2024 Toyota Sequoia vs 2024 BMW X5

The 2024 BMW X5, last redesigned in 2019, maintained a timeless appeal, although the M Sport treatment was not universally appreciated, giving it a station wagon-like appearance. Our test vehicle featured the optional 21-inch “741M” wheels with staggered-width summer tires, which were considered a worthwhile upgrade despite the potential cost of tire replacement. The X5 offered a range of powertrains, including a turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine, a turbo-six PHEV powertrain, and a turbocharged V8 engine, with the high-performance X5 M Competition variant. The xDrive50e M Sport Pro specification, with Brooklyn Grey paint and all available equipment packages, was our test vehicle. The 2024 model received a light styling refresh, aligning it with other BMW models, and introduced the BMW Curved Display instrumentation and infotainment screen, modernizing the interior while retaining the quality of materials and construction.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia shared its platform with the Tundra pickup, featuring similar design cues like hexagonal grilles and muscular stances. The exterior colour significantly influenced its appearance, with our Celestial Silver Capstone model exuding a somewhat dated "cop car" vibe. Inside, the Sequoia closely resembled the Tundra and other Toyota vehicles, with a blocky, geometric dash layout and physical controls for volume and climate. The Capstone trim boasted semi-aniline leather upholstery, while SofTex leatherette and leather were standard on lower trims. The Sequoia offered power-adjustable front seats across the lineup and a power-tilt and -slide moonroof, with a panoramic version standard on higher trims. The interior design emphasized practicality and comfort, catering to various seating preferences.

The 2024 BMW X5 introduced new mild-hybrid six-cylinder and V8 engines, with a significant upgrade to the xDrive50e PHEV's electric range and power output. The PHEV featured a more powerful electric motor integrated into the eight-speed automatic transmission and a 19.2 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. BMW doubled the battery's maximum AC charging rate to 7.4 kW, allowing for 63 kilometres of electric-only driving. The xDrive50e produced 483 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, accelerating to 96 km/h in 4.6 seconds. The PHEV excelled in efficiency, achieving 7.0 L/100 km during city driving and 6.0 L/100 km on a 154-kilometre evaluation drive. The adaptive damping air suspension and 21-inch wheels provided a comfortable ride, while the quick steering and excellent visibility enhanced the driving experience. The X5 PHEV impressed with its performance, offering a thrilling canyon run in Sport mode and demonstrating remarkable grip and braking capabilities.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia exclusively featured the iForce MAX hybrid powertrain, combining a twin-turbo V6 engine with an electric motor. This setup delivered 427 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque, surpassing its V8 predecessor. The Sequoia's fuel economy improved to 11.7 L/100 km combined with 4WD. In Canada, the Sequoia came standard with 4WD, featuring a part-time system with selectable modes. The 10-speed automatic transmission operated smoothly, and the on-road handling was adequate for its class. The SR5 TRD Off-Road model offered adventure-readiness with unique tires, off-road suspension, and driver-assist features like Crawl Control and hill-descent control. The Sequoia's towing capacity reached 4,137 kilograms, with available towing-related upgrades. The vehicle's performance catered to those seeking a powerful and capable hybrid SUV.

The 2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e excelled as a midsize luxury SUV, accommodating five passengers in two rows. The cargo area offered 937 litres, expanding to 2,016 litres with the rear seats folded. The split liftgate design provided a convenient seating area but required stretching to access deep cargo. The X5 featured standard Sensafin artificial leather upholstery, with optional 20-way power-adjustable front seats offering heating and ventilation. The interior boasted four-zone automatic climate control, a heated steering wheel, and heated rear seats. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed comfort and a panoramic sunroof view. The X5 no longer offered an optional third-row seat, requiring a step up to the BMW X7 for that feature.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia Capstone trim included automatic power-deploying running boards, aiding shorter individuals in entering the vehicle. The Sequoia provided a maximum of 2,460 litres of cargo space with both second- and third-row seats folded. Behind the second row, it offered 1,387 litres, and behind the third row, it ranged from 325 to 631 litres. The second-row seats did not slide fore and aft but allowed easy access to the back row. The third-row seats folded at the push of a button but did not create a flat load floor due to the hybrid powertrain's battery pack. The Sequoia's interior dimensions placed it behind some rivals in terms of legroom, but it offered second-row captain's chairs in higher trims. The interior design prioritized practicality and comfort, catering to various seating preferences.

The 2024 BMW X5 featured the BMW Curved Display, combining a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel with a 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The system ran BMW Operating System 8.5, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and over-the-air software updates. The cloud-based navigation system and Intelligent Personal Assistant were part of the connected services. The Harman Kardon sound system provided excellent audio quality. However, the Intelligent Personal Assistant's performance was disappointing, struggling with voice recognition tasks. The available head-up display effectively conveyed data, and the augmented video function for navigation added convenience.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia Capstone trim included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with an 8-inch touchscreen on the SR5 and a 14-inch screen on higher trims. The Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system prioritized functionality over flashy design. The driver information display was a full-colour 12.3-inch unit, and the Panoramic View monitor was standard on higher trims. The 10-inch colour head-up display was standard on Capstone, and the 14-speaker JBL Premium Audio system was available on Limited and standard on higher trims. The Sequoia's technology offerings emphasized ease of use and practicality.

The 2024 BMW X5 offered the Highway Assistant hands-free driving assistance system, which required deliberate activation. It performed well in dense or light traffic but exhibited errant braking in heavy traffic. The adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assistance operated subtly, enhancing the driving experience. The X5 received high ratings from the IIHS, but lower headlight ratings prevented it from earning a safety award. The NHTSA gave the X5 an overall crash-test rating of four stars.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia featured the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) 2.5 suite of safety and driver-assistance features as standard. This included a pre-collision system, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control, and road-sign recognition. Front and rear parking sensors with automatic braking and blind-spot monitoring were also standard. The only optional driver aid was a trailer backup guide with Straight-Path Assist. The Sequoia had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but the similar Toyota Tundra earned a Top Safety Pick+ designation.