2025 BMW X5 vs 2024 Toyota Sequoia

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia shared its platform with the Tundra pickup, and this connection was evident in its design cues, such as hexagonal grilles, wheel arches, and strong fender creases. The exterior colour significantly influenced its appearance, with the Capstone model featuring more chrome brightwork. Our tester, presented in Celestial Silver, appeared somewhat dated, reminiscent of a "cop car." Inside, the Sequoia closely resembled the Tundra and other Toyota vehicles, with a blocky, geometric dashboard layout, physical dials, and buttons for volume and climate control. The Capstone trim boasted semi-aniline leather upholstery, while other trims offered SofTex leatherette or standard leather. The seating was customizable, with power-adjustable front seats and a power-tilt and -slide moonroof standard across the lineup.

The 2025 BMW X5 evolved gracefully, maintaining its distinctive proportions while incorporating new details. The cab-rearward profile, rounded fender arches, and arrow-shaped lighting elements in the headlights and taillights contributed to its modern look. The front fascia was busy, but the signature twin-kidney grille remained reasonably sized. The optional M Sport Package added sportier bumpers and a leather steering wheel, with further upgrades available. The interior represented a gradual evolution of BMW's aesthetic, with a curved dashboard display and a sense of quality. The Silver Anniversary Edition spec celebrated the X5's 25th anniversary of production in Spartanburg, South Carolina.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia was exclusively offered in a hybrid format, utilizing Toyota's iForce MAX hybrid powertrain. This system combined a twin-turbo V6 engine with an electric motor, producing 427 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque, surpassing its V8 predecessor. Fuel economy improved significantly, with a rating of 11.7 L/100 km combined with 4WD. In Canada, the Sequoia came standard with 4WD, featuring a part-time system with a selector for 4Hi, 4Lo, and 2WD. The 10-speed automatic transmission operated smoothly, and the on-road handling was adequate. 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 maximum towing capacity was 4,137 kilograms, with towing-related upgrades available.

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

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia Capstone featured automatic power-deploying running boards, aiding shorter individuals in entering the vehicle. Inside, it offered a maximum of 2,460 litres of cargo space with both second- and third-row seats folded. Behind the second row, there were 1,387 litres, and behind the third row, it ranged from 325 to 631 litres. The second-row seats were easy to move for access to the back row, and the third-row seats folded at the push of a button, though they did not create a flat load floor. Headroom was affected by the hybrid powertrain's battery pack, with 995 mm up front, 952 to 975 mm in the middle, and 904 mm in the back. Legroom ranged from 713 to 855 mm in the third row, 995 mm in the second row, and 1,041 mm in the first row. Second-row captain's chairs were available in higher trims, offering width but lacking bolstering.

The 2025 BMW X5 was a two-row five-seater, offering generous passenger space. It had about 5 centimetres less first-row legroom than some competitors but provided additional headroom. The X5's sport seats offered extra bolstering for cornering and comfort during long drives. However, real leather upholstery and front-seat heat and ventilation were not standard. The X5 provided 960 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, more than some rivals, and 2,047 litres with the second row folded. The split tailgate was a standout feature, serving as a backstop and bench. The X5's towing capacity was 3,265 kilograms, comparable to competitors.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia Capstone was equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, accessible through an 8-inch touchscreen on the SR5 trim and a 14-inch screen on higher trims. The Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system prioritized functionality over flashiness. The driver information display was a 12.3-inch full-colour unit, standard across all trims. The Panoramic View monitor was standard on Platinum and Capstone trims, aiding in parking. 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 2025 BMW X5 received a curved dashboard display and new operating system for 2024. The curved display included a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 14.9-inch infotainment touchscreen, running BMW Operating System 8. The iDrive infotainment system offered multiple control options, including a rotary controller, touchscreen, voice recognition, and gesture control. The instrument cluster layout was distinctive and easy to read. Augmented reality navigation and digital key connectivity were welcome additions, enhancing the driving experience.

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 with pedestrian detection, lane-departure alert with steering assist, adaptive cruise control, and road-sign recognition. Front and rear parking sensors with automatic braking and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. The only optional driver aid was a trailer backup guide with Straight-Path Assist, available on higher trims. The Sequoia had not been rated by IIHS or NHTSA, but the similar Tundra earned a Top Safety Pick+ designation.

The 2025 BMW X5 came with standard driver aids, including lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and forward collision warning. Adaptive cruise control was part of the Advanced Driver Assistance Package, which included Highway Assistant for hands-free driving. The standard Parking Assistant setup included Reversing Assistant, with additional features available in certain packages. The X5 earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from IIHS and a four-star overall safety rating from NHTSA.