2025 Toyota Land Cruiser vs 2024 BMW X5

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 various trim packages and options available. The xDrive50e M Sport specification test vehicle came with Brooklyn Grey paint, 21-inch 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 Land Cruiser, in its second model year, was available in two trims: the base 1958 model and the more upscale Land Cruiser. The 1958 model featured a retro look with round headlights and basic equipment, while the Land Cruiser offered a modern appearance, more color options, and a nicer interior with larger screens. The test vehicle, equipped with the Premium Package, had Heritage Blue and Grayscape paint, 20-inch wheels, and a roof rack, bringing the MSRP to $71,004. The Land Cruiser's design maximized off-road capabilities, visibility, and cargo space, with a utilitarian interior featuring traditional switchgear. The Java-colored leather added contrast, and the dual 12.3-inch screens provided a technologically advanced feel. The Land Cruiser excelled in off-road conditions, with features like Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Monitor enhancing its capabilities.

The 2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e PHEV featured new mild-hybrid engines and a significant upgrade to its electric range and power output. It boasted a more powerful electric motor integrated into the eight-speed automatic transmission and a 19.2 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. The PHEV offered 38 miles of electric-only driving and achieved 22 mpg in combined driving. With 483 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, it accelerated to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds. The PHEV was praised for its driving dynamics, with adaptive damping air suspension and excellent handling. It delivered an average fuel economy of 38.8 mpg during a 95.5-mile evaluation drive, showcasing its efficiency and performance.

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. It had a full-time 4WD system with electronic locking differentials and a towing capacity of 6,000 pounds. The Land Cruiser excelled in off-road conditions, with features like Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control. However, its real-world fuel economy fell short of the official 23 mpg rating, achieving only 15.7 mpg during testing. While it handled daily driving well, it struggled on twisty roads due to its suspension tuning and tires. The Land Cruiser offered a comfortable ride and impressive off-road capabilities, but its performance on paved roads was less refined.

The 2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e offered a spacious interior with room for five people and a cargo area that expanded from 33.1 to 71.2 cubic feet. The split liftgate design provided a convenient seating area but required stretching to access items deep in the cargo hold. The test vehicle featured Sensafin artificial leather upholstery, standard sport seats, and the Climate Comfort Package, which included 20-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed comfort and a panoramic sunroof. However, the X5 no longer offered an optional third-row seat.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser, with the Premium Package, featured real leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a standard-size power sunroof. While the front seats provided excellent support, the second-row seats lacked thigh support and had an uncomfortable backrest angle. The Land Cruiser offered 46.2 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 82.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. However, the high load floor required effort when loading heavy items. The rear window design and center console's cool box were considered less practical, but the Land Cruiser's cargo space was generous and well-shaped.

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. It 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, struggled with voice recognition, leading to inaccurate directions. The available head-up display and augmented video function for navigation were praised, but the reduction in physical controls was seen as a drawback.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser upgraded to two 12.3-inch displays with the Toyota Audio Multimedia system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, and connected service plans. The Drive Connect system provided cloud-based navigation and a conversational digital assistant, which performed well in voice recognition tests. The Premium Package added a JBL premium sound system, wireless smartphone charger, head-up display, and digital key technology, enhancing the Land Cruiser's technological offerings.

The 2024 BMW X5 introduced the Highway Assistant hands-free driving assistance system, which worked well in specific conditions but had occasional braking issues. The adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance performed effectively, but the system's behavior in moderate traffic could be frustrating. The X5 received high ratings from the IIHS but missed an award due to lower headlight ratings. The NHTSA gave it a four-star overall crash-test rating.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser came with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, offering a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems. It included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The system's performance varied, with some features proving useful while others were less reliable. The Land Cruiser received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with strong side-impact results but a lower rollover resistance rating.