2021 Honda CR-V vs 2021 BMW X5

The 2021 BMW X5 was a testament to BMW's high-quality craftsmanship, fitting seamlessly into the brand's SUV lineup. Its design, from the iconic kidney grille to the body shape, was unmistakably BMW, though this sameness could make it blend in with other BMWs in a crowded parking lot. The X5 featured full adaptive LED headlights, with xLine models sporting matte aluminum grilles and satin aluminum finishes for an upscale look. M Sport models took it a step further with body-color matched trims and high-gloss black accents, giving the SUV a sportier appearance. Wheel options ranged from 19 to 22 inches, depending on the trim level.

Inside, the X5's interior was a mix of familiar BMW elements, with switches, dials, and displays that could be found in other models. While the design was consistent, it wasn't shoddy, featuring plenty of leather and soft-touch materials. M Sport models added unique styling elements like an M sports steering wheel and exclusive interior trim strips. However, the abundance of black plastic could easily collect dust and spots from liquids.

The 2021 Honda CR-V, on the other hand, had a design that blended in with the sea of compact crossovers on the market. Its styling was nearly identical to its competitors, with only a few details like the grille opening and some chromed plastic features setting it apart. Honda offered the CR-V in eight colors, though many were shades of gray, black, or white, with only a few vibrant options like Aegean Blue Metallic and Radiant Red Metallic, which were limited to higher trims. The interior was available in black, gray, and ivory cloth or leather, depending on the trim level, with higher trims featuring wood panels and more chrome for an upscale appearance.

Inside, the CR-V's seats were more angular and modern compared to some competitors, with sharp details on the seat edges and headrests. While the CR-V's design wasn't particularly distinctive, it was functional and comfortable, fitting five people and their gear with ease. The CR-V's interior space and cargo capacity were competitive, with 102.9 cubic feet of passenger volume and 75.8 cubic feet of total cargo volume with the rear seats folded.

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 delivering 335 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque. The X5 M50i came with a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 producing 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, while the X5 M boasted 600 hp, which increased to 617 hp 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 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque, and offering up to 30 miles of all-electric range.

The X5's driving dynamics were a mixed bag. While the transition between all-electric, hybrid, and gasoline-only modes was seamless, the steering at low speeds felt like a full-size truck, and at higher speeds, the SUV's dynamics were not as engaging as other BMW models. The cabin was quiet, with minimal road or engine noise, and the suspension soaked up bumps and dips well. Charging the X5 was convenient, with a port near the driver's side A-pillar, and the SUV could achieve about 400 miles of driving range when fully charged. Fuel efficiency varied, with the X5 M being the least efficient at 15 mpg combined, while the X5 xDrive45e achieved 50 MPGe when using both electricity and gas.

The 2021 Honda CR-V, in contrast, was not built for high performance but for smooth and steady acceleration. All trims featured a 190-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine, with a 0-60 mph time of about 7.8 seconds. The CR-V's continuously variable transmission (CVT) provided a predictable driving experience, though it lacked the engagement of conventional automatic transmissions found in competitors like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson. The CR-V came standard with front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive available as an option.

The CR-V's suspension setup included a MacPherson strut in the front and a multi-link suspension at the rear, similar to other vehicles in its class. Handling and ride quality were decent, with no real surprises, making it a reliable choice for everyday driving.

The 2021 BMW X5 made good use of its interior space, with cupholders positioned at the front of the center console and a wireless phone charging pad out of the driver's line of sight. The seating was spacious and comfortable for short trips, though the front seats could feel hard after a few hours. Heated seats and armrests worked well, and the rear seats were comfortable for kids and adults. The X5 also offered an optional third row, though it was not tested in this review. The climate controls were easy to manage, and the split liftgate with full power functionality made loading cargo convenient. The X5 xDrive45e had slightly less cargo space than the traditional X5, but the difference was negligible for most buyers.

The 2021 Honda CR-V was designed to fit five people comfortably and carry their gear. It offered 102.9 cubic feet of passenger volume and 75.8 cubic feet of total cargo volume with the rear seats folded. The cargo area could be accessed in different ways depending on the trim, with the EX-L featuring a power tailgate and the Touring offering a hands-free version. Roof rails were standard only on the top-of-the-line Touring trim. The CR-V's interior was functional and comfortable, with a modern look and plenty of space for passengers and cargo.

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 premium audio system, a 20-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system, rear sunshades, and a dual-panel panoramic roof. The iDrive system required some getting used to but was easy to navigate once familiar.

The 2021 Honda CR-V's base LX trim had a 5-inch color screen with Bluetooth connectivity. Other trims featured a 7-inch high-definition touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The Special Edition and EX trims had a 180-watt audio system with six speakers, while the EX-L added two more speakers. The Touring trim had a 300-watt system with a subwoofer and satellite navigation. Charging ports were abundant in all trims except the base LX, with USB ports in the front console and second row, and a wireless phone charger in the Touring trim.

The 2021 BMW X5 came 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. However, the Driving Assistance Professional Package had issues with adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping systems, especially in bright sunlight or light rain. The X5 received nearly all Good ratings from the IIHS and a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, despite being the subject of seven recalls.

The 2021 Honda CR-V excelled in safety, earning a five-star overall crash test rating from the NHTSA and an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. It did not receive the highest Top Safety Pick+ rating due to lower scores in the headlight evaluation and updated side crash test. The CR-V's LATCH child safety seat anchoring system received an Acceptable rating. Honda's approach to safety was commendable, with the Honda Sensing system making advanced safety features standard across all trims. These features included a multi-angle rearview camera, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, road departure mitigation, lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and auto high-beam headlamps. Blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert was standard from the EX trim upwards.