2025 BMW X2 vs 2025 Toyota Highlander

$42,850 · Crossover

$40,320 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 BMW X2 bursts onto the scene with Munich's signature aggressive design and superior efficiency, making it the choice for the spirited driver. While the X2 boasts a lower output of 241 hp, its impressive 28 MPG combined rating and recommended premium fuel suggest a focus on dynamic efficiency. In contrast, the 2025 Toyota Highlander presents itself as the pragmatic powerhouse, leveraging 265 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque from its standard engine, though its FWD configuration and 25 MPG combined reflect its larger stature. The Highlander dwarfs the X2 in size (194.9 inches long versus 179.3 inches), yet paradoxically offers less utility with only 16 cu ft of cargo space compared to the BMW's 25.3 cu ft. The pricing is tight, with the Highlander starting at $40,320 and the X2 at $42,850, setting up a fascinating clash between Bavarian sportiness and Toyota’s established utility.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 BMW X2

The BMW X2 is the clear winner for commuters due to its significantly better combined fuel economy of 28 MPG versus the Highlander's 25 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Toyota Highlander

Despite its smaller stated cargo capacity of 16 cu ft, the Highlander's larger overall dimensions and FWD layout suggest greater inherent family space and ride comfort.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 BMW X2

The X2's handling focus, 7-speed automated manual transmission, and BMW badge offer a more engaging driving dynamic than the standard FWD Highlander.

💰 Best Value

2025 Toyota Highlander

The Toyota Highlander offers more standard horsepower (265 hp) and torque (310 lb-ft) for a lower starting MSRP of $40,320.

Choose the BMW X2 if...

You prioritize fuel efficiency, as the BMW X2 achieves a superior combined 28 MPG.
You desire a more compact, nimble footprint, evidenced by its 179.3-inch length.
You prefer the slick, quick shifts delivered by its 7-speed automated manual transmission.

Choose the Toyota Highlander if...

You need the extra grunt from the engine, delivering 265 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque.
You prefer using regular unleaded fuel instead of the BMW's premium requirement.
You need the broader dimensions, standing 68.1 inches tall compared to the X2's 62.6 inches.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	BMW X2	Toyota Highlander
Length	179.3"	194.9"
Width	72.6"	76.0"
Height	62.6"	68.1"
Wheelbase	106.0"	112.2"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	BMW	Toyota
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Brake Drying	✓	—
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Preparation System	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Cornering Lights	✓	—
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓

Engine

Feature	BMW	Toyota
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.4 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	241 hp @ 4500 rpm	265 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	295 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm	310 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	BMW	Toyota
Transmission Type	7-speed automated manual	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	front wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	—
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	BMW	Toyota
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	24/33 MPG	22/29 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	28 MPG	25 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	343.2/471.9 mi.	393.8/519.1 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	14.3 gal.	17.9 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	BMW	Toyota
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	—
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	—
Cruise Control	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Extended Cabin Heating	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	BMW	Toyota
Infotainment Display	10.7 in	8.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	12 months	3 months
Speaker System	—	6

Power Feature

Feature	BMW	Toyota
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	BMW	Toyota
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Memory Settings	2	—
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Front Head Room	—	41.2 in.
Front Leg Room	—	42.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	—	59.0 in.
Front Hip Room	—	57.2 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	—	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	4-way

Rearseats

Feature	BMW	Toyota
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Rear Head Room	—	39.4 in.
Rear Leg Room	—	38.7 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	—	58.7 in.
Rear Hip Room	—	57.0 in.
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	BMW	Toyota
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	19 x 8.0 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	245/45R H	P235/65R V
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Underbody Mounted
Wheel Diameter	—	18 in

Suspension

Feature	BMW	Toyota
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	BMW	Toyota
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	12 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ unlimited mi.	2 yr./ unlimited mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	2 yr./ 25000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 BMW X2 and 2025 Toyota Highlander.

Which vehicle offers better long-distance cruising economy?

The 2025 BMW X2 has a clear advantage here, achieving 33 MPG on the highway compared to the Highlander's 29 MPG highway rating. This efficiency, despite requiring premium fuel, makes the X2 cheaper to run on extended road trips.

Is the Toyota Highlander's higher horsepower worth the trade-off in efficiency?

The Highlander produces 265 hp versus the X2's 241 hp, a 24 hp difference favoring Toyota. However, the Highlander consumes more fuel (25 MPG combined vs. 28 MPG) and requires regular unleaded, potentially offsetting the immediate performance gains for daily drivers.

Despite the Highlander being physically larger, why does the X2 have more cargo space?

The Highlander is significantly longer at 194.9 inches compared to the X2's 179.3 inches, but the Highlander lists only 16 cu ft of cargo space, while the X2 offers 25.3 cu ft. This suggests the Highlander may prioritize passenger cabin volume or mechanical components over dedicated rear cargo capacity in this configuration.

Which vehicle uses a more engaging transmission?

Enthusiasts will gravitate toward the BMW X2's 7-speed automated manual transmission, which typically provides quicker, more direct shifts than the Highlander’s standard 8-speed shiftable automatic.

What is the primary difference in the cost of ownership regarding fuel?

The 2025 BMW X2 mandates recommended premium unleaded fuel, whereas the 2025 Toyota Highlander runs happily on regular unleaded, which can result in lower recurring fuel costs for the Highlander over time.

Does the X2's AWD capability outperform the Highlander's FWD?

Yes, the X2 offers all-wheel drive for superior traction in varied conditions, while the Highlander comes standard with front-wheel drive, making the X2 inherently more versatile against poor weather.