BMW X5 vs Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was priced at just over $50,000, with the base Hybrid LE starting at $51,435, including destination charges. In Canada, all-wheel drive was standard, while the U.S. offered a front-wheel drive version. The Highlander Hybrid XLE AWD came with a Special Edition package, and the Limited trim allowed for a Platinum package upgrade. The Limited trim with the Platinum package had an MSRP of $61,800 in Canada. The 2023 model saw minimal appearance changes, with a new Cypress Green paint colour. The design was considered over-styled, with exaggerated forms and a lack of subtlety both inside and out. The interior featured large elements like a 12.3-inch touchscreen and oversized controls, but the quality was questioned due to mismatched textures and inexpensive-feeling controls.

In contrast, the 2024 BMW X5's styling, last redesigned in 2019, aged well, though the M Sport treatment was not universally liked. The test vehicle featured optional 21-inch wheels, enhancing its appearance. The X5 offered various powertrains, including a turbocharged inline six-cylinder, a turbo-six PHEV, and a turbocharged V8. The xDrive50e PHEV model, in particular, was noted for its modernized interior with BMW's Curved Display and reduced physical switchgear. The quality of materials and construction remained high, maintaining a connection to BMW's past. The X5's interior updates aligned it with other BMW models, offering a blend of modern technology and traditional quality.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid combined a 2.5-litre Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine with two electric motor-generators, providing standard AWD. It delivered 243 combined horsepower, tasked with moving 2,060 kilograms in Limited trim. The electric motors assisted with acceleration and allowed for low-speed electric-only driving. However, the gas engine's 175 pound-feet of torque limited high-speed passing power. The Highlander Hybrid could tow up to 1,588 kilograms, but power was limited, especially in mountainous terrain. Drivers could choose between Eco, Normal, and Sport modes, with an additional Trail mode for light off-road use. The Predictive Efficient Drive system aimed to maximize fuel efficiency, but real-world results were higher than Toyota's claims, averaging 8.2 L/100 km. The driving experience was described as uninspiring, with soft suspension and a CVT contributing to a lack of engagement.

The 2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e PHEV featured a new mild-hybrid system, with a more powerful electric motor and a 19.2 kWh battery pack. It offered 63 kilometres of electric-only range and a combined fuel economy of 10.6 L/100 km. The xDrive50e produced 483 horsepower and 516 pound-feet 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 quick steering. It excelled in both city and highway driving, with the ability to recharge the battery during drives. The X5's performance in Sport mode was particularly impressive, offering excellent acceleration, grip, and braking. The PHEV's ability to recharge during spirited driving added to its appeal, achieving an average fuel economy of 6.0 L/100 km during evaluation.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was designed to accommodate family life, seating seven or eight people depending on the configuration. Most models featured second-row captain’s chairs, with the third row best suited for occasional use. Standard equipment included three-zone automatic climate control and heated front seats, with additional features like a heated steering wheel and ventilated seats in the Platinum package. The interior offered power-adjustable front seats and second-row sunshades for added comfort. However, accessing the third row was challenging, and the seats were not particularly comfortable. The Highlander provided 453 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 2,387 litres with the second row folded. Storage solutions were criticized for their complexity and lack of lining, affecting utility and noise levels.

The 2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e offered a spacious and luxurious interior for five passengers, with a 937-litre cargo area that expanded 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, which was indistinguishable from genuine leather. Standard sport seats could be upgraded to 20-way power-adjustable multi-contour seats with heating and ventilation. The X5 also offered four-zone climate control, a heated steering wheel, and heated rear seats. The panoramic sunroof and side window sunshades enhanced comfort for rear passengers. While a third-row seat was previously available, it was no longer offered in the X5, with the larger X7 providing that option.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid introduced new technology, with upper trims featuring a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a new Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system. The Limited trim included a 12.3-inch touchscreen with over-the-air updates, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Connected services were standard, with varying trial subscription lengths. The Drive Connect service plan offered an Intelligent Assistant and cloud-based navigation. The test vehicle also had a head-up display and an 11-speaker JBL sound system. While the infotainment system was user-friendly, the graphics lacked contrast, making visibility challenging.

The 2024 BMW X5 featured the BMW Curved Display, combining a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel with a 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Running on BMW Operating System 8.5, it offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L, and over-the-air updates. The system included a cloud-based navigation system and an Intelligent Personal Assistant. Pairing an iPhone was seamless, and the interface was intuitive. The optional Harman Kardon sound system provided excellent audio quality. However, the Intelligent Personal Assistant struggled with voice recognition, leading to inaccurate directions and responses. Despite this, the head-up display and augmented video navigation were praised for their effectiveness.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid prioritized safety with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems. This included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and more. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard, with additional parking sensors and a surround-view camera on higher trims. The ADAS performed well, though it occasionally struggled with lane markings and rural roads. Safety Connect provided emergency assistance and collision notification. The Highlander Hybrid received excellent crash-test ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA.

For 2024, the BMW X5 introduced the Highway Assistant hands-free driving system, which required deliberate activation. It performed well in dense traffic and at high speeds but could be unpredictable in moderate traffic. The adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assistance were effective, though the system occasionally engaged brakes unexpectedly. The X5's driver aids operated subtly, encouraging their use. The IIHS gave the X5 high ratings, though headlight ratings prevented an award. The NHTSA rated it four stars overall, one below the maximum.