2024 Toyota Land Cruiser vs 2025 BMW X5

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser, known for its iconic design, retained its classic boxy shape with a flat roof, reminiscent of its predecessors. The vehicle was available in two trims and two packages in Canada, each featuring elements that paid homage to earlier models. The heritage grille with "TOYOTA" spelled out across the front was a nod to the 40 series, while the round headlights on the First Edition echoed the 20 series. Other versions had rectangular headlights reminiscent of the FJ62. All lighting was upgraded to LED, blending classic inspiration with modern standards. Higher trims boasted colour-selectable fog lights from RIGID Industries, adding a contemporary twist. The beltline was lowered for better visibility, and all models came with 18-inch alloy wheels, with 20-inch wheels available in the Premium Package. The First Edition included additional off-road gear like a roof rack, front skid plate, and mudflaps. Inside, the base 1958 trim featured cloth seats, while other versions had SofTex or real leather with unique logos. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard, with ventilated seats and a moonroof available on higher trims. The cabin was comfortable, with cushy seats, a padded centre console, and attractive contrast stitching, emphasizing comfort alongside capability.

The 2025 BMW X5 evolved gracefully, maintaining its distinctive proportions while incorporating new details. The cab-rearward profile and rounded fender arches were complemented by arrow-shaped lighting elements in the headlights and taillights, which had a three-dimensional shape. The front fascia was busy, but the signature twin-kidney grille remained reasonably sized. An optional M Sport Package added sportier bumpers and a leather steering wheel, with upgrades available to M Sport Pro, including an M Sport exhaust system and Shadowline headlights. Base models came with 20-inch wheels and run-flat all-season tires, with 21-inch and 22-inch wheels available. The interior represented a gradual evolution of BMW's aesthetic, with a curved dashboard display and a feeling of quality. The Silver Anniversary Edition, celebrating 25 years of X5 production, was available in the U.S. but not in Canada.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser featured a hybrid powertrain with a 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a 1.87-kWh battery pack, and a 48-hp electric motor, producing a total of 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. It had an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard full-time four-wheel drive, with an electronically controlled two-speed transfer case for high and low range. The Multi-Terrain Select system operated in both 4Hi and 4Lo, and an automatic limited-slip differential was standard. Rear- and centre-locking differentials were also included, with a push-button disconnect for the front sway bar available on all but the base models. The CRAWL control function had five speed settings and operated silently, enhancing off-road capability.

The 2025 BMW X5 offered multiple powertrain options. The xDrive40i featured a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six with 375 horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-100 km/h in 5.4 seconds. The M60i xDrive had a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 with 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, reaching 0-100 km/h in 4.3 seconds. Both models shared an eight-speed automatic transmission and a 48-volt mild hybrid system. The X5 xDrive50e plug-in hybrid combined the inline-six with a larger electric motor and a 19.2-kWh battery, producing 483 hp and 516 lb-ft, with a 0-100 km/h time of 4.7 seconds and up to 63 km of all-electric range. The test car, similar to the xDrive40i, delivered smooth power and agility, with an X5 M Competition model offering 617 hp and a 0-100 km/h time of 3.9 seconds.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser had two rows of seating, with headroom measuring 917 mm in the front and 897 mm in the back, and legroom at 838 mm front and 678 mm rear. The centre console provided easy access to off-road features, with hard controls for climate and media placed conveniently. A wireless charging pad was available, and the Premium Package included a centre console cool box. The cargo area had a raised load floor with a rubber mat, offering 1,063 litres of space. A 120-volt AC outlet and USB-C ports were standard in higher trims.

The 2025 BMW X5, a two-row five-seater, offered generous passenger space but not class-leading. It had about 5 cm less first-row legroom than some competitors, with slightly more headroom. Sport seats were standard, providing extra bolstering during cornering. The X5 had 960 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 2,047 litres with the second row folded. The split tailgate was a unique feature, serving as a backstop and bench. The X5's towing capacity was 3,265 kg, comparable to most rivals.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser featured the Multi-Terrain Monitor system, standard above the base trim, with a 12.3-inch centre touchscreen display. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with USB-C ports for front and rear passengers. The base infotainment system had an 8-inch display and six speakers, while higher trims offered a 10-speaker system or a 14-speaker JBL premium sound system. A head-up display and digital rear-view mirror were available in the Premium Package and First Edition.

The 2025 BMW X5 received a curved dashboard display with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch infotainment touchscreen, running BMW Operating System 8. The iDrive system offered multiple control options, including a rotary controller, touchscreen, voice recognition, and gesture control. Augmented reality navigation and digital key connectivity were new features. The instrument cluster layout was distinctive and easy to read, with a prominent speed readout and fuel gauge.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but Toyota's track record and the Tundra's Top Safety Pick award provided some confidence. Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 was standard, including adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and lane-tracing assist. The Premium Package and First Edition added lane-change assist, front cross-traffic alert, and traffic jam assist.

The 2025 BMW X5 came with standard driver aids like lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. The Advanced Driver Assistance Package included Highway Assistant for hands-free driving. Parking Assistant with Reversing Assistant was standard, with Parking Assistant Professional available. The X5 earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS and a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.