X5 F15 vs Highlander XU50: which is better?
BMW X5 F15 (2013–2018) vs Toyota Highlander XU50 (2013–2019): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
BMW X5 F15
Toyota Highlander XU50Specifications
| BMW X5 F15 | Toyota Highlander XU50 | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 2013–2018 | 2013–2019 |
| Body | crossover SUV | crossover SUV |
| Fuel | petrol | petrol |
| Engines | 3.0 Turbo (35i) | 3.5 V6 |
| Power, up to | 306 hp | 249 hp |
| Torque, up to | 400 Nm | 337 Nm |
| Gearbox | automatic | automatic |
| Drive | all-wheel drive | all-wheel drive |
| Length | 4 886 mm | 4 865 mm |
| Width | 1 938 mm | 1 925 mm |
| Height | 1 762 mm | 1 730 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 933 mm | 2 790 mm |
| Ground clearance | — | 200 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 F15
Pros
- Gearbox ZF 8HP: a reliable gearbox
- Powerful versions: up to 306 hp
- All-wheel-drive versions available
- Large fuel tank: 85 L
Cons
- Engine BMW N54/N55 (3.0 Turbo): oil leaks from the filter housing and oil cooler
- Gearbox ZF 8HP: rarely, mechatronics and bushings at high mileage
Engine (BMW N54/N55 (3.0 Turbo)): oil leaks from the filter housing and heat exchanger; wastegate rattle; electric water pump failure; on the N54 — injectors and high-pressure fuel pump.
Gearbox (ZF 8HP): reliable gearbox; rarely — mechatronic and bushings at high mileage.
Toyota Highlander XU50
Pros
- Powerful versions: up to 249 hp
- All-wheel-drive versions available
- Japanese Aisin automatic
- High ground clearance: 200 mm
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 F15 — if you care more about: power, torque, wheelbase, fuel tank, kz tax 2026.
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 F15 or Highlander XU50?
X5 F15: up to 306 hp, Highlander XU50: up to 249 hp.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: X5 F15 — about 42 425 ₸, Highlander XU50 — about 68 375 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.