2024 Toyota Land Cruiser vs 2024 BMW X5

The 2024 BMW X5, last redesigned in 2019, maintained a timeless appeal, though 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 various trim packages and equipment options available. The xDrive50e M Sport model tested came with Brooklyn Grey paint, optional wheels, and all available equipment packages, priced at $88,075. The 2024 model received a light styling refresh, aligning it with other BMW models, and introduced the BMW Curved Display, modernizing the interior while retaining high-quality materials and construction.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser, known for its iconic boxy design, paid homage to its heritage with details reminiscent of past models. The J250 featured a heritage grille, round headlights on the base and top trims, and rectangular headlights on the middle trim, all with LED lighting. The two higher trims offered color-selectable fog lights, adding a contemporary touch. The beltline was lowered for improved visibility, and all models came with 18-inch alloy wheels, with 20-inch wheels available for the middle trim. The First Edition included off-road gear like a roof rack and skid plate. Inside, the base trim had cloth seats, the middle trim featured SofTex, and the First Edition boasted real leather with unique logos. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard, with a Premium Package adding a moonroof and ventilated seats. The cabin emphasized comfort with cushy seats and attractive stitching, allowing drivers to focus on the terrain ahead.

The 2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e PHEV showcased significant enhancements, including new mild-hybrid engines and an upgraded electric range. The PHEV featured a powerful electric motor integrated into the eight-speed automatic transmission and a more energy-dense 19.2 kWh lithium-ion battery. BMW doubled the battery's maximum AC charging rate to 7.4 kW, allowing for 38 miles of electric-only driving before the gasoline engine engaged, achieving 22 mpg in combined driving. The xDrive50e delivered 483 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, accelerating to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds. The PHEV was praised for its driving dynamics, with adaptive damping air suspension and quick steering enhancing the experience. It excelled in various driving conditions, achieving an average fuel economy of 38.8 mpg during a 95.5-mile evaluation drive. The PHEV's ability to recharge while driving and its impressive handling made it a standout choice.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser, equipped with the i-Force MAX hybrid powertrain, combined a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a 1.87-kWh battery and a 48-hp electric motor, producing 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. It featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4WD with a two-speed transfer case. The Multi-Terrain Select system operated in both 4Hi and 4Lo, enhancing off-road capability. The Land Cruiser included an automatic limited-slip differential and rear- and center-locking differentials. The push-button disconnect for the front sway bar allowed for improved articulation off-road. The updated CRAWL control function offered five speed settings, operating silently and effectively over challenging terrain. The Land Cruiser excelled in off-road conditions, with its transmission and CRAWL control system providing a seamless experience.

The 2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e offered a spacious interior with room for five passengers and a 33.1 cubic-foot cargo area, expandable to 71.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The split liftgate design provided a convenient seating area but required stretching to access deep cargo. The test vehicle featured BMW's Sensafin artificial leather upholstery, which was indistinguishable from genuine leather. Sport seats were standard, with the Climate Comfort Package adding 20-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed supportive cushions and a panoramic sunroof. The X5 no longer offered a third-row seat, requiring a step up to the BMW X7 for that feature.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser, based on the Prado, featured two rows of seating with headroom measuring 36.1 inches in the front and 35.3 inches in the back. Legroom was 33.0 inches in the front and 26.7 inches in the rear. The center console provided easy access to off-road features, with hard controls for climate and media placed conveniently. The wireless charging pad was located ahead of the cupholders, and the Premium Package included a center console cool box. The rear liftgate opened to a cargo area with a raised load floor, offering 37.5 cubic feet of space. The cargo area included a 120-volt AC outlet and USB-C ports in higher trims.

The 2024 BMW X5 featured the BMW Curved Display, combining a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel with a 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The system ran BMW Operating System 8.5, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L, connected services, and over-the-air updates. The Intelligent Personal Assistant, however, struggled with voice recognition, leading to inaccurate directions. The available head-up display effectively conveyed data, and the augmented video function for navigation was a highlight. The Harman Kardon sound system provided excellent audio quality.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser's Multi-Terrain Monitor (MTM) system, standard on higher trims, enhanced the 12.3-inch center touchscreen display's utility on off-road courses. The infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with USB-C ports for front and rear passengers. The base trim featured an 8-inch display and six-speaker sound system, while the middle trim offered a 10-speaker system with an optional upgrade to the First Edition's 14-speaker JBL system. The Premium Package added a head-up display and digital rear-view mirror.

The 2024 BMW X5 introduced the Highway Assistant hands-free driving assistance system, which required deliberate activation. It performed well in dense and light traffic but occasionally engaged brakes unexpectedly. The adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance operated subtly, encouraging use. The X5 received high ratings from the IIHS, though lower headlight ratings prevented an award. The NHTSA gave it a four-star overall crash-test rating.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but Toyota's track record and platform-mates' ratings provided confidence in its safety. All models came with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, including adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and more. The Premium Package added lane-keep assist and other features to the middle trim, standard on the First Edition.