X5 E70 vs Highlander II (XU40): which is better?
BMW X5 E70 (2006–2013) vs Toyota Highlander II (XU40) (2007–2013): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
BMW X5 E70
Toyota Highlander II (XU40)Specifications
| BMW X5 E70 | Toyota Highlander II (XU40) | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 2006–2013 | 2007–2013 |
| Body | crossover SUV | crossover SUV |
| Fuel | petrol | petrol |
| Engines | 3.0 (xDrive30i) | 3.5 V6 |
| Power, up to | 272 hp | 273 hp |
| Torque, up to | 315 Nm | 346 Nm |
| Gearbox | automatic | automatic |
| Drive | all-wheel drive | all-wheel drive |
| Length | 4 854 mm | 4 785 mm |
| Width | 1 933 mm | 1 910 mm |
| Height | 1 766 mm | 1 760 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 933 mm | 2 790 mm |
| Fuel tank | 85 L | 72 L |
| KZ tax 2026 (car under 10 years) | ≈ 42 425 ₸ | ≈ 68 375 ₸ |
The better value is highlighted in green.
Pros, cons and common problems
BMW X5 E70
Pros
- Powerful versions: up to 272 hp
- All-wheel-drive versions available
- Conventional automatic, no robotized gearbox or CVT
- Large fuel tank: 85 L
Cons
- Engine BMW N52 (3.0): hydraulic lifter ticking
- Gearbox ZF 5HP/6HP: bushing and mechatronics wear
Engine (BMW N52 (3.0)): hydraulic lifter tapping; valve cover gasket and filter housing leaks; electric water pump failure.
Gearbox (ZF 5HP/6HP): bushing and mechatronic wear; shift shocks.
Toyota Highlander II (XU40)
Pros
- Powerful versions: up to 273 hp
- All-wheel-drive versions available
- Japanese Aisin automatic
- Large tank: 72 L
Cons
- Engine Toyota 2GR-FE/FKS (3.5 V6): rubber VVT-i oil line can burst on early engines (before ~2010)
- Aisin gearbox (Toyota/Lexus 4–8-speed automatic): jolts when shifting at high mileage
Engine (Toyota 2GR-FE/FKS (3.5 V6)): rupture of the rubber VVT-i oil line on early engines (before ~2010); water pump leak; valve cover gasket leaks.
Gearbox (Aisin (Toyota/Lexus 4–8-speed automatic)): shift shocks at high mileage; solenoid wear from old oil.
Which one to choose
- X5 E70 — if you care more about: wheelbase, fuel tank, kz tax 2026.
- Highlander II (XU40) — if you care more about: power, torque.
The condition of a specific car matters more than the model: check the service history and get the engine and gearbox inspected before buying.
FAQ
Which is more powerful: X5 E70 or Highlander II (XU40)?
X5 E70: up to 272 hp, Highlander II (XU40): up to 273 hp.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: X5 E70 — about 42 425 ₸, Highlander II (XU40) — about 68 375 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.