2024 BMW X5 vs 2025 Toyota 4Runner

The 2024 BMW X5, last redesigned in 2019, maintained a timeless appeal, although the M Sport treatment was not universally appreciated, giving it a station wagon-like appearance. The test vehicle featured optional 21-inch “741M” wheels with staggered-width summer tires, which were considered a worthwhile upgrade despite the potential cost of tire replacement. The X5 offered a range of powertrains, including a turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine, a turbo-six PHEV powertrain, and a turbocharged V8 engine, with the high-performance X5 M Competition variant. The xDrive50e M Sport specification test vehicle came with Brooklyn Grey paint, optional wheels, and all available equipment packages, priced at $88,075. The 2024 model received a light styling refresh and introduced the BMW Curved Display, enhancing the interior's modernity while retaining high-quality materials and construction.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner, in its sixth generation, evolved its design rather than taking a new direction. It retained the horseshoe-shaped grilles with a bulkier, industrial look, and featured deep beveled creases on the side body panels, giving it a broad-shouldered stance suitable for an off-road SUV. The design paid homage to previous generations, with elements like the slanted rearmost window from the first-gen 4Runner. Inside, the 4Runner shared similarities with the Toyota Tacoma pickup truck, featuring a beveled styling motif throughout the cabin. The interior was purposeful, comfortable, and refined for its class, with hard plastic for durability and light cushioning for comfort. The materials quality was superior to a Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco but not as refined as a Land Rover Defender.

The 2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e PHEV featured new mild-hybrid six-cylinder and V8 engines, with a significant upgrade to its electric range and power output. It had a more powerful electric motor integrated into the eight-speed automatic transmission and a 19.2 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. The battery's maximum AC charging rate was doubled to 7.4 kW. The xDrive50e offered 38 miles of electric-only driving and 22 mpg in combined driving. It produced 483 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, accelerating to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds. The PHEV was favored for its balance of performance and efficiency, with a recommendation for a Level 2 home charging station. The adaptive damping air suspension masked its weight, and the 21-inch wheels did not compromise ride quality. The X5 excelled in handling, with excellent acceleration, grip, and steering, and achieved an average fuel economy of 38.8 mpg during evaluation.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner offered two engine choices: a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 317 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque, and a more potent i-Force Max Hybrid powertrain with 326 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque. The hybrid paired the four-cylinder engine with a 1.87-kWh battery pack and an electric motor integrated into the transmission. The hybrid variant provided stronger power at lower speeds, advantageous for off-roading. The standard engine offered decent acceleration, though it required more effort. The new 4Runner was quieter inside, reducing driver fatigue on long journeys. It was more composed on pavement, with improved handling and steering. The 4Runner retained its off-road prowess, with nine trims offering varying levels of capability. The TRD Pro and Trailhunter models were the most impressive, though the Trailhunter's snorkel added wind noise. Off-road specs varied by trim, with approach angles between 18 and 33 degrees, departure angles between 22 and 24 degrees, and ground clearance between 8.1 and 10.1 inches.

The 2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e offered a spacious interior with room for five people in two rows of seats. The cargo area measured 33.1 cubic feet, expanding to 71.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The split liftgate design provided a seating area but required stretching to reach deep cargo. The test vehicle featured BMW’s Sensafin artificial leather upholstery, which was indistinguishable from genuine leather. The Climate Comfort Package added 20-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, four-zone automatic climate control, and heated rear seats. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed comfort and a panoramic sunroof. The X5 no longer offered an optional third-row seat, requiring a step up to the BMW X7 for that feature.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner was five inches longer than its predecessor, with a 2.4-inch longer wheelbase. Despite the increased length, passenger space gains were minimal. The front seats accommodated taller passengers, but the middle row offered only adequate legroom. Third-row seating was available on non-hybrid models but was cramped, with cushions mounted to the floor. The cockpit was well-organized, with oversized climate control knobs and grouped off-road controls for easy operation. The 4Runner offered auxiliary light controls and manual headlight adjustments. Off-road features included terrain programs, camera views, a locking rear differential, and a disconnectable stabilizer bar. Towing capacity ranged from 5,800 to 6,000 pounds. Storage included door pockets, a dashboard tray, cupholders, and a center armrest bin. Cargo capacity was 44.8 cubic feet, reduced to 42.6 cubic feet in the Hybrid due to the raised floor. A sturdy roof rack supported a static load of 800 pounds.

The 2024 BMW X5 featured a BMW Curved Display combining a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel with a 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It ran BMW Operating System 8.5, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L, connected services, and over-the-air updates. The system included a cloud-based navigation system and an Intelligent Personal Assistant. Pairing an iPhone 15 was seamless, and the interface was intuitive. The optional Harman Kardon sound system was excellent. However, the Intelligent Personal Assistant struggled with voice recognition, providing inaccurate directions and failing to find specific locations. The head-up display conveyed data effectively, and the augmented video function for navigation was useful, though reliant on accurate directions.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner offered an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen on supporting trims, with a 14-inch touchscreen available. Both were user-friendly, with logical menus and quick responses. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a wireless charging pad were available. Hybrid variants included a digital instrument panel. Off-road models featured external camera views and automatic activation for trail navigation. A 14-speaker JBL premium audio system was available, along with a portable Bluetooth speaker. Remote monitoring and control were accessible via a smartphone app, and a digital key function replaced the key fob. These features marked a significant advancement for the 4Runner.

The 2024 BMW X5 introduced the Highway Assistant hands-free driving assistance system, requiring deliberate activation. It worked well in dense or light traffic but could behave unexpectedly in moderate traffic. The adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance performed well, though hard braking occurred when detecting obstacles. The driver aids operated subtly, encouraging use. The X5 received high ratings from the IIHS, though lower headlight ratings prevented an IIHS safety award. The NHTSA gave it a four-star overall crash-test rating.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner's crash test results were unavailable, but the Tacoma, on which it was based, was an IIHS Top Safety Pick. The 4Runner included Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, with features like frontal collision warning, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign reader, and automatic high beams. Proactive Driving Assist was included but could be intrusive. A blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alerts was optional.