2025 BMW X5 vs 2025 Toyota Sienna

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 added a three-dimensional shape. The front fascia was somewhat busy, but the twin-kidney grille remained a reasonable size, with illumination as an option. The M Sport Package offered sportier bumpers and Shadowline trim, while the Silver Anniversary Edition celebrated the X5's 25th anniversary with unique features like 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, though it appeared plainer compared to some competitors.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna, despite efforts to add style, still resembled a minivan with its box-on-wheels design. The trapezoidal grille and upswept body lines added some flair, but the Sienna's practicality remained its strong suit. The Platinum trim featured new flower-petal wheel designs and Magnetic Gray paint. Inside, the Sienna's interior received updates, including a woodgrain finish, though opinions on its aesthetics varied. The Sienna's interior was practical, with features like a refrigerated compartment and accommodating third-row seating. However, the hard cushions of the front seats raised concerns about long-distance comfort.

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 plug-in hybrid, the xDrive50e, combined the inline-six with an electric motor, delivering a total of 483 hp and 516 lb-ft, with a 0 to 60 mph time of 4.6 seconds and up to 39 miles of all-electric range. The Silver Anniversary Edition included the xOffroad Package, enhancing off-road capabilities, though it compromised on-road dynamics.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna featured a hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and a CVT, producing a net 245 horsepower. While not powerful, the electric assist motor provided immediate torque, preventing sluggishness. The Sienna's hybrid system prioritized fuel economy, achieving an EPA rating of 36 mpg in combined driving, though real-world results varied. The Sienna's handling was predictable but not engaging, with a smooth ride and quiet highway performance. The XSE trim offered a sport-tuned suspension for a slightly more dynamic drive, but overall, the Sienna prioritized comfort over excitement.

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 compared to some competitors but provided ample headroom. The sport seats were comfortable and supportive, though the lack of real leather upholstery was noticeable at the X5's price point. 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 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 Sienna excelled in form and function, offering power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated front seats, though the cushions felt hard on long drives. The second-row captain's chairs with ottoman-style leg rests were popular with passengers, and the third-row seat accommodated adults comfortably. The Sienna's cargo space was generous, with 33.5 cubic feet behind the third row and 75.2 cubic feet with the third row stowed. However, the maximum cargo capacity of 101 cubic feet was less than rivals due to the non-removable second-row seats. The Sienna's design prioritized ease of use, with features like hands-free power liftgate and sliding side doors.

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. The X5 included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, augmented reality navigation, and digital key connectivity. The angular instrument cluster layout was distinctive and easy to read, though a more prominent fuel gauge was desired.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna's higher-spec models featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch touchscreen for the Toyota Audio Multimedia (TAM) system. The Platinum trim included a four-zone climate control system, a 10-inch head-up display, and a digital rearview mirror. The TAM system offered connected services with varying subscription periods, including a digital assistant for voice commands. The Sienna's infotainment system was capable, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though some features required active subscriptions. The JBL premium audio system provided decent sound quality, though excessive bass was noted.

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 optional Driving Assistance Professional Package added Highway Assistant, a hands-free system for speeds up to 85 mph. The Parking Assistant setup included Reversing Assistant, with an optional Parking Assistance Professional Package offering additional features. The X5 earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS and a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, and adaptive cruise control. The Sienna's safety systems generally performed well, though adaptive cruise control required vigilance in urban areas. The Sienna added a rear-seat reminder system for 2025, alerting drivers to movement in the cabin. The NHTSA gave the Sienna a five-star overall rating, though it received lower scores in frontal crash tests.