2021 Toyota Land Cruiser 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 was unmistakably BMW, from the signature kidney grille to the body shape, ensuring it stood out as a luxury SUV. However, this familiarity also meant it could blend in with other BMW models in a crowded parking lot. The X5 featured full adaptive LED headlights and a choice of matte aluminum or high-gloss black finishes, depending on the trim. The interior, while consistent with BMW's design language, was criticized for its overuse of black plastic, though it was balanced by leather and soft-touch materials. M Sport models offered a sportier look with unique styling elements.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser, especially in its Heritage Edition, celebrated its legacy with a rugged yet dated design. The exterior, with its large headlights and chrome accents, lacked character but was functional. Inside, the Land Cruiser offered a mix of Toyota and Lexus design elements, with high-quality materials and a traditional hand-operated parking brake. The interior felt like a throwback, with plush leather seats and a commanding driving position. Despite its dated technology, the Land Cruiser's interior was comfortable and practical, with a focus on durability and off-road capability.

The 2021 BMW X5 offered a range of powertrains, all paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base model featured a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine producing 335 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque, available in both rear-wheel and all-wheel drive. 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 up to 617 hp with the Competition Package. The new xDrive45e plug-in hybrid achieved 389 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque, offering up to 30 miles of all-electric range. Despite its power, the X5's steering and handling were criticized for lacking the engaging drive experience typical of BMWs. Fuel efficiency varied, with the X5 M being the least efficient at 15 mpg combined, while the xDrive45e achieved 50 MPGe when using both electricity and gas.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser was powered by a 5.7-liter V8 engine, producing 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel drive. The engine was quiet, with most of its torque available at low RPMs, providing smooth acceleration. The Land Cruiser excelled off-road, with features like a Torsen limited-slip differential, Multi-Terrain Select, and Crawl Control. On-road, it offered a refined ride, though its handling was more akin to a large SUV. Fuel economy was poor, averaging 14.7 mpg, but it could tow up to 8,100 pounds.

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 over longer journeys. The rear seats were spacious, and an optional third row was available. The climate controls were user-friendly, and the split liftgate with power functionality made loading cargo easy. Without the third row, the cargo area was spacious, though the xDrive45e offered slightly less space. The doors, however, did not open very wide, making access to the second row a bit challenging.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser's interior was luxurious, with premium leather upholstery and heated and ventilated front seats. The second row was roomy, with heated seats and a four-zone climate control system. The third row could accommodate adults if the second row was adjusted, though it wasn't ideal for long trips. The cargo space was versatile, with 16.1 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 82.8 cubic feet with the second row folded. The split clamshell tailgate was practical for outdoor activities, providing a convenient seating area.

The 2021 BMW X5 came equipped with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system was comprehensive, with a digital gauge cluster, voice recognition, and multiple USB ports. Optional features included a head-up display, premium audio systems, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The iDrive system required some acclimation but was intuitive once familiar.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser featured a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Toyota Entune technology. It lacked modern connectivity options like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, relying on basic Bluetooth and SiriusXM satellite radio. The controls were straightforward, with large buttons and knobs. The rear-seat entertainment system was outdated, offering DVD playback and HDMI connections. The standard JBL audio system provided decent sound quality but was not exceptional.

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

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser came with Toyota Safety Sense (TSS-P), offering forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. It also included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. However, it lacked advanced driving assistance systems like stop-and-go adaptive cruise control. The Land Cruiser's crash-test ratings were unavailable, but its robust construction and safety features provided a sense of security.