2025 BMW X5 vs 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid

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 Lime Rock Grey paint and an off-road package. Inside, the X5's interior evolved gradually, retaining a sense of quality with carbon fiber trim and light-up graphics enhancing the aesthetic.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid pursued a conservative design, drawing inspiration from the previous-generation RAV4. This approach resulted in a larger RAV4-like appearance, offering seating for up to eight and ample cargo space. The interior emphasized function over form, with a layer of luxury in the Platinum trim. Glossy hard plastics and unlined storage surfaces were present, but the controls were logically laid out. The climate system was simple, with large knobs for temperature adjustment, while the infotainment interface had a small volume knob and lacked a tuning knob. The Grand Highlander Hybrid Max Platinum featured Storm Cloud paint and a mix of leather and artificial suede upholstery, adding an upscale touch.

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 0-60 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 0-60 mph in 4.2 seconds. Both models had electronically limited top speeds of 130 mph, extendable to 155 mph with performance tires. The X5 plug-in hybrid, xDrive50e, combined the inline-six with a larger electric motor, delivering 483 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-60 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.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Max focused on performance with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and electronic full-time AWD, producing 362 net horsepower. It offered satisfying acceleration and a traditional six-speed automatic transmission, avoiding the droning of CVTs. The Hybrid Max traded fuel economy for power, achieving 27 mpg compared to the Grand Highlander Hybrid's 36 mpg. It could tow up to 5,000 pounds, 1,500 more than the hybrid version. During testing, it averaged 23.3 mpg on a mountainous route and 26 mpg on a city-highway mix. The Hybrid Max provided rewarding acceleration, with electric motors eliminating turbo lag, and offered a soft, isolating ride quality. Handling was secure but limited, with early tire scrub and squeal.

The 2025 BMW X5 was a two-row, five-seater with generous passenger space, though not class-leading. It had slightly less first-row legroom than some competitors but offered more headroom. The sport seats provided extra bolstering for cornering and comfort on long drives. The X5 offered 33.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 72.3 cubic feet with the second row folded. The split tailgate was a unique feature, serving as a backstop and bench. The X5's towing capacity was 7,200 pounds, competitive for its size.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid offered comfortable seating in all three rows, with almost 100 cubic feet of maximum cargo space. The Platinum trim featured leather and artificial suede upholstery, with heated and ventilated front and second-row seats. The second-row captain’s chairs allowed easy access to the third row. The Grand Highlander provided 20.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 57.9 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 97.5 cubic feet with the second row down. The rear doors were long and required space to open, posing challenges for child seat installation.

The 2025 BMW X5 featured a curved dashboard display with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 14.9-inch infotainment touchscreen, running BMW Operating System 8. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a rotary controller, touchscreen, voice recognition, and steering wheel controls. The instrument cluster layout was distinctive and easy to read. Augmented reality navigation and digital key connectivity were welcome additions.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid had a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, and access to Apple Music and Amazon Music. Toyota Connected Services offered features like a Wi-Fi hotspot and digital voice assistant. The system was easy to use, though the font was hard to read. The Platinum trim included a head-up display, digital rear-view mirror, and JBL premium audio system.

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

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, offering a range of safety features and driver-assistance technologies. Proactive Driving Assist was standard but could be irritating. The safety tech operated accurately, though lane-keep assist occasionally strayed too close to lane markers. The Grand Highlander received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA but missed the IIHS Top Safety Pick due to headlight and frontal-impact ratings.