2020 Honda CR-V vs 2021 BMW X5

The 2020 Honda CR-V, a familiar face in the compact crossover segment, showcased a design that was both fun and approachable. Its exterior styling, reminiscent of Honda's sedan lineup, leaned more towards a station wagon than a traditional SUV, setting a standard for modern family transportation. However, the interior told a different story, with a mix of textures and materials that sometimes clashed. While the wood-look trim and leather upholstery in higher trims added a touch of luxury, the presence of low-quality plastics reminded drivers of the CR-V's commodity car roots.

In contrast, the 2021 BMW X5 was a testament to BMW's high-quality craftsmanship, unmistakably a part of the brand's SUV lineup. Its design, from the iconic kidney grille to the body shape, was quintessentially BMW, though it risked blending in with other models. The X5 featured full adaptive LED headlights and a choice of matte aluminum or high-gloss black finishes, depending on the trim. Inside, the X5's interior was consistent with BMW's design language, with an abundance of leather and soft-touch materials, though it did suffer from an overuse of black plastic. The M Sport models added unique styling elements, enhancing the sporty feel of the SUV.

The 2020 Honda CR-V was powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine, producing 190 horsepower and 179 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). This powertrain offered a balance of performance and fuel efficiency, with the CR-V feeling quick, especially in Sport mode. Its car-like road manners, nimble handling, and low curb weight of 3,337 pounds contributed to its excellent driving dynamics. The CR-V's fuel economy was impressive, with FWD models achieving 30 mpg combined and AWD models 29 mpg, placing it at the top of its class.

The 2021 BMW X5 offered a range of powertrain options, all paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base X5 sDrive40i/xDrive40i featured a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with 335 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque. The X5 M50i boasted a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 with 523 hp, while the X5 M delivered 600 hp, increasing to 617 hp with the Competition Package. The X5 xDrive45e plug-in hybrid model offered 389 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque, with a 30-mile all-electric range. Despite its power, the X5's steering and handling dynamics were less engaging than expected, with issues at both low and high speeds. The X5's fuel efficiency varied, with the xDrive45e achieving 50 MPGe when using both electricity and gas.

The 2020 Honda CR-V excelled in interior space and practicality, offering a roomy cabin comparable to the Volkswagen Tiguan. Its excellent seating position and visibility, along with clever storage solutions like a deep center console and two-position load floor, made it easy to live with. The CR-V provided 75.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, and its large door pockets added to its practicality.

The 2021 BMW X5 made good use of space, with comfortable seating for short trips and a spacious rear seat area. The SUV's split liftgate and vehicle height adjustment button facilitated easy loading of cargo. However, the X5's center console controls were difficult to differentiate at night, and moving children and cargo in and out of the second row was challenging due to the narrow door openings. The X5 xDrive45e offered slightly less cargo space than the traditional X5, but this was a minor concern for most buyers.

The 2020 Honda CR-V's infotainment system showed its age, with a standard 5-inch screen in the LX trim and a 7-inch touchscreen in higher trims. The system lacked hard buttons, making it challenging to operate, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were only available with the larger screen. Despite these shortcomings, the CR-V offered plenty of USB ports and a wireless phone charger in the Touring trim.

The 2021 BMW X5 featured a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The standard features list included a digital gauge cluster, a 10-speaker sound system, and a panoramic moonroof. Buyers could enhance their X5 with options like a head-up display, massaging seats, and a premium audio system. The BMW iDrive system required some acclimation but was ultimately user-friendly.

The 2020 Honda CR-V came standard with the "Honda Sensing" system, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The CR-V earned a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS, though lower trims had less effective halogen headlights.

The 2021 BMW X5 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. However, the Driving Assistance Professional Package had issues with lane-keeping and adaptive cruise control, particularly in bright sunlight or rain. The X5 received nearly all Good ratings from the IIHS and a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.