2020 Land Rover Defender vs 2021 BMW X5

The 2020 Land Rover Defender brought back the classic, boxy design that many enthusiasts had missed since the 2016 LR4. Its squared-off edges, rising roofline, and roundish headlights were reminiscent of traditional Land Rovers. The Defender's rugged exterior, complete with short overhangs and skid plates, was designed for off-road adventures. Despite some modern touches like plastic step plates and a three-piece ladder, the Defender retained its utilitarian charm. The interior was basic and industrial, with cloth seats and exposed screws, emphasizing durability over luxury. While it lacked the opulence expected in a $75,000 vehicle, it was a practical and functional space.

In contrast, the 2021 BMW X5 maintained the brand's signature luxury and craftsmanship. The X5's exterior featured the iconic kidney grille and adaptive LED headlights, giving it a recognizable BMW look. The M Sport models added sporty touches with body-color trim and high-gloss black accents. Inside, the X5's cabin was filled with high-quality materials, including leather and soft-touch surfaces. The design was consistent with other BMW models, offering a familiar and upscale feel. However, the abundance of black plastic and the sameness of the interior design across BMW's lineup were minor drawbacks.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender justified its price with impressive performance. It offered a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six engine producing 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. This mild hybrid system provided smooth power delivery and quick acceleration. The Defender's off-road capabilities were exceptional, thanks to features like Terrain Response 2 and adjustable-height suspension. It could tackle steep inclines, deep water, and rough terrain with ease. The standard 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine with 296 horsepower was available for those seeking a more economical option. The Defender's on-road performance was also commendable, with a comfortable ride and minimal noise.

The 2021 BMW X5 offered a range of powertrain options, starting with a 3.0-liter inline-six engine delivering 335 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque. The X5 M50i featured a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 with 523 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque, while the X5 M boasted 600 horsepower, or 617 with the Competition Package. The X5 xDrive45e plug-in hybrid combined a 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine with a 24-kilowatt-hour battery, producing 389 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque. It offered up to 30 miles of all-electric range. While the X5's powertrains were capable, its steering and handling dynamics fell short of BMW's usual standards, especially at higher speeds.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender prioritized functionality and durability. Its interior was designed for rugged use, with rubber floors and water-resistant materials. The Defender 90, a two-door model arriving in 2021, featured an optional jump seat, allowing it to seat up to six people. The four-door Defender 110 offered an optional third row, accommodating up to seven passengers. Cargo space was generous, with up to 79 cubic feet available in the 110 model. The Defender's towing capacity was an impressive 8,200 pounds. The ladder and roof carrier added practicality for outdoor adventures.

The 2021 BMW X5 made efficient use of space, with well-placed cupholders and a wireless phone charging pad. The front seats were comfortable for short trips but could feel hard on longer journeys. Rear seats provided ample space for passengers, and an optional third row was available. The X5's split liftgate and vehicle height adjustment made loading cargo easy. The xDrive45e model offered slightly less cargo space due to the battery, but it was still sufficient for most needs. The X5's interior was well-appointed, with easy-to-use climate controls and a spacious cargo area.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender featured the new Pivi Pro infotainment system, a significant improvement over previous Jaguar Land Rover systems. It included two SIM cards for streaming data and over-the-air updates. The interface was user-friendly, though some icons were small and hard to read. Off-road capabilities were enhanced by front cameras showing the ground beneath the hood and a rearview mirror that doubled as a screen. The Defender came standard with a 10-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 12-inch digital instrument panel. Higher trims offered additional features like a head-up display and a 14-speaker Meridian stereo.

The 2021 BMW X5 came with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The standard features list included a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, a 10-speaker sound system, voice recognition, Bluetooth, five USB ports, navigation, HD Radio, satellite radio, automatic climate control, and a panoramic moonroof. Optional upgrades included remote start, a head-up display, quad-zone automatic climate control, a wireless smartphone charger, massaging seats, a Wi-Fi hot spot, and premium audio systems. The iDrive system required some acclimation but was intuitive once familiar.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender had not been rated by U.S. crash testing agencies. It came with six airbags, forward emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, driver attention monitor, and 360-degree cameras as standard. Optional safety features included rear cross-traffic alerts and exit alerts for passing cars or cyclists.

The 2021 BMW X5 was equipped with a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, rain-sensing windshield wipers, fatigue and focus alert, lane departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. The Driving Assistance Professional Package offered adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality, but it had issues with lane-keeping and stopping in traffic. The X5 received nearly all Good ratings from the IIHS and a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.