2021 BMW X5 Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$59,400 to $82,800

Original MSRP

8
of 10

expert review

4.9

avg user rating

(19 reviews)

Pros

  • Multiple powertrain options

  • Stylish design

  • Impressive technology

Cons

  • Advanced safety features are not standard

8
out of 10
expert review
Look & feel
9/10
Technology
9/10
Performance
8/10
Safety
6/10
Form & function
8/10
Cost-effectiveness
8/10
2021 BMW X5 Test Drive Review summaryImage

The upscale BMW X5 is a family-friendly SUV that combines powerful engine options with a refined interior.

The BMW X5 was fully redesigned for the 2019 model year. In 2020, high-performance models were added to the mix and for 2021, the SUV’s second-generation plug-in hybrid variant joins the family. All feature similar body design and utility, including a large cargo area.
9/10

BMWs are known for their high-quality craftsmanship and the X5 is no exception. The X5 is part of BMW's true SUV range that includes the odd-numbered SUVs—X1, X3, and X7. The even-numbered models (X2, X4, and X6) are more like high-riding hatchbacks and crossovers.

The X5 luxury SUV delivers on what’s expected both with proportions and BMW sameness. From the kidney grille to the body shape, there’s no mistaking the X5 for anything other than a BMW. On one hand, that’s good—you know what to expect. On the other hand, it’s bad—the X5 can easily get lost in the shuffle amongst other BMWs parked in grocery store lots.

BMW has given the X5 a set of full adaptive LED headlights at its corners. Standard xLine models have matte aluminum grilles while underbody protection, roof rails, and side window surrounds are finished in satin aluminum, which makes for an upscale appearance.

Models specified with M Sport styling have wheel arch trim, bumper trim, rear underbody protection, and side skirts paint matched with the SUV’s body color and complimented by matte aluminum kidney grille bars while the roof rails and side window surrounds are finished in high-gloss black. The look is as sporty as an X5 can get.

Depending on trim level, the car can ride on 19-, 20-, 21-, or 22-inch wheels.

The sameness issue persists in the interior, where nearly every switch, dial, and display has been brought over from the BMW parts bin to execute a design that looks like it could have been pulled from nearly any of the brand’s cars or SUVs.

That’s not to say it’s shoddy. Though there is an abundance of black plastic that easily collects dust and dots from liquid, there is plenty of leather and soft-touch material.

The interior of M Sport models includes unique styling that is more aggressive including an M sports steering wheel, M-specific pedals, driver’s footrest, seat piping, and model-exclusive interior trim strips.

Eileen Falkenberg-Hull
Published May 25, 2021 by Eileen Falkenberg-Hull
Eileen Falkenberg-Hull is the Senior Editor of Autos at Newsweek and the former editor of AutomotiveMap. Her work has appeared in American City Business Journals, Trucks.com, CultureMap, InnovationMap, SportsMap, and U.S. News & World Report. She is also an on-air contributor to the SBNation Radio network.

User reviews for 2021 BMW X5

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User rating:
by LaQueta W
Nov 20, 2024
Great features almost everything I wanted! It’s an awesome vehicle! Great value! Missing the sky lounge roof, but not a biggie! Compare to Cayenne S or GTS.Nov 20, 2024
by Allen B
Sep 09, 2024
The BMW X5 is fantastic, alot of tech it is the ultimate driving machine. Comparable to the Porshe Cyanne, but a little more affordable. Better than the Mercedes Benz GLE.Sep 09, 2024
by Rodney C
Aug 30, 2024
As advertised, car was in excellent condition. Vehicle was priced below Kelly Blue Book for this model. Other vehicles considered were Acura SUV and Cadillac SUV.Aug 30, 2024

2021 BMW X5 Pricing

Original MSRP
$59,400 to $82,800
Price range
$35,175 to $38,450
Average price on CG
$35,175
YoY price change
$38,450 to $35,175

Trims & specs

Air Conditioning

Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Rear side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · Internet radio app: Spotify · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 10 · 205 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with storage · Center console trim: wood · Dash Trim: Leatherette · Dash trim: wood · Door trim: wood · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Interior accents: wood · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Ambient lighting: color-adjustable · Assist handle: rear · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: power steering wheel · Footwell lights: color-adjustable · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): USB-C rear · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: phone · Storage: in-floor · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 16

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.39

Engine

Alternator: 210 amps · Battery: maintenance-free · Hybrid Gas Engine HP: 335 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP@RPM: 5500 · Hybrid Gas Engine Torque: 330 · Hybrid gas Engine Torque@RPM: 1500

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Fender lip moldings: black · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: grey · Headlamp bezel color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: chrome accents · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Rocker panel color: black · Window trim: aluminum

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Google POIs · Infotainment screen size: 12.3 in. · Smartphone integration: wireless Android Auto

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range · Instrument cluster screen size: 12.3 in. · Warnings and reminders: lamp failure

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Front fog lights: LED · Headlights: Auto on/off · Tail and brake lights: LED · Taillights: adaptive

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 16

Rear Seats

Type: 40-20-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: with wind deflector · Moonroof / Sunroof: power sunshade · Roof rails: aluminum

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Automatic emergency braking: front pedestrian · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: alert system · Parking sensors: front · Pre-Collision Warning System: vibrating steering wheel · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leatherette

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Steering

Steering ratio: 18.7

Suspension

Driver Adjustable Suspension: ride control · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: coil over shock · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front · Suspension control: electronic

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: BMW Assist · Smart device app compatibility: BMW ConnectedDrive · Smart device app function: maintenance status

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Towing and Hauling

Trailer hitch: ready

Windows

Front wipers: speed sensitive · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: with washer

Air Conditioning

Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Internet radio app: Spotify · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 10 · 205 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Center console trim: leatherette · Dash Trim: Leatherette · Dash trim: wood · Door trim: wood · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: cargo area carpet · Floor Mats: front · Interior accents: wood · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Ambient lighting: color-adjustable · Assist handle: front · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: power steering wheel · Footwell lights: color-adjustable · Memorized settings: 2 driver · Multi-function remote: vehicle and key memory · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: phone · Storage: in-floor · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 16

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.39

Engine

Alternator: 210 amps · Battery: maintenance-free · Hybrid Gas Engine HP: 335 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP@RPM: 5500 · Hybrid Gas Engine Torque: 330 · Hybrid gas Engine Torque@RPM: 1500

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Fender lip moldings: black · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: grey · Headlamp bezel color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: chrome accents · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Rocker panel color: chrome accents · Window trim: aluminum

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Google POIs · Infotainment screen size: 12.3 in. · Smartphone integration: wireless Android Auto

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range · Instrument cluster screen size: 12.3 in. · Warnings and reminders: low oil level

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Front fog lights: LED · Headlights: automatic high beam dimmer · Tail and brake lights: LED · Taillights: adaptive

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: driver side auto-dimming

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 16

Rear Seats

Type: 40-20-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: one-touch open/close · Moonroof / Sunroof: power sunshade · Roof rails: aluminum

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Automatic emergency braking: front pedestrian · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: battery disconnect · Parking sensors: rear · Pre-Collision Warning System: visual warning · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: 4-way power lumbar · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leatherette

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Steering

Steering ratio: 18.7

Suspension

Driver Adjustable Suspension: ride control · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: double wishbones · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear · Suspension control: electronic

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Navigation system: hard drive navigation system · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: BMW Assist · Smart device app compatibility: BMW ConnectedDrive · Smart device app function: phone as a key

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Towing and Hauling

Trailer hitch: ready

Windows

Front wipers: speed sensitive · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: remote operation · Rear wiper: intermittent

Air Conditioning

Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Voice recognition audio system · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Internet radio app: Spotify · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 10 · 205 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Center console trim: leatherette · Dash Trim: Leatherette · Dash trim: wood · Door trim: wood · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Interior accents: wood · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Ambient lighting: color-adjustable · Assist handle: rear · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: power steering wheel · Footwell lights: color-adjustable · Memorized settings: side mirrors · Multi-function remote: vehicle and key memory · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): USB-C front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: multi-function screen controls · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 16

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.64

Engine

Alternator: 210 amps · Battery: maintenance-free · EV battery capacity: 24 kWh · Electric Charge Cord: 240 volt · Electric Motor Battery Type: lithium ion · Electric Motor HP: 111 · Electric Motor Power Output (Kilowatts): 83 · Electric Motor Torque: 77 · Electric motor charger connector: SAE J1772 · Electric motor charging time: 5 hours · Electric motor miles per charge: 30 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP: 282 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP@RPM: 5000 · Hybrid Gas Engine Torque: 331 · Hybrid gas Engine Torque@RPM: 1500

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Fender lip moldings: black · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: grey · Headlamp bezel color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated · Rocker panel color: black · Window trim: aluminum

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

Hybrid

Starter Type: motor/generator

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Google search · Infotainment screen size: 12.3 in. · Smartphone integration: wireless Apple CarPlay

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Instrument cluster screen size: 12.3 in. · Warnings and reminders: coolant temperature warning

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: puddle lamps · Front fog lights: LED · Headlights: auto delay off · Tail and brake lights: LED · Taillights: adaptive

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power folding

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 16

Rear Seats

Type: 40-20-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: anti-trapping feature · Moonroof / Sunroof: power sunshade · Roof rails: aluminum

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Automatic emergency braking: front · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system · Parking sensors: rear · Pre-Collision Warning System: vibrating steering wheel · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leatherette

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Steering

Steering ratio: 16.4

Suspension

Driver Adjustable Suspension: ride control · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: pneumatic springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: double wishbones · Leveling: self leveling suspension · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: pneumatic springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front · Suspension control: electronic

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: BMW Assist · Smart device app compatibility: BMW ConnectedDrive · Smart device app function: lock operation

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Towing and Hauling

Trailer hitch: ready

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: intermittent

Air Conditioning

Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Automatic climate control rear air conditioning · Dual rear air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Voice recognition audio system · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Internet radio app: Spotify · Premium Brand: Harman-Kardon · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 2 subwoofers · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 14 · Watts: 464

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with storage · Center console trim: leather · Dash Trim: Leatherette · Dash trim: aluminum · Door sill trim: illuminated scuff plate · Door trim: leather · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: cargo area carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Ambient lighting: color-adjustable · Assist handle: front · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: power steering wheel · Footwell lights: color-adjustable · Memorized settings: liftgate · Multi-function remote: vehicle and key memory · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: paddle shifter · Storage: door pockets · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 20

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.15

Engine

Alternator: 210 amps · Battery: maintenance-free · Exhaust: performance

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: integrated exhaust · Exhaust tip color: metallic · Fender lip moldings: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: grey · Headlamp bezel color: black · Mirror color: silver-painted · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated · Rocker panel color: body-color · Window trim: black

Headrests

Front headrests: power adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Google search · Infotainment screen size: 12.3 in. · Smartphone integration: wireless Android Auto

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range · Instrument cluster screen size: 12.3 in. · Warnings and reminders: low oil level

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: puddle lamps · Front fog lights: LED · Headlights: auto delay off · Tail and brake lights: LED · Taillights: adaptive

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 20

Rear Seats

Type: 40-20-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: tilt/slide · Moonroof / Sunroof: power sunshade · Roof rails: black

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Automatic emergency braking: front · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: fuel cut-off · Parking sensors: rear · Pre-Collision Warning System: visual warning · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: 4-way power lumbar · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Steering

Steering ratio: 16.4

Suspension

Driver Adjustable Suspension: ride control · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: coil over shock · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear · Suspension control: electronic

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Navigation system: hard drive navigation system · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: BMW Assist · Smart device app compatibility: BMW ConnectedDrive · Smart device app function: phone as a key · Wifi: hotspot

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: painted aluminum

Towing and Hauling

Trailer hitch: ready

Windows

Front wipers: rain sensing · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: remote operation · Rear wiper: intermittent

See all trims (4)