also offered a digital rearview mirror and remote keyless entry with push-button start.

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 light rain. The X5 received nearly all Good ratings from the IIHS and a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. The standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite included adaptive cruise control, lane centring, and automatic emergency braking. The Sienna also featured 10 airbags, LATCH connectors, and a rear-seat reminder system. Tire-pressure monitoring and an inflator kit were standard, with an optional spare tire.