2020 Toyota Land Cruiser vs 2021 BMW X5

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser was a vehicle that revealed its charm over time. Its design was not ostentatious but rather practical, with features like a dished hood that improved forward visibility, making it easier to navigate challenging terrains. The subtle bulging of the fenders provided both functional wheel travel space and a visual cue of the vehicle's width. The Land Cruiser Heritage Edition added a touch of retro flair with blackened trim, a unique grille, and bronze BBS wheels, enhancing its rugged appeal. Inside, the Land Cruiser offered a luxurious experience with black perforated leather seating and a functional, albeit slightly plain, dashboard. The 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system was surrounded by a plethora of buttons and knobs, emphasizing functionality over aesthetics.

In contrast, the 2021 BMW X5 was a testament to BMW's commitment to high-quality craftsmanship. Its design was unmistakably BMW, with the iconic kidney grille and adaptive LED headlights. The X5's exterior varied with trim levels, offering sporty M Sport styling with body-color matched trim and high-gloss black accents. Inside, the X5's interior was a blend of familiar BMW elements, with a focus on leather and soft-touch materials. The M Sport models featured unique styling elements like an M sports steering wheel and exclusive trim strips. While the interior design was consistent with other BMW models, it maintained a luxurious feel, though some found the abundance of black plastic less appealing.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser was powered by a robust 5.7-liter V8 engine, delivering 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. This naturally aspirated engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and a full-time four-wheel-drive system. The Land Cruiser's off-road capabilities were impressive, with a Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System and a Multi-Terrain Select control knob that allowed drivers to adapt to various terrains. Its approach, departure, and breakover angles, along with a fording depth of 27.55 inches, made it a formidable off-road vehicle. Despite its size, the Land Cruiser offered a serene driving experience, with controlled body roll and excellent visibility.

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, producing 523 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque. The X5 M took it further with 600 horsepower, or 617 with the Competition Package. The X5 xDrive45e plug-in hybrid model combined a 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine with a 24-kilowatt-hour battery, achieving 389 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque. While the X5 offered a smooth and quiet ride, its steering dynamics were less engaging than expected, particularly at higher speeds.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser's dual-purpose design was evident in its features. It came with standard skid plates, tow hooks, and mudguards, making it suitable for both urban and off-road environments. The standard model offered a three-row configuration, with heated second-row seats and a split-folding third row. The interior featured four-zone automatic climate control and a cooling box in the center console. The Land Cruiser's split tailgate design was both practical and charming, making loading and unloading easy. It could tow up to 8,100 pounds, with an integrated towing receiver hitch and wiring harness.

The 2021 BMW X5 made efficient use of space, with well-placed cupholders and a wireless phone charging pad. The seating was comfortable for short trips, though the front seats could feel hard after extended periods. The X5 offered an available third row, though it was not tested in this review. The split liftgate was easy to operate, with a vehicle height adjustment button for loading cargo. The X5's cargo area was spacious, though slightly reduced in the xDrive45e model. Moving children and cargo in and out of the second row was somewhat challenging due to the narrow door openings.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser featured a Qi-compatible inductive charging station and Toyota Premium Audio with Integrated Navigation. The sound system included 14 JBL speakers, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM satellite radio, but lacked Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 9-inch touchscreen interface was functional but felt small compared to competitors. The Enhanced Multi-Terrain Monitor camera was a useful feature for navigating tight spaces and unfamiliar terrain.

The 2021 BMW X5 came with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The standard features included a digital gauge cluster, a 10-speaker sound system, and a panoramic moonroof. Optional upgrades included a head-up display, massaging seats, and a premium audio system. The iDrive system required some acclimation but was intuitive once familiar. However, the wireless Apple CarPlay had connectivity quirks that could be frustrating.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense P, which included features like a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. It also had the Star Safety System, with stability control, traction control, and anti-lock brakes. The Land Cruiser featured 10 airbags, active headrests, and a tire-pressure monitoring system. However, it had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2021 BMW X5 came with a comprehensive list 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 rain. The X5 received nearly all Good ratings from IIHS and a four-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, despite being subject to seven recalls.