2021 Toyota 4Runner vs 2021 BMW X5

The 2021 BMW X5 was a testament to BMW's renowned 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 familiarity sometimes led to it blending in with other models. The X5 featured full adaptive LED headlights and a choice between xLine and M Sport styling, with the latter offering a sportier appearance through body-color matched trims and high-gloss black accents. Inside, the X5 maintained a consistent BMW aesthetic, with a mix of leather and soft-touch materials, though it was criticized for an overuse of black plastic. The M Sport models added unique interior touches, enhancing the sporty feel.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota 4Runner retained a rugged, utilitarian design that had aged well over its 12-year run without a major redesign. Its two-box body with flared fenders and trapezoidal wheel arches emphasized its timeless styling and utility. The 4Runner was available in several trims, including the SR5, TRD Off-Road, Limited, and TRD Pro, each offering unique features and special editions. The Trail Special Edition, tested at $43,729, included features like a Yakima RoadWarrior rooftop cargo basket and a custom-made cooler. Inside, the 4Runner's hard plastic materials were practical and easy to clean, with a dashboard featuring large knobs and buttons for a straightforward, old-school feel. The 4Runner's charm lay in its simplicity and durability, appealing to those seeking a reliable, long-lasting SUV.

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 producing 335 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque, with rear-wheel drive available only on this model. The X5 M50i boasted a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 with 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, while the X5 M delivered 600 hp, increasing to 617 hp with the Competition Package. The X5 xDrive45e plug-in hybrid 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. Despite its power, the X5's steering and handling were criticized for lacking the connected drive experience typical of BMWs, with dynamics more akin to a Lincoln. The X5's fuel efficiency varied, with the xDrive45e rated at 50 MPGe when using both electricity and gas.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner, equipped with a 4.0-liter V6 engine, produced 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. The 4Runner's off-road capabilities shone at the Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreational Area, where its A-Trac system proved effective in challenging conditions. However, on pavement, the 4Runner felt slow and clunky, with heavy steering and brakes. Its truck-like driving characteristics were part of its charm, though they might not suit everyone for daily driving. The 4Runner's fuel economy was less impressive, averaging 16.8 mpg during testing, with an EPA rating of 17 mpg combined.

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 rear seats accommodated two adults comfortably, with an optional third row available. The X5's split liftgate and vehicle height adjustment button facilitated easy loading of cargo, though the doors did not open very wide, making access to the second row slightly challenging. The X5 xDrive45e offered slightly less cargo space than the traditional model, but this was unlikely to be a significant issue for most buyers.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner's high ground clearance could pose a challenge for shorter passengers, but once inside, the seats were comfortable and supportive. The rear seat offered ample legroom, good visibility, and convenient features like air conditioning vents and USB ports. A third-row seat was available, though the test vehicle featured a sliding cargo deck instead, which could hold up to 440 pounds. Cargo space was generous, with up to 47.2 cubic feet behind the back seat and 89.7 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down. The Trail Special Edition's roof rack further enhanced its cargo-carrying capabilities.

The 2021 BMW X5 came equipped with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, among other features. However, the wireless Apple CarPlay had connectivity issues, often taking over musical operations unexpectedly. The standard features 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 iDrive system required some acclimation but was user-friendly once familiar.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner Trail Special Edition offered basic technology features, including an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The premium audio upgrade added dynamic navigation and voice recognition, with a one-year subscription to Destination Assist. The system's physical buttons and knobs were easy to use, even with gloves, and the voice recognition technology was effective. Despite its simplicity, the infotainment system's functionality was impressive.

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's adaptive cruise control had issues with stopping smoothly in traffic, and the lane-keeping system struggled in sunny conditions. The X5 received nearly all Good ratings from the IIHS and a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, despite being subject to seven recalls.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner featured Toyota Safety Sense P, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. However, it lacked blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic warning. The 4Runner received a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA and a Marginal rating for driver protection in a small overlap frontal-impact collision from the IIHS. These ratings reflected the SUV's age and design, which did not incorporate the latest safety advancements.