2006 BMW X5 vs. 2012 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2012 Toyota Highlander is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 BMW X5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 BMW X5 would be higher. At 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 BMW X5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW X5 (228 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 2012 Toyota Highlander. (187 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW X5 should accelerate faster than 2012 Toyota Highlander. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 160 kg more than 2006 BMW X5.
Because 2006 BMW X5 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Toyota Highlander. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 BMW X5 will offer significantly more control. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2006 BMW X5 (300 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Toyota Highlander. (252 Nm @ 4100 RPM). This means 2006 BMW X5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Toyota Highlander. 2012 Toyota Highlander has automatic transmission and 2006 BMW X5 has manual transmission. 2006 BMW X5 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Toyota Highlander will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW X5 | 2012 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | BMW | Toyota |
| Model | X5 | Highlander |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2979 cc | 2700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 252 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 1790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1720 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2789 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 93 L | 73 L |
