BMW X5 vs. Lexus RX

Lexus has slowly been redesigning its lineup of SUVs and the RX recently got the all-new treatment for 2023. The fully redesigned fifth-gen RX boasts a bold design, a premium cabin, and a modern infotainment system, while still retaining Lexus’ tradition of building high-end vehicles.

The BMW X5 has been a mainstay in the midsize segment since its introduction. For the 2024 model year, the X5 gets an update with a new design, mild-hybrid engines, a new plug-in hybrid model, and BMW’s latest iDrive 8.5 system.

With the Lexus RX and BMW X5 both getting updates recently, shoppers may find themselves cross-shopping the two SUVs. In this comparison, we’ll help you find the better option for you by looking at how the RX compares to the X5 in a few categories to name a winner.

BMW X5 vs. Lexus RX 350 Price

Lexus is known for pricing its midsize SUVs competitively and the RX dramatically undercuts the X5. Lexus RX prices start at $48,950, while the most expensive Lexus RX is the RX 500h F Sport Performance PHEV which costs $64,145.

In comparison, the cheapest BMW X5 is the sDrive40i which costs $66,195 and the most expensive BMW X5 is the xDrive M60i which starts at $90,295. There’s a price difference of $17,245 between the Lexus RX and BMW X5 in the RX’s favor. At the top end of the range, the RX is $26,150 cheaper.

On top of being far more affordable than the X5, the RX is available with far better lease deals. Lexus’ financing rates are also better for the RX than the ones that BMW offers for the X5.

BMW X5 vs. Lexus RX 350 Reliability

Based on Consumer Reports data, the Lexus RX may be more reliable than the BMW X5. The organization gave the RX a predicted reliability score of four out of five and a predicted owner satisfaction score of four out of five. In Consumer Reports’ rankings of luxury midsize SUVs, the RX finished in third place out of nine options.

The BMW X5 may be less reliable than the RX based on the organization’s data. Consumer Reports gave the X5 a predicted reliability score of three out of five and a predicted owner satisfaction score of four out of five. The X5 finished in first place in the organization’s rankings of luxury midsize SUVs.

BMW X5 vs. Lexus RX 350 Engine

Both BMW and Lexus offer their respective midsize SUVs with three different powertrains. The RX 350 comes with a turbo 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque.

There are two different electrified powertrains that are available with the RX. The RX 350h features a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and an electric motor for up to 246 hp and 233 lb-ft of torque. The range-topping RX 500h F Sport Performance combines a turbo 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor for a combined output of 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. The RX 500h can get to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds.

The X5 sDrive40i and xDrive40i come with a turbo 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine that produces 375 hp and 398 lb-ft of torque. The next step up is the xDrive50e PHEV which combines the six-cylinder engine with an electric motor for up to 483 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. BMW claims the xDrive50e PHEV can travel up to 40 miles on electricity.

The range-topping X5 M60i xDrive features a turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine that’s rated at 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque. The V8-powered X5 can get to 60 mph in just 4.2 seconds.

BMW X5 vs. Lexus RX 350 Size

As midsize SUVs, the X5 and RX are similar in size. The X5 is 194.2 inches long, 78.9 inches wide, and 69.1 inches tall. The RX measures 192.5 inches in length, 75.6 inches in width, and 67.3 inches in height.

The X5’s slightly larger body results in more cargo space than the RX. With the rear seat in place, the X5 has 33.9 cubic feet of space and a total of 72.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seat folded.

The RX is below average for the midsize segment when it comes to cargo space. The SUV has 29.6 cubic feet of space behind the rear seat and 46.2 cubic feet of cargo space in total.

BMW X5 vs. Lexus RX 350 Interiors

Both the BMW X5 and Lexus RX have high-end interiors with premium materials, but the X5’s cabin is clearly a step above in terms of features. The X5 comes with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch touchscreen that are integrated in a single panel. Few minimal controls and a streamlined design make the X5 look like a modern SUV.

While the RX has a high-end cabin, it doesn’t nearly look as modern as the X5’s. Additionally, the RX has less front headroom, as well as front and rear shoulder room than the X5.

Which Is Better: BMW X5 vs. Lexus RX 350?

While it’s incredibly expensive for the class, the BMW X5 is the better option of the two SUVs. It may cost an entire car more than the Lexus RX, but it has more powerful engines, a more high-end cabin, more high-tech features, a large cargo area, and is far more enjoyable to drive. The X5 checks all of the right boxes.

The RX may lose this comparison, but it’s not a bad choice in the class. It has a stylish design, a premium interior, and three well-rounded engines. The midsize SUV falls behind the X5 when it comes to performance, tech features, and interior space.

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