2025 BMW X5 vs 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser

The 2025 BMW X5 had gracefully evolved, maintaining its distinctive proportions while incorporating intriguing details. The cab-rearward profile and rounded fender arches were complemented by arrow-shaped lighting elements in the headlights and taillights, which featured a three-dimensional shape. The front fascia was somewhat 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 through the M Sport Pro package. The interior continued the gradual evolution of BMW's aesthetic, offering a sense of quality with a plainer appearance compared to some competitors. The Silver Anniversary Edition, exclusive to the U.S., celebrated the X5's 25th production anniversary.

In contrast, the 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser offered two trim levels, with the base model, 1958, featuring a retro look with round headlights and cloth seats. The Cruiser trim provided a more modern and upscale appearance, with additional colours and a nicer interior. The Premium Package added leather and more tech, enhancing the vehicle's appeal. The Land Cruiser's traditional two-box SUV design maximized off-road clearances and visibility, with a purposeful look underscored by dark grey cladding. The interior was utilitarian, with traditional switchgear and a Java-coloured leather option. The Cruiser trim's Premium Package included a 14-speaker JBL sound system and a wireless smartphone charger.

The 2025 BMW X5 offered a range of powertrain options, starting with the xDrive40i, featuring a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six engine producing 375 horsepower and 398 pound-feet of torque. This model accelerated from zero 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 of torque, achieving zero 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 xDrive50e plug-in hybrid combined the inline-six with a larger electric motor, producing a total of 483 hp and 516 lb-ft, with an estimated zero to 100 km/h time of 4.7 seconds and up to 63 kilometres of all-electric range.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser featured Toyota's i-Force Max hybrid system, pairing a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, producing 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque. The full-time 4WD system included electronic locking differentials, enabling a towing capacity of 2,720 kilograms. Standard features included Downhill Assist Control and Crawl Control, with the Cruiser trim adding Multi-Terrain Select modes and a front stabilizer bar disconnect. The Land Cruiser's fuel efficiency was rated at 10.1 L/100 km combined, but real-world testing showed 15.0 L/100 km. The vehicle excelled in urban and off-road environments, though it struggled on twisty roads due to its suspension tuning.

The 2025 BMW X5 was a two-row, five-seater SUV with generous passenger space, though not class-leading. It offered slightly less first-row legroom than some competitors but provided more headroom. The sport seats were comfortable and supportive, especially during cornering. The X5's cargo space was competitive, with 960 litres behind the rear seats and 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 kilograms, reasonable for its size.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser's Cruiser trim replaced cloth upholstery with SofTex artificial leather, adding ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The Premium Package included real leather and a power sunroof. The front seats were comfortable, but the second-row seats lacked support. The rear window design was less practical than desired, and the centre console's cool box reduced storage space. The Land Cruiser offered 1,062 litres of cargo space, with a maximum of 2,324 litres with the back seat folded. The high load floor required effort when loading heavy items.

The 2025 BMW X5 featured 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 infotainment system was intuitive, offering multiple control options, including a rotary controller, touchscreen, voice recognition, and gesture control. Augmented reality navigation and digital key connectivity were notable features.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser's Cruiser trim upgraded to two 12.3-inch displays, with the Toyota Audio Multimedia system offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Four connected service plans were available, including Drive Connect with cloud-based navigation and a digital assistant. The Premium Package added a 14-speaker JBL sound system, a wireless smartphone charger, a head-up display, and digital key technology.

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. The Advanced Driver Assistance Package offered Highway Assistant, a hands-free system. The X5 earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS and a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser included Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, featuring forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection. Additional features included lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The Premium Package added front cross-traffic alert and lane-change assist. The Land Cruiser received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.