2020 Toyota Highlander vs 2021 BMW X5

The 2020 Toyota Highlander presented a design that was subtly refined from its predecessor, with a few more degrees of slant in the tailgate glass and more pronounced creases on the body panels. The trapezoidal theme was evident throughout, from the tailgate's license plate cutout to the slimmer headlights and grille. While the base L trim lacked some features, higher trims like the Limited and Platinum boasted projector-beam LED headlights and fog lights, along with attractive 20-inch wheels. The interior was where the Highlander truly shone, with quality fit and finish, silver-painted accents, and a pleasing color palette. The Limited trim featured a three-tone interior with rich textures and padded surfaces, offering a level of detail that was hard to find in competitors like the Ford Explorer or Honda Pilot.

In contrast, the 2021 BMW X5 maintained the brand's signature design elements, from the kidney grille to the body shape, ensuring it was unmistakably a BMW. The X5 featured full adaptive LED headlights and a choice of matte aluminum or high-gloss black finishes, depending on the trim. The M Sport models added a sporty touch with paint-matched trim and high-gloss black accents. Inside, the X5's interior was consistent with BMW's design language, with an abundance of leather and soft-touch materials. However, the interior design felt somewhat generic, as many elements were shared across BMW's lineup. Despite this, the M Sport models offered unique styling elements, including an M sports steering wheel and model-exclusive trim strips.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, available in both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations. This engine delivered 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, providing smooth and brisk acceleration. However, the Highlander's steering was loose, and the suspension was soft, leading to a ride that felt more like an older Buick. Despite these drawbacks, the Highlander offered a comfortable and isolating driving experience, especially on long road trips. Fuel economy was commendable, with the FWD model achieving 21 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 24 mpg combined, while the AWD model offered slightly lower figures.

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 horsepower, while the X5 M delivered up to 617 horsepower with the Competition Package. The X5 xDrive45e plug-in hybrid model provided 389 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque, with up to 30 miles of all-electric range. Despite its power, the X5's steering dynamics were not as engaging as expected, and the ride felt more akin to a Lincoln. Fuel efficiency varied, with the X5 M achieving 15 mpg combined, while the xDrive45e offered 50 MPGe when using both electricity and gas.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander offered versatile seating for up to eight passengers, with the option for second-row captain's chairs on higher trims. The second-row seats provided generous legroom and easy access to the third row, although taller passengers might find it a bit cramped. The Highlander excelled in cargo space, offering 16 cubic feet behind the third row, 48 cubic feet behind the second, and 84 cubic feet with both rows folded. The interior featured practical storage solutions, including eight cupholders and two shelves integrated into the dash. However, the wireless charging pad's placement was inconvenient, blocking access to the center armrest cubby.

The 2021 BMW X5 made efficient use of space, with comfortable seating for short trips. The front seats, while initially comfortable, became hard over longer journeys. The rear seats accommodated two adults comfortably, and the X5 offered an optional third row, though it wasn't tested. The split liftgate and vehicle height adjustment made loading cargo easier, and the cargo area was spacious without the third row. However, the rear doors didn't open very wide, making access to the second row less convenient.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander's infotainment system felt outdated, with low-resolution screens and a lack of onboard apps. The 12.3-inch touchscreen, optional on the Limited and standard on the Platinum, didn't fully utilize its size, as climate and fuel economy information were always displayed. Despite these shortcomings, the Highlander offered standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration. The upper trims featured a 10-inch head-up display and a 7-inch instrument cluster display, providing useful information. The semi-automated driving system and adaptive cruise control were effective, and the optional JBL audio system, while decent, wasn't exceptional.

The 2021 BMW X5 came with a robust set of standard features, including a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. However, the wireless Apple CarPlay had connectivity issues, often taking over musical operations unexpectedly. The standard features also included a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, a 10-speaker sound system, and a panoramic moonroof. Optional upgrades included a head-up display, massaging seats, and premium audio systems. The BMW iDrive system required some acclimation but was intuitive once familiar.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring and rear emergency braking. The Highlander received a 2020 Top Safety Pick from the IIHS for its crash test performance and emergency braking capabilities. However, the NHTSA had not yet rated the 2020 model.

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