2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2021 BMW X5

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid sought to redefine the aesthetic expectations of minivans, a genre not typically known for its allure. Designed to present a more SUV-like appearance, the Sienna featured a wide grille that accentuated its width and sleek LED headlamps integrated horizontally into a panel that housed the Toyota logo. The side view revealed assertive stances with sculpted sliding doors, showcasing a swooping body line that bulged over the rear wheels—a design overhaul demanding a rethinking of hinges and slides. Alloy wheels ranging from 17- to 20-inches varied across different trims, enhancing its stylish stance. The rear of the Sienna, with a substantial window, managed a wide and comparatively low look. The excellent fit and finish were emblematic of Toyota's quality. Inside, the emphasis on horizontal lines aimed at making the interior feel wide, featuring a comfortable seating position slightly higher than a sedan's but falling short of a full-size SUV's command seating. The dashboard remained uncluttered with the main controls centralized below the infotainment screen. The center console featured the gear lever, open and covered cupholders, and substantial storage, forming a bridge that created additional tray space. The materials and surfaces, including a leather-wrapped steering wheel, exuded quality. Seats in both the second and third rows proved accommodating for adults, with the second row offering versatile configurations for optimal comfort and utility.

The 2021 BMW X5 embodied the expected high-quality craftsmanship synonymous with the brand. Part of BMW's true SUV lineup, the X5's exterior design, from the kidney grille to its body shape, confirmed its identity unmistakably as a BMW. The X5 featured adaptive LED headlights, matte aluminum or high-gloss black trims depending on the model, with sportier appearances on the M Sport trims. Wheel sizes ranged from 19- to 22-inches, adding to its robust presence. The interior mirrored the exterior's consistency, with the sameness in switches, dials, and displays pulled from the broader BMW family, promising familiarity whether beneficial or monotonous. Despite criticisms of abundant black plastic prone to dust, there was an appreciable amount of leather and soft-touch materials. M Sport models further featured aggressive interior styling with specific accents.

In 2021, Toyota introduced its first hybrid minivan, the Sienna Hybrid, coupling a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors to produce a combined 243 horsepower. This hybrid setup offered front-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive available across all trims. The innovative AWD system utilized a separate rear electric motor, providing 54 hp and 89 lb-ft of torque without mechanical complexity. The electronically controlled CVT aimed to enhance fuel efficiency but exhibited less thrilling throttle responses. The Sienna Hybrid offered four drive modes—Normal, EV, Eco, and Sport—with "Sport" translating to slightly livelier performance. The minivan's handling benefited from the new TNGA front suspension and independent rear trailing arm suspension, maintaining minimal body roll and ensuring a comfortable long-distance drive. Its EPA fuel economy was impressive, with FWD models achieving 36 mpg across city/highway/combined metrics and AWD models rated at 35/36/35 mpg.

Conversely, the 2021 BMW X5 offered multiple powertrain options paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base X5 sDrive40i/xDrive40i featured a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine delivering 335 hp and 330 lb-ft of torque, with sDrive for RWD and xDrive for AWD. The X5 M50i boasted a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 producing 523 hp and 553 lb-ft torque. The X5 M, more powerful, reached 600 hp, further pushed to 617 hp with the Competition Package. A significant addition was the X5 xDrive45e plug-in hybrid, which combined a 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine with a 24-kWh battery, offering 389 hp and 443 lb-ft torque and up to 30 miles of all-electric range. Driving dynamics varied, though, with the vehicle displaying some steering challenges, particularly at higher speeds where it felt disconnected and akin to a larger vehicle. However, the cabin remained quiet, absorbing road imperfections. The hybrid model's ease of switching between electric and hybrid modes without perceptible noise changes was noteworthy, and its practical charging options, including the easily accessible charging port, enhanced its appeal. Fuel economy ranged widely with the X5 M achieving a mere 15 mpg combined, while the X5 xDrive45e rated at 50 MPGe in combined electric and gas modes.

Minivans like the 2021 Toyota Sienna were praised for their extensive convenience features crucial for family use. Every grade offered a standard third row, easily stowable into the floor and paired with a sliding second row (up to 25 inches) facilitating easy third-row access. The interior boasted 16 cupholders (15 with the spare tire option) distributed across rows and doors. Impressively, the Sienna could carry a full four-by-eight sheet of plywood inside, and its flexible seating configuration allowed various cargo arrangements: 33.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 75.2 cubic feet behind the second, and up to 101.0 cubic feet behind the first row. The hybrid battery placement under the front seats ensured no cargo space loss, retaining the capacity and practical power-opening tailgate and sliding side doors.

For the 2021 BMW X5, interior space was managed effectively though it lacked the expanding convenience of a minivan. Cupholders positioned in the front center console, and a wireless phone charging pad were thoughtfully placed to minimize distractions. Seats were comfortable for short spans; however, prolonged drives revealed hardness in the front seats. Rear-seating offered sufficient comfort for children and adults, and although a third row was available, it was not included in this review. Climate controls were conveniently positioned, but the interior's abundance of similar-looking buttons could be confusing. The split liftgate, with full power functionality, facilitated easier loading, further enhanced by an adjustable SUV height feature. While the xDrive45e provided slightly reduced cargo space due to its hybrid nature, the difference was marginal for most users, though limited door opening angles complicated rear seat accessibility.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna excelled in technology offerings. A nine-inch touchscreen was standard, providing access to Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and SiriusXM, with multiple USB ports scattered throughout the cabin. Standard connectivity included trials of Safety Connect, Remote Connect, Service Connect, and WiFi Connect. Bluetooth was universally available, while higher trims enjoyed a Qi-compatible charger, enhanced audio systems, and optional rear-seat entertainment with a wide-screen display. The driver enjoyed tech features like a vivid multi-information display of various sizes based on trim, a class-first 10-inch Head-Up Display in Platinum models, and options for a digital rearview mirror. The keyless entry with push-button start was upgraded to include the Smart Key System in higher trims.

BMW's X5 also featured substantial technological advancements. A standard 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen was complemented by wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, a 10-speaker sound system, voice recognition, Bluetooth, multiple USB ports, navigation, HD Radio, and a panoramic moonroof. Upgrades could include remote start, a head-up display, advanced climate control, massaging seats, high-quality audio setups, rear sunshades, and an expansive dual-panel panoramic roof. The iDrive system, although initially challenging, proved user-friendly with time. Wireless Apple CarPlay's overly aggressive connectivity and automatic playlist initiation was a noted drawback requiring tech-savvy solutions.

Toyota equipped the 2021 Sienna Hybrid with extensive safety features under the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite, boasting adaptive cruise control, lane-tracing assist, pre-collision system with pedestrian and bicyclist detection, lane-departure alert, automatic high beams, and road sign assist. Standard across all trims, the Star Safety System included enhanced vehicle stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, and smart stop technology. The vehicle had 10 airbags, multiple LATCH connectors, and a rear-seat reminder system. The tire pressure monitoring system was standard, and an inflator kit was available alongside an optional spare tire in a newly positioned location. Crash-test ratings for the 2021 model were pending, though the previous year’s ratings were largely favorable.

BMW’s X5 came equipped with numerous standard safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, parking sensors, rain-sensing wipers, and automatic high beams. However, the Driving Assistance Professional Package revealed limitations during testing, with the adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping systems reacting poorly under certain conditions like bright sunlight or light rain, compromising reliability. Despite these issues, the X5 received high safety marks, with the IIHS granting it nearly all Good ratings, though it faced seven recalls. The NHTSA awarded it a four-star overall safety rating.