2021 Range Rover Sport vs. 2021 BMW X5

BMW bills the X5 as a unique option in the competitive midsize SUV segment, but discerning Jersey City-area drivers know that there’s more than one high-performance vehicle they should consider. In fact, those who compare the 2021 Range Rover Sport vs. BMW X5 in detail will find that the former wins out in many of the areas that matter most to our neighbors! If power, off-road performance, and adventure-ready capability are important to you, you’ll love what you find below.

Performance: Range Rover Sport vs. X5

Both models come standard with a 3.0-liter I6 engine and an automatic transmission, but the Range Rover Sport offers more standard power. Here’s a closer look at each model’s base-level powertrain:

• Range Rover Sport with 3.0L P360 i6 MHEV – 355 hp and 365 lb-ft of torque
• BMW X5 with 3.0L BMW TwinPower Turbo I6 – 335 hp and 331 lb-ft of torque

The Range Rover Sport is also available with a 3.0L TDV6 diesel, a 2.0L P400 plug-in hybrid powertrain, a 5.0L V8, and a range-topping 5.0L SVR V8, optimized to provide truly exhilarating performance. 

The BMW X5, on the other hand, offers just two additional options: a plug-in hybrid powertrain and a high-powered V8. Compared head-to-head, it’s clear where the advantage lies:

• The plug-in hybrid Range Rover Sport provides 398 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque. The PHEV X5 drags behind with 389 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque.
• At the high-end of the lineup, the Range Rover Sport dominates with 575 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. With 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, the X5 won’t satisfy drivers who know what else is out there. 

The availability of a diesel engine gives efficiency-conscious drivers one more reason to stick with Land Rover. 

Capability & Design: Range Rover Sport vs. X5

• No X5 can handle the backroads and trails like a properly-equipped Range Rover Sport. 4WD is standard on the Land Rover; the X5 offers standard rear-wheel drive and available all-wheel drive–a system that’s great on pavement, but lacking on any other terrain.

• In fact, the Range Rover Sport can help you go just about anywhere with confidence. This model offers standard air suspension, a two-speed transfer case, adjustable ground clearance from 8.4 to 10.9 inches, and a wading depth of 33.5 inches. The X5 does offer optional air suspension that can help you reach a similar ground clearance, but don’t plan on hitting the trails.

• The Range Rover Sport has a maximum towing capacity of more than 7,700 pounds. That’s a 500-pound advantage over the most competitive X5.

• The Range Rover Sport gives you access to 63.7 cubic feet of cargo space when you fold the rear seats flat. The maximum capacity of the X5 is just 56.5 cubic feet under the same conditions.

• Both the Range Rover Sport and the BMW X5 offer standard seating for five and optional seating for up to seven, so you can bring everyone along for the ride no matter which model you choose.

Test Drive the Range Rover Sport at Land Rover Englewood

Comparing the Range Rover Sport vs. BMW X5 should tell you exactly why more and more Fort Lee and New York City drivers are lining up to see what our SUV can do! Step into our virtual showroom and shop from the comfort of your home, or just let us know which new model has caught your eye! We’d love to show you more.