2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport vs 2019 BMW X5

The 2019 BMW X5 was designed with a focus on delivering a sedan-like driving experience, despite its size and weight. BMW prioritized on-road performance over off-road capabilities, recognizing that most SUV owners preferred a smooth ride on pavement. The X5 offered a five-passenger layout, expandable to seven, though the third row was notably cramped. It came with two turbocharged engine options: a 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder and a 4.4-liter V8, both paired with a ZF 8-speed automatic transmission. The base xDrive40i model started at $60,700 and included a comprehensive safety suite and a range of standard features. Various packages allowed for customization, adding features like keyless entry, satellite radio, and advanced climate controls. The xDrive50i model, priced at $75,750, included additional luxury features and a more powerful engine.

In contrast, the 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport PHEV maintained a subtle design, with its charging port cleverly integrated into the grille. The PHEV model started at $79,000, reflecting its HSE trim level, while non-hybrid versions were available for less. My test vehicle, with nearly $13,000 in options, totaled $93,200. The Range Rover Sport's interior was filled with high-quality materials, though the cargo space was limited due to the battery placement. The SUV comfortably seated five, with excellent front-seat comfort and a tall riding position for rear passengers. The panoramic glass roof added a sense of openness to the otherwise dark interior.

The 2019 BMW X5 impressed with its performance, particularly the xDrive40i's turbocharged inline 6-cylinder engine, which delivered 335 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque. The engine provided smooth and consistent power, especially in Sport mode, and the 8-speed ZF automatic transmission enhanced the driving experience with its efficiency and smooth gear changes. The xDrive50i's V8 engine offered even more power, with 456 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in around 4 seconds. The X5's ride quality was remarkable, thanks to its Cluster Architecture platform and optional air suspension, which allowed for adjustable ride height and improved bump absorption.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport PHEV combined a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with a 141-hp electric motor, producing a total of 398 horsepower and 472 pound-feet of torque. Despite Land Rover's claim of a 31-mile all-electric range, my test vehicle struggled to maintain EV mode, possibly due to climate control use or hilly terrain. The PHEV averaged 25.5 mpg over a 60-mile loop, a modest improvement over previous models. The Range Rover Sport PHEV offered quick acceleration and a comfortable ride, with its adaptive air suspension and various driving modes. However, the regenerative brakes were grabby, making smooth stops challenging.

Inside the 2019 BMW X5, the design shifted to aggressive angles and dual 12.3-inch screens for the iDrive infotainment system. While the design was appealing, the interior could feel cheap without optional upgrades. The seats lacked comfort, with limited bolstering and no ventilation, making the Luxury Seating package a worthwhile addition. The X5 offered ample space for passengers and cargo, with 33.9 cubic feet of trunk space expandable to 72.3 cubic feet. The air suspension facilitated easy loading, and the X5 could tow up to 7,200 pounds.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport PHEV's cargo space was compromised by the battery placement, reducing the already limited 27.5-cubic-foot area. The SUV comfortably seated five, with excellent front-seat comfort and a tall riding position for rear passengers. The interior featured a dual-glove-box design and optional refrigerated center console bin, though practical storage was limited. The panoramic glass roof brightened the interior, and gesture control operated the sunshade.

The 2019 BMW X5's technology was a disappointment, with gesture control and voice commands proving unreliable. The iDrive interface was well-designed but required time to master, and the steering wheel controls were counterintuitive. The Driving Assistance Plus package offered limited hands-off driving, but its performance was inconsistent, making it a package to avoid. The Parking Assistant Plus package, however, was a worthwhile addition, offering automatic parallel parking and a 3D camera. The Harman Kardon stereo provided excellent sound, with an optional Bowers & Wilkins system available for audiophiles.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport's InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system was complex and occasionally frustrating. Despite spending time setting up the system, it sometimes behaved unexpectedly, with delayed reactions and a lack of haptic feedback. While the system managed the vehicle's complexity, it could be bewildering for technophobes.

The 2019 BMW X5 featured a new brake-by-wire setup, providing a nearly natural feel with occasional grabby feedback. The X5 received a 4-star rating from the NHTSA, with 5-star side crash test ratings, and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport included advanced driver-assistance systems, though the steering-assist system could be distracting. The SUV's high center of gravity contributed to head-toss, and the lane-keeping assist system was abrupt. Crash-test ratings were unavailable, but the Range Rover Sport's weight provided a sense of security in collisions.