2025 BMW X5 vs 2025 Toyota Sienna

The 2025 BMW X5 had gracefully evolved from its predecessors, maintaining its distinctive proportions while incorporating modern design elements. The cab-rearward profile and rounded fender arches were complemented by arrow-shaped lighting elements in the headlights and taillights, which added a three-dimensional flair. The front fascia was somewhat busy, but the signature twin-kidney grille remained reasonably sized, avoiding the oversized trend seen in other models. The optional M Sport Package and M Sport Pro added sportier aesthetics and performance features, while the base models came with 20-inch wheels, with larger options available. Inside, the X5's interior was a continuation of BMW's aesthetic evolution, offering quality and a familiar layout, albeit 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 Sienna attempted to break away from the traditional minivan design with its trapezoidal grille and upswept body lines. Despite these efforts, it still retained the boxy shape typical of minivans, prioritizing interior space. The Platinum package introduced new wheel designs and a Magnetic Grey paint option. The Sienna's interior received updates, including a woodgrain finish in the Platinum package, though opinions on its aesthetics varied. The Sienna Limited with the Platinum package offered a range of trims and prices, with the interior improvements aimed at enhancing practicality and comfort, despite some criticisms of the materials used.

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, achieving 0 to 100 km/h in 5.4 seconds. The M60i xDrive variant boasted a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 with 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, reducing the 0 to 100 km/h time to 4.3 seconds. Both models shared an eight-speed automatic transmission and a 48-volt mild hybrid system. The plug-in hybrid xDrive50e combined the inline-six with a larger electric motor, delivering a total of 483 hp and 516 lb-ft, with an all-electric range of up to 63 kilometres. The X5's performance was characterized by smooth power delivery and agile handling, even without the rear-wheel steering system available on the M60i.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna, on the other hand, was equipped with a hybrid powertrain featuring a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and a CVT. The system produced a net 245 horsepower, which was adequate for city driving and highway cruising, though the CVT's noise was noticeable during hard acceleration. The Sienna's hybrid system prioritized fuel efficiency, with a combined rating of 6.6 litres per 100 kilometres for the FWD model. However, during testing, it averaged 8.9 L/100 km. The Sienna's handling was predictable but not particularly engaging, with a smooth ride and minimal body roll. The XSE trim offered a sportier suspension, but overall, the Sienna was more about comfort than driving excitement.

The 2025 BMW X5 was a two-row, five-seater SUV, offering generous passenger space but not class-leading. It had slightly less first-row legroom compared to some competitors but provided ample headroom. The cargo space was competitive, with 960 litres behind the rear seats and 2,047 litres with the second row folded. The split tailgate design was a standout feature, offering convenience for loading and unloading. The X5's towing capacity was 3,265 kilograms, which was reasonable for its class.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna excelled in 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 a hit, and the third-row seat accommodated adults comfortably. The Sienna's cargo space was generous, with 949 litres behind the third row and 2,129 litres with the third row stowed. However, its maximum cargo capacity of 2,860 litres was less than rivals due to the non-removable second-row seats. The Sienna's design prioritized practicality, with easy access and loading, but it fell short in maximizing cargo space.

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 system offered multiple control options, including a rotary controller, touchscreen, voice recognition, and gesture control. The X5 also included augmented reality navigation and digital key connectivity. The technology was intuitive and user-friendly, with a distinctive instrument cluster layout.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna's higher-spec models came with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch touchscreen for the Toyota Audio Multimedia system. The Limited with Platinum package included 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 was responsive and accurate. The JBL premium audio system provided decent sound quality, though it required adjustments for optimal performance. The Sienna's technology package was comprehensive, with features like a rear-seat entertainment system and a digital rearview camera.

The 2025 BMW X5 came with standard driver aids, including lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. The Advanced Driver Assistance Package added Highway Assistant, a hands-free system for speeds up to 135 km/h. The X5 earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS and a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna featured TSS 2.0, which included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The Sienna's safety systems generally performed well, though the adaptive cruise control required vigilance in urban areas. The Sienna added a rear-seat reminder system for 2025, enhancing safety for families. The NHTSA gave the Sienna a five-star overall rating, but it scored three stars for driver protection in a frontal impact, the lowest among minivans.