2020 Toyota 4Runner vs 2021 BMW X5

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner had a timeless design characterized by tall slab sides, a high beltline, short overhangs, and a near-vertical front fascia. Its utilitarian attitude was reminiscent of an XJ Jeep Cherokee, with flared wheel wells designed to accommodate bulky off-road tires and short overhangs for tackling steep pitches. The hood scoop, a visual cue for the off-road-focused TRD trim, was one of the few non-functional elements. Small, angular headlights highlighted the front end, and the grille varied by trim, with body-color bars on most trims and blacked-out accents on the TRD Pro. The trim lineup included SR5, SR5 Premium, TRD Off-Road, TRD Off-Road Premium, TRD Pro, and Limited, with the Nightshade and Venture Special Editions adding a stealth aesthetic. The Limited trim, aimed at comfort, featured leather upholstery and an 8-inch touchscreen, but the utilitarian DNA was evident with plenty of plastic and a seating position designed for off-roading.

The 2021 BMW X5 was known for its high-quality craftsmanship and unmistakable BMW design, from the kidney grille to the body shape. The X5 featured full adaptive LED headlights and a choice of matte aluminum or high-gloss black accents depending on the trim. The M Sport styling added sporty elements like wheel arch trim and body-color matched bumpers. The interior, while sharing many elements with other BMW models, was not shoddy, featuring leather and soft-touch materials. The M Sport models included unique styling elements like an M sports steering wheel and M-specific pedals. The X5 offered a range of wheel sizes from 19 to 22 inches, and the interior was spacious and comfortable, though the front seats could feel hard on long trips.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner featured a 4-liter V6 engine with a 5-speed automatic transmission, delivering 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. This engine was designed for durability and off-road capability rather than fuel efficiency, with an EPA estimate of 16 mpg city, 19 highway, and 17 combined. The 4Runner could tow up to 5,000 pounds and excelled off-road with its body-on-frame construction and advanced traction systems like Toyota’s CRAWL control and Multi-Terrain Select. The 4Runner’s steering was heavy and vague, and it exhibited significant body roll on the road. The full-time 4WD system on the Limited trim was better suited for maintaining forward progress, while the part-time system in the TRD models handled off-road conditions well.

The 2021 BMW X5 offered a range of powertrain options, all paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base X5 sDrive40i/xDrive40i had a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with 335 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque. The X5 M50i featured a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 with 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, while the X5 M delivered 600 hp, or 617 hp with the Competition Package. The X5 xDrive45e plug-in hybrid achieved 389 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque from its 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine and 24-kilowatt-hour battery, offering up to 30 miles of all-electric range. The X5’s steering dynamics were less engaging than other BMW models, with issues at both low and high speeds. The cabin was quiet, and the suspension absorbed bumps well. The X5 xDrive45e’s charging port was conveniently located, and it took five hours to charge on a Level 2 charger. The X5 M was the least fuel-efficient, with an EPA estimate of 15 mpg combined, while the X5 xDrive45e achieved 50 MPGe when using both electricity and gas.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner offered excellent outward visibility and a relatively tight turning radius of 18 feet, 7 inches. The interior featured large, chunky knobs for HVAC and stereo controls, and an 8-inch touchscreen with physical buttons. The steering wheel controls were not illuminated, making them difficult to use at night. The 4Runner’s tall seating position provided a commanding view of the road, and power-retractable running boards made entry and exit easier. The optional third row of seats was best suited for short and occasional use, with narrow and thin jump seats that folded toward the floor when not in use.

The 2021 BMW X5 made good use of space, with cupholders at the front of the center console and a wireless phone charging pad. The center console controls were hard to differentiate at night. The seating was spacious and comfortable for short trips, though the front seats could feel hard after a few hours. The rear seats were comfortable for kids and two adults, and the X5 offered an optional third row. The climate controls were easy to manage, and the split liftgate with full power functionality made loading cargo easier. The X5 xDrive45e had slightly less cargo space than the traditional X5, but the difference was negligible for most buyers.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The onboard navigation system was less efficient than using Google Maps through Android Auto. The 4Runner also offered Amazon Alexa compatibility, Bluetooth connectivity, a single USB media port, and various subscription services like Sirius XM Radio, Safety Connect, and WiFi Connect. Higher trims included a JBL stereo and navigation system. While the 4Runner had advanced off-road features, it lagged behind competitors in total features and usability.

The 2021 BMW X5 came with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, 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, proximity key, and a panoramic moonroof. Optional features included remote start, a head-up display, quad-zone automatic climate control, a wireless smartphone charger, massaging seats, a Wi-Fi hot spot, a 16-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, a 20-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system, rear sunshades, and a dual-panel panoramic roof. The BMW iDrive system required some getting used to but was easy to navigate after some practice.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P), which included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, and automatic high beams. It also had eight standard airbags. The NHTSA awarded the 4Runner four out of five stars overall, with three out of five in the rollover test. The IIHS gave it a Good rating in most crash tests, except for a Marginal rating in the small overlap front: driver-side test. The adaptive cruise control worked well, but the high center of gravity and imprecise steering made a more active lane-keeping assist system desirable.

The 2021 BMW X5 included standard safety features like 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 included adaptive cruise control with stop and go functionality, but it did not always react in time to stopped traffic. The lane-keeping system struggled in sunlight and light rain, causing the vehicle to swerve. The IIHS gave the X5 nearly all Good ratings, and the NHTSA awarded it a four-star overall safety rating.