2025 BMW X5 vs 2024 Toyota Sequoia

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia shared its platform with the Tundra pickup, and this connection was evident in its design cues, such as hexagonal grilles, wheel arches, and strong fender creases. The exterior color significantly influenced its appearance, with the Celestial Silver giving it a somewhat dated look reminiscent of a "cop car." However, a switch to the vibrant Solar Octane orange with black accents transformed its persona to that of a playful "Tonka truck." Inside, the Sequoia mirrored the Tundra's interior design, featuring a blocky, geometric dashboard with physical controls for volume and climate. The Capstone trim boasted semi-aniline leather upholstery, while other trims offered a variety of seating materials. The Sequoia provided power-adjustable front seats across all trims and included a power-tilt and -slide moonroof, with a panoramic version available on higher trims.

The 2025 BMW X5 evolved gracefully, maintaining its distinctive proportions while incorporating modern design elements. The cab-rearward profile, rounded fender arches, and arrow-shaped lighting elements in the headlights and taillights contributed to its sophisticated look. The front fascia was busy, but the signature twin-kidney grille remained reasonably sized. The optional M Sport Package added sportier bumpers and darkened trim, with further upgrades available. The X5 celebrated its 25th anniversary with a limited-production Silver Anniversary Edition, featuring unique trim and paint options. Inside, the X5's interior evolved gradually, retaining a connection to previous generations while incorporating a curved dashboard display. The Silver Anniversary Edition included carbon fiber trim and light-up graphics, enhancing the interior's quality.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia was exclusively offered in a hybrid format, utilizing Toyota's iForce MAX hybrid powertrain. This system combined a twin-turbo V6 engine with an electric motor, producing 437 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque, surpassing its V8 predecessor. The Sequoia's fuel economy improved significantly, achieving 20 mpg combined with 4WD. The TRD Pro trim was available only with 4WD, featuring a part-time system with selectable modes and a skid plate. Other trims offered 4WD as an option. The 10-speed automatic transmission provided smooth operation, and the Sequoia's on-road handling was adequate for its class. The TRD Off-Road package added adventure-ready features, including all-terrain tires, a skid plate, and off-road suspension. The Sequoia's maximum towing capacity increased to 9,520 pounds, with towing-related upgrades available.

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 lb-ft of torque. The X5 M60i xDrive featured a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 with 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 4.2 seconds. The X5 also offered a plug-in hybrid variant, the xDrive50e, with a total system output of 483 hp and 516 lb-ft, providing up to 39 miles of all-electric range. The Silver Anniversary Edition shared the xDrive40i's powertrain, delivering smooth power and agile handling. The X5's off-road capabilities were enhanced with the xOffroad Package, including air suspension and off-road drive modes.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia Capstone featured automatic power-deploying running boards, aiding entry for shorter individuals. Inside, the Sequoia offered a maximum of 86.9 cubic feet of cargo space with the second and third rows folded. The third-row seats could be adjusted for additional cargo space, but folding them did not create a flat load floor due to the hybrid powertrain's battery pack. The Sequoia's interior dimensions included 39.2 inches of headroom in the front, 37.5-38.4 inches in the middle, and 35.6 inches in the back. Legroom ranged from 28.1 to 33.7 inches in the third row, 39.2 inches in the second row, and 41.2 inches in the first row. Second-row captain's chairs were available on higher trims, providing wide but flat seating.

The 2025 BMW X5 was a two-row, five-seater SUV with generous passenger space. It offered slightly less first-row legroom compared to some competitors but provided ample headroom. The X5's sport seats offered extra bolstering for cornering and comfort during long drives. The cargo space measured 33.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 72.3 cubic feet with the second row folded. The X5's split tailgate served as a backstop and bench, with air suspension allowing for easier access. The X5's towing capacity was 7,200 pounds, comparable to most rivals.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia Capstone featured a comprehensive suite of technology, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The SR5 trim had an 8-inch touchscreen, while other trims boasted a 14-inch center touchscreen. The Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system prioritized functionality over flashiness. The Sequoia's driver-information display was a 12.3-inch full-color unit, and the Panoramic View monitor was standard. A 10-inch color head-up display was available on higher trims, and the JBL Premium Audio system was standard on select trims.

The 2025 BMW X5 received a curved dashboard display and new operating system as part of its refresh. The display included a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 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. The instrument cluster layout was distinctive and easy to read. The X5 also featured augmented reality navigation and digital key connectivity, allowing smartphones to replace the key fob.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia came standard with the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) 2.5 suite, including a pre-collision system, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control, and road-sign recognition. Front and rear parking sensors with automatic braking and blind-spot monitoring with Trailer Merge Warning were also standard. The Tow Technology Package added a digital rearview mirror and trailer backup guide. The Sequoia had not been rated by IIHS or NHTSA, but the similar Tundra earned a Top Safety Pick+ designation.

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