BMW X5 vs Toyota RAV4
What's the difference?

BMW X5

$78,990 - $209,990

2024 price

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Toyota RAV4

$45,990 - $66,430

2026 price

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Land Rover Discovery Sport

Mercedes-Benz EQ-Class

Mercedes-Benz Eqc400

Mercedes-Benz Eqe300

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Mercedes-Benz G63

Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLE300

Mercedes-Benz GLS

Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

Mini Countryman

Mitsubishi ASX

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Mitsubishi Outlander

Mitsubishi Pajero

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

Summary

2024 BMW X5

2026 Toyota RAV4

By Mark Oastler

By Emily Agar

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 6, 3.0L

Inline 4, 2.5L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Unleaded Petrol/Electric

Fuel Efficiency

9.2L/100km (combined)

4.8L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Design/build quality
Performance/efficiency
Interior comfort/features

Hybrid system is efficient
Charming technology
Easy ride and handling

Dislikes

Space-saver spare
Busy control panel
Passenger dash glare

Heavy-use of plastics is a buzzkill
Missing some second-row features
Grade distinctions are too close

2024 BMW X5 Summary

The BMW X5 is a leading contender in the ‘Over $70K Large SUV’ division of Australia’s new car market, which is a hotly-contested segment boasting 15 marques and 25 models.

The X5 has hit an enduring sweet spot with Aussie buyers in terms of size, performance and price. BMW prefers to call it a Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) as distinct from its Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) rivals.

Clearly, any word association with a utility is something BMW Group Australia wants to avoid after recently launching its latest X5 range, which brings numerous enhancements including design revisions, increased standard equipment, refreshed powertrains and more.

We were entrusted with the digital ‘Comfort Access’ key to one of the latest X5s, to understand from a family car perspective why this model range enjoys such enduring popularity with prestige SUV (sorry, SAV) buyers.

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2026 Toyota RAV4 Summary

The Toyota RAV4 is arguably Australia’s darling and has been for years. It’s long set the benchmark in the mid-size SUV segment - a position rivals like the Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage and Mazda CX-5 would love to occupy.

It’s also been close to a decade since we’ve seen anything new from the RAV4, so expectations for this sixth-generation update are understandably high. For this family review, we’re testing the flagship Cruiser Hybrid 2WD, which brings the most features and the biggest price tag in the line-up.

On paper, it promises meaningful upgrades, particularly in technology and refinement, while holding onto the practicality and efficiency that made it so popular in the first place.

But with stronger competition and rising expectations in this segment, the question is no longer whether the RAV4 is good, it’s whether it’s done enough to stay at the top.

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Deep dive comparison

2024 BMW X5 2026 Toyota RAV4

Verdict

This is a luxurious prestige five-seater brimming with BMW’s latest design and technology that’s not only practical for weekly family duties but can also embrace spirited driving with the push of a button. A great all-rounder for families that like a sporty edge.

Verdict

The new Toyota RAV4 Cruiser Hybrid 2WD builds on what made it so popular in the first place. It’s easy to drive, efficient and well equipped, with enough features to suit a wide range of buyers.

The updated technology is a clear step forward and lifts the overall experience, but there are still elements that feel out of step with the flagship positioning, particularly the use of hard plastics and some less refined finishes. Even so, it remains a practical and well-rounded option in the segment.

BMW X5 vs Toyota RAV4 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

BMW X5 vs Toyota RAV4
What's the difference?