2025 Toyota Sienna 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. The test vehicle featured 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 test vehicle came with Brooklyn Grey paint, optional wheels, and all available equipment packages. 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 high-quality materials and construction.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna, with its box-on-wheels design, aimed to maximize interior space, though its trapezoidal grille evoked comparisons to a hand vacuum. The Sienna featured upswept body lines, hidden sliding door tracks, and swollen rear fenders, with narrow taillights drawing a family resemblance to the Camry sedan. The Platinum package introduced new flower-petal wheel designs. Despite these efforts, the Sienna retained its minivan identity. The test vehicle, a top-of-the-line Limited with the Platinum package, was painted in Magnetic Grey and topped a Canadian lineup that included LE, XLE, and XSE trims. Prices ranged from $51,219 to $73,753, including destination charges and fees. The 2025 model updated the interior with a new woodgrain finish, though opinions on its aesthetics varied. Overall, the Sienna's interior was considered an improvement over previous iterations.

The 2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e PHEV featured new mild-hybrid six-cylinder and V8 engines, with a significant upgrade to its electric range and power output. It boasted a more powerful electric motor integrated into the eight-speed automatic transmission and a 19.2 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, doubling the maximum AC charging rate to 7.4 kW. The xDrive50e offered 63 km of electric-only driving, with a combined fuel consumption of 10.6 L/100 km. It produced 483 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, accelerating to 96 km/h in 4.6 seconds. The PHEV was praised for its driving dynamics, with adaptive damping air suspension and excellent handling. It achieved an average fuel economy of 6.0 L/100 km during evaluation, making it a preferred choice for those seeking a balance of performance and efficiency.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna featured a hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and a CVT, offering 245 horsepower. While not particularly powerful, the electric assist motor provided immediate torque, preventing the Sienna from feeling sluggish. The FWD model had a combined fuel consumption rating of 6.6 L/100 km, though the test vehicle averaged 8.9 L/100 km. The Sienna's handling was predictable but not particularly engaging, with a smooth and absorbent ride. The XSE trim offered a sport-tuned suspension for a slightly more dynamic driving experience. Overall, the Sienna prioritized comfort and practicality over performance.

The 2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e offered a spacious interior with room for five people and a cargo area that expanded from 937 litres 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 test vehicle featured Sensafin artificial leather upholstery, sport seats, and available 20-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed comfort and a panoramic sunroof. The X5 no longer offered an optional third-row seat, requiring a step up to the BMW X7 for that feature.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna prioritized form and function, with power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated front seats in the Limited with Platinum package. The second-row captain's chairs with ottoman-style leg rests were popular with teenagers, and the third-row seat accommodated adults. The Sienna offered generous storage space, though finding secure places for large water bottles was challenging. The cargo area held 949 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,129 litres with the third-row seats stowed. Maximum cargo capacity was 2,860 litres, less than rivals due to the non-removable second-row seats. The Sienna's design focused on practicality and ease of use.

The 2024 BMW X5 featured a BMW Curved Display with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system running BMW Operating System 8.5. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L, connected services, and over-the-air updates. The Intelligent Personal Assistant, however, struggled with voice recognition, leading to frustration. The available head-up display and augmented video function for navigation were praised for their effectiveness.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna's higher-spec models included a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch touchscreen for the Toyota Audio Multimedia system. The Limited with Platinum package featured a four-zone climate control system, a 10-inch head-up display, and a camera-based digital rearview mirror. The TAM system offered connected services with varying subscription periods, and the digital assistant responded well to commands. The JBL premium audio system, however, produced excessive bass. The Sienna's technology package was comprehensive, with features like a digital rearview camera and surround-view camera enhancing convenience.

The 2024 BMW X5 offered the Highway Assistant hands-free driving assistance system, which worked well in specific conditions but could behave unpredictably in moderate traffic. The adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assistance performed well, though errant braking episodes were noted. The X5 received high ratings from the IIHS but missed an award due to lower headlight ratings. The NHTSA gave it a four-star overall crash-test rating.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna featured TSS 2.0, an older but preferred version of Toyota's safety suite. It included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The Sienna added a new rear-seat reminder system for 2025. The NHTSA gave it a five-star overall rating, though it scored lower in frontal crash tests. The Sienna's safety features were effective, though vigilance was required in urban areas.