Toyota Land Cruiser vs BMW X5

The 2025 BMW X5 had gracefully evolved, maintaining its distinctive proportions while incorporating intriguing details. The cab-rearward profile and rounded fender arches were complemented by arrow-shaped lighting elements in the headlights and taillights, which featured a three-dimensional shape. The front fascia was somewhat busy, but the twin-kidney grille remained reasonably sized. The optional M Sport Package added sportier bumpers and Shadowline trim, with further upgrades available in the M Sport Professional version. The X5 celebrated its 25th anniversary with a limited-production Silver Anniversary Edition, showcasing unique trim options and an off-road package. Inside, the X5's interior evolved gradually, retaining a sense of quality with carbon fiber trim and ambient lighting in the Silver Anniversary Edition.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser offered two trim levels, with the base model, the 1958, featuring a retro look and basic equipment. The more modern Land Cruiser trim provided an upscale appearance, larger screens, and essential off-roading hardware. Our test vehicle, equipped with the Premium Package, boasted Heritage Blue paint, 20-inch wheels, and a roof rack. The Land Cruiser's traditional two-box design maximized off-road clearances and visibility. Inside, the utilitarian interior featured Java-colored leather and dual 12.3-inch digital screens. The Land Cruiser excelled in off-road capability, with features like Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Monitor camera views, but its handling on twisty roads was less impressive.

The 2025 BMW X5 offered a range of powertrain options, starting with the RWD X5 sDrive40i and AWD X5 xDrive40i, both powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine producing 375 horsepower and 398 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0 to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds. The AWD-only X5 M60i xDrive featured a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 with 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, reaching 60 mph in 4.2 seconds. The X5 also had a plug-in hybrid option, the X5 xDrive50e, with a total system output of 483 hp and 516 lb-ft, achieving 0 to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds and offering up to 39 miles of all-electric range. The Silver Anniversary Edition included the xOffroad Package, enhancing off-road capabilities with air suspension and a locking rear differential.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser featured Toyota's i-Force Max hybrid system, combining a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, producing 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque. The full-time 4WD system included electronic locking differentials, enabling a towing capacity of 6,000 pounds. Off-road features like Downhill Assist Control and Crawl Control were standard, with additional off-roading modes and camera views in the Land Cruiser trim. The Land Cruiser's EPA rating of 23 mpg combined proved optimistic, with real-world testing yielding 15.7 mpg. While the Land Cruiser excelled in off-road scenarios, its handling on twisty roads was less agile, with noticeable body roll and suspension tuning suited for urban and suburban driving.

The 2025 BMW X5 was a two-row, five-seater SUV with generous passenger space, though not class-leading. It offered slightly less first-row legroom than some competitors but provided ample headroom. The sport seats in our test car offered good support during cornering and comfort on long drives. The X5's cargo space measured 33.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 72.3 cubic feet with the second row folded. The split tailgate design was a standout feature, providing convenience for loading and unloading. The X5's towing capacity was 7,200 pounds, competitive for its class.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser, in its upgraded trim, featured SofTex artificial leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The Premium Package added real leather and a power sunroof. While the front seats were comfortable, the second-row seats lacked thigh support and had an uncomfortable backrest angle. The Land Cruiser's rear window design was less practical, and the center console's cool box reduced storage space. Cargo space measured 46.2 cubic feet, expanding to 82.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, though the high load floor required effort when loading heavy items.

The 2025 BMW X5 featured a curved dashboard display with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch infotainment touchscreen, running BMW Operating System 8. The iDrive infotainment system offered multiple control options, including a rotary controller, touchscreen, voice recognition, and gesture control. Augmented reality navigation and digital key connectivity were notable additions, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser, in its upgraded trim, featured two 12.3-inch displays with the Toyota Audio Multimedia system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and connected service plans. The Premium Package added a JBL premium sound system, wireless smartphone charger, head-up display, digital rearview mirror, and digital key technology. The Drive Connect system provided cloud-based navigation and a conversational digital assistant for seamless interaction.

The 2025 BMW X5 came with standard Active Driving Assistant features, including lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. The optional Driving Assistance Professional Package offered Highway Assistant, a hands-free system for highway driving. The X5 earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS and a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser included Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, featuring forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Premium Package added front cross-traffic alert and lane-change assist. The Land Cruiser received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with a three-star rollover resistance rating.