2023 Toyota Sienna vs 2024 BMW X5

The 2023 Toyota Sienna was a minivan that defied traditional expectations with its sleek design and practical features. Toyota made a concerted effort to distance the Sienna from the typical minivan aesthetic, giving it a front-end styling reminiscent of a Japanese bullet train. The Sienna offered a variety of trim levels, including the base LE, XLE, sporty XSE, Limited, and top-tier Platinum, with a special 25th Anniversary Edition also available. Inside, the Sienna impressed with its high-quality materials, such as the brown leather upholstery and wood-grain accents found in the Platinum trim. It accommodated seven or eight passengers, with the eight-seater option allowing for three-across car seats in the middle row, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2024 BMW X5, last redesigned in 2019, maintained its stylish appeal, although the M Sport treatment was not universally favored. The test vehicle featured optional 21-inch wheels and a Brooklyn Grey paint job, adding to its visual appeal. The X5 offered a range of powertrains, including a turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine, a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain, and a turbocharged V8 engine. The interior received a modern update with the BMW Curved Display, reducing physical controls while maintaining high-quality materials. The X5's cabin was spacious and comfortable, with options for luxurious features like multi-contour front seats and a panoramic sunroof, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a midsize luxury SUV.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna featured a hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with electric motors, delivering a total of 245 horsepower. While this power output was less impressive compared to competitors, the Sienna's chassis and steering were commendable. It offered a nimble driving experience, especially in urban settings, and provided a comfortable highway ride. The Sienna's drive modes included EV, Normal, Eco, and Sport, but the Normal mode was recommended for the best balance. Despite its size, the Sienna was surprisingly fun to drive, although its acceleration was lackluster compared to rivals.

The 2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e PHEV boasted a powerful 483-horsepower output, thanks to its turbocharged six-cylinder engine and electric motor. It could accelerate to 60 mph in just 4.6 seconds, making it nearly as quick as the more expensive X5 M60i. The PHEV offered an impressive electric-only range of 38 miles and achieved 22 mpg in combined driving. The adaptive damping air suspension provided a smooth ride, and the X5 excelled in handling, especially in Sport mode. The PHEV's regenerative braking system added to its efficiency, and the vehicle's overall performance was outstanding, making it a top choice for those seeking a dynamic driving experience.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna excelled in interior space and storage solutions. It featured numerous cubbies, shelves, and bins, providing ample storage for passengers. The Sienna's minivan platform allowed for a spacious interior, with 33.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row and a total of 101 cubic feet with the seats folded. While the middle row couldn't be removed or folded into the floor, the Sienna's captain's chairs were highly functional, offering comfort and flexibility. The third-row seats provided genuine legroom, accommodating adults comfortably.

The 2024 BMW X5 offered a luxurious and spacious interior, with room for five passengers in two rows. The cargo area provided 33.1 cubic feet of space, expanding to 71.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The split liftgate design added convenience, although reaching deep into the cargo hold required some effort. The X5's interior featured high-quality materials, with standard Sensafin artificial leather upholstery and optional multi-contour front seats with heating and ventilation. The panoramic sunroof and side window sunshades enhanced the cabin's comfort, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna's technology was reliable but somewhat outdated. It featured an older infotainment interface with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, although both required a wired connection. The 9-inch touchscreen was functional, and the 12-speaker JBL audio system delivered good sound quality. While the interface had some quirks, it was user-friendly, with physical buttons for essential functions.

The 2024 BMW X5 impressed with its advanced technology, featuring the BMW Curved Display with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The system ran BMW Operating System 8.5, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L, and over-the-air updates. The Intelligent Personal Assistant, however, had some issues with voice recognition, occasionally providing inaccurate directions. Despite this, the head-up display and augmented video function for navigation were valuable features, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna prioritized safety with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). Standard features included automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning with steering assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The Sienna received a 5-star crash test rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS, ensuring peace of mind for families.

The 2024 BMW X5 introduced the Highway Assistant hands-free driving system, which worked well in specific conditions but had some limitations in heavy traffic. The X5's driver aids operated subtly, enhancing the driving experience. The IIHS gave the X5 high ratings, although lower headlight ratings prevented it from earning a safety award. The NHTSA awarded the X5 a four-star overall crash-test rating.