2021 Toyota Venza vs 2021 BMW X5

The 2021 Toyota Venza, when it debuted, was often likened to a Lexus in terms of its design. Critics noted its resemblance to the Lexus LF-1 Limitless concept, with its sleek grille and elongated profile, which blurred the lines between the two brands. The Venza was available in three trim levels—LE, XLE, and Limited—and offered a choice of seven paint colours, though not all were available across every trim. Standard features included LED headlights and taillights, a wireless charging pad, and an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, with more advanced features available in higher trims. The Venza's design was complemented by a suite of safety and driver assistance technologies, making it a well-rounded choice for those seeking a stylish yet practical SUV.

The 2021 BMW X5 was a testament to BMW's reputation for high-quality craftsmanship. It was unmistakably a BMW, with its signature kidney grille and body shape, though this also meant it could blend in with other BMW models. The X5 featured full adaptive LED headlights and a range of styling options, including the sporty M Sport package. Inside, the X5's interior was consistent with BMW's design language, featuring a mix of leather and soft-touch materials, though some found the abundance of black plastic less appealing. The X5 offered a range of wheel sizes and interior configurations, including an optional third row, making it a versatile choice for families or those needing extra space.

The 2021 Toyota Venza was powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine paired with a lithium-ion battery pack, delivering a combined 219 horsepower and 163 pound-feet of torque. While not the most powerful in its class, the Venza offered smooth acceleration and confident handling, typical of Toyota's reputation for reliability. Its hybrid system excelled in fuel efficiency, achieving an impressive 5.9 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 6.1 L/100 km combined, outperforming competitors like the Murano and Blazer. The Venza's all-wheel-drive system provided stability and control, making it a dependable choice for everyday driving.

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 with 335 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque. For those seeking more power, the X5 M50i boasted a twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 with 523 horsepower, while the X5 M delivered up to 617 horsepower with the Competition Package. The new xDrive45e plug-in hybrid model offered 389 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque, with up to 50 kilometres of all-electric range. Despite its power, the X5's steering and handling were less engaging than expected, with some reviewers noting a disconnect between the vehicle's dynamics and BMW's usual driving experience.

Inside the 2021 Toyota Venza, the cabin offered a unique design with premium appointments, including a centre stack with piano black capacitive buttons and a deep centre console with ample storage. The Venza's seating was comfortable for both front and rear passengers, with more headroom than the RAV4. However, its cargo space was limited to 816 litres, about 60 percent of the RAV4's capacity, though still sufficient for daily use. The Venza's interior was more refined than the RAV4, with elegant styling and a focus on comfort.

The 2021 BMW X5 made efficient use of space, with a spacious and comfortable interior, though the front seats could feel hard on longer trips. The X5's split liftgate and adjustable vehicle height made loading cargo easy, and the optional third row added versatility. However, the second-row doors did not open wide, making access more challenging. The X5's cargo area was generous, though slightly reduced in the xDrive45e model. Overall, the X5 offered a practical and luxurious interior, though some controls were difficult to differentiate at night.

The 2021 Toyota Venza featured the Entune infotainment system, with an 8-inch screen on the LE trim and a 12.3-inch touchscreen on the XLE and Limited trims. While the system was functional, it required multiple menu trips for some tasks. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a six-speaker audio system, with a nine-speaker JBL premium audio system available on higher trims. Toyota's connected services, including Safety Connect and Remote Connect, were also standard, providing added convenience and safety.

The 2021 BMW X5 came equipped with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, the CarPlay system had connectivity quirks, often taking over music operations unexpectedly. Standard features included a 10-speaker sound system, navigation, and a panoramic sunroof, with options for a head-up display, premium audio systems, and more. The iDrive system required some acclimation but was generally user-friendly once familiar.

The 2021 Toyota Venza was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering a comprehensive suite of safety features, including pre-collision warning, lane-departure alert, and adaptive cruise control. The Venza received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, making it a reliable choice for safety-conscious buyers.

The 2021 BMW X5 featured a robust list of standard safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. However, some systems, like the lane-keeping assist, struggled in certain conditions, affecting their reliability. The X5 received Good ratings from the IIHS but had a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with some concerns about its driver assistance systems.