2020 Honda CR-V vs 2019 BMW X5

The 2019 BMW X5 was designed with a focus on delivering a sedan-like driving experience, despite its size and weight. BMW succeeded in this endeavor, prioritizing a smooth ride on pavement over off-road capabilities, which was a forward-thinking approach given consumer preferences. The X5 offered a five-passenger layout, expandable to seven, though the third row was notably cramped. It came with two turbocharged engine options: a 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder for the xDrive40i and a 4.4-liter V8 for the xDrive50i, both paired with a highly praised ZF 8-speed automatic transmission. The base xDrive40i started at $60,700, featuring AWD, adaptive LED headlights, a panoramic sunroof, and a comprehensive safety suite. Various packages allowed for customization, adding features like keyless entry, satellite radio, and advanced climate controls, with the xDrive50i starting at $75,750 and including additional luxury features.

The 2020 Honda CR-V, in its fifth generation, maintained a familiar and fun design, with a soft, curvy exterior that resembled Honda's sedan lineup. Inside, the CR-V's interior was a mix of textures and materials, with upscale touches like wood-look trim and leather upholstery in higher trims, contrasting with some lower-quality plastics. The base CR-V LX started at $26,270, with four trim levels available, each offering a three-year or 36,000-mile warranty. AWD was an optional $1,500 upgrade across all trims. Standard features included 17-inch alloy wheels, with larger wheels available on higher trims, and a retractable moonroof on all but the LX trim. The CR-V's design leaned more towards a station wagon than an SUV, providing a modern family transportation solution.

The 2019 BMW X5 was a standout in performance, with its turbocharged inline 6-cylinder engine in the xDrive40i delivering 335 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided a smooth and consistent power delivery, especially in Sport mode, and was paired with an 8-speed ZF automatic transmission that offered seamless gear changes. The xDrive50i's turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine produced 456 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque, allowing it to reach 60 mph in around 4 seconds. The X5's ride quality was impressive, thanks to its Cluster Architecture platform and optional air suspension, which provided adjustable ride height and excellent bump absorption. The vehicle's EPA-estimated fuel economy was 20 mpg city, 26 highway, and 22 combined.

The 2020 Honda CR-V featured a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine across all trims, producing 190 horsepower and 179 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT. This powertrain offered a good balance of performance and fuel efficiency, with FWD models achieving 30 mpg combined and AWD models 29 mpg. The CR-V's driving experience was car-like, with nimble handling and a firm yet comfortable chassis. Its low curb weight of 3,337 pounds contributed to its agility and fuel economy. The CR-V's road manners were excellent, with minimal body roll and a well-weighted steering feel, making it a practical choice for everyday driving.

The 2019 BMW X5's interior featured a modern design with dual 12.3-inch screens for the iDrive infotainment system. However, the materials could feel less premium unless upgraded, and the seats were not the most comfortable without the optional Luxury Seating package. The X5 offered ample space, with 33.9 cubic feet of cargo space expandable to 72.3 cubic feet, and a split rear tailgate for easy loading. The vehicle could tow up to 7,200 pounds when properly equipped.

The 2020 Honda CR-V excelled in interior space and practicality, with a roomy cabin comparable to larger vehicles like the Volkswagen Tiguan. The CR-V's seating position and visibility were excellent, and its cargo space was generous, with 75.8 cubic feet available with the rear seats folded. Clever storage solutions, such as a deep center console and a two-position load floor, enhanced its practicality. The CR-V's design made it easy to live with, accommodating various storage needs.

The 2019 BMW X5's technology offerings were somewhat disappointing, with gesture controls and voice commands that were not always reliable. The iDrive interface was well-designed but required time to learn, and the Driving Assistance Plus package's high-speed operation was not very effective. However, features like Parking Assistant Plus and the Harman Kardon stereo were highlights, offering convenience and excellent sound quality.

The 2020 Honda CR-V's infotainment system showed its age, with a standard 5-inch screen on the LX trim and a 7-inch touchscreen on higher trims. The system lacked hard buttons, making it challenging to operate, and smartphone integration felt tacked on. However, the CR-V offered plenty of USB ports in the EX trim and above, and the Touring trim included a wireless phone charger. Despite its shortcomings, the CR-V's technology was functional for everyday use.

The 2019 BMW X5 featured a new brake-by-wire setup, providing a nearly natural feel with some feedback during braking. It received a 4-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS, with top scores in all tests.

The 2020 Honda CR-V came standard with the Honda Sensing system, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. It earned a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS, with the Touring trim's LED headlights improving nighttime visibility. A recall for a possible rear subframe failure affected only a small number of vehicles.