2025 Lexus RX Vs. BMW X5: Full SUV Specs, Features & Comparison Guide
Which high-performing luxury SUV wins in the head-to-head comparison of our Lexus RX vs. BMW X5 guide? Both of these luxury SUVs are top picks for shoppers who want premium performance matched with luxurious interiors and features. How do you decide between these Lexus and BMW models? Once you see the highlights of our BMW X5 vs. Lexus RX 350 guide, you'll want to see the winner in person at DARCARS Lexus of Mt. Kisco. That's because the comparison between these two-row midsize SUVs reveals how the Lexus option provides unmatched comfort, both in dimensions and amenities.
2025 BMW X5 vs. Lexus RX at a Glance
- The Lexus RX offers many, many more options than the BMW X5, with more than a dozen trim choices compared to five.
- While the BMW SUV has a strength advantage, the RX provides much more fuel-efficient hybrid and plug-in hybrid iterations.
- Despite being the shorter model, the RX prioritizes passenger comfort with more front-row legroom.
- For features, the Lexus RX emphasizes value, pushing high-end conveniences at a much more competitive price point than the BMW SUV.
- To see this luxury vehicle in action, visit our showroom in Mt. Kisco, NY.
2025 Lexus RX vs. BMW X5 Dimensions & Engines
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| 2025 Lexus RX | 2025 BMW X5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Engine | 2.4L turbo I-4 | 3.0L turbo 6-cyl |
| Horsepower | 275 | 375 |
| Torque | 317 lb-ft | 398 lb-ft |
| Drivetrain | FWD; AWD available | RWD, AWD available |
| Transmission | 8-speed auto; ECVT and 6-speed auto available | 8-speed auto |
| Best EPA-Est. MPG (Gas) (City / Hwy / Cmb) | 22 / 29 / 251 | 23 / 27 / 252 |
| Best EPA-Est. MPG (Hybrid) (City / Hwy / Cmb) | 37 / 34 / 363 | No mild-hybrid options available |
| Best EPA-Est. MPG (Plug-in Hybrid) (MPGe / MPG) | 83 MPGe4 / 35 MPG (Combined)5 | 58 MPGe6 / 22 MPG (Combined)2 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Curb Weight | 4,155 - 4,810 lbs | 4,919 - 5,573 lbs |
| Cargo Capacity | 29.6 / 46.2 cu ft | 33.9 / 72.3 cu ft |
| Length | 192.5 in | 194.2 in |
| Width | 75.6 in | 78.9 in |
| Height | 67.3 in | 69.1 in |
| Wheelbase | 112.2 in | 117.1 in |
| Max Headroom (Front / Rear) | 39.5 / 38.6 in | 40.7 / 39.4 in |
| Legroom (Front / Rear) | 41.1 / 37.4 in | 39.8 / 37.4 in |
Comparing BMW X5 vs. Lexus RX Interior Headroom, Legroom, & Shoulder Room
The first stop of our Lexus RX vs. BMW X5 tour is with the interior dimensions. The new Lexus RX, despite being a smaller vehicle than the BMW X5, has competitive dimensions all-around – and outright wins in front-row legroom, where it has an advantage of 1.3 inches.
Lexus RX vs. BMW X5 Performance: A Luxury SUV Comparison
The Lexus RX and BMW X5 have renowned performances, incorporating power, quick acceleration, and efficiency. The BMW X5 has a standard 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged six-cylinder engine offering 375 horsepower and 398 pound-feet of torque. On the base Lexus RX 350, you find a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque.
If you want to bump up the power in your RX, consider the RX 500h F SPORT Performance AWD variant. This variant has a 2.4-liter turbo four-cylinder hybrid engine with Lexus Hybrid Electric Drive that can reach 366 horsepower. The BMW X5 also offers other powertrain configurations with other trims, such as the BMW X5 M60i or BMW X5 xDrive50e.
While the BMW X5 provides slightly more power, the Lexus RX 350 has an EPA-estimated 22/29/25 MPG.1 On the BMW X5, there's an EPA-estimated MPG of 23/27/25 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).2 They're on equal footing for fuel efficiency, with the RX having a minor edge for commuters.
However, we invite you instead to compare Lexus SUV vs. BMW SUV electrified options. The BMW X5 doesn't have a mild-hybrid configuration, while the Lexus RX 350h provides drivers with exceptional EPA-estimated specifications, at 37/34/36 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).3 The BMW X5 does come with a plug-in hybrid variant, but it's not fuel-efficient. At an EPA-estimated 57 MPGe (Combined)6 and 22 MPG (Combined),2 the BMW X5 xDrive50e burns through your energy and fuel much faster than the EPA-estimated 83 MPGe (Combined)4 and 35 MPG (Combined)5 of the RX 450h.
Lexus RX vs. BMW X5 Trim Levels
We've touched upon trim levels in terms of engines, but a huge difference between the Lexus RX equivalent and the original model is flexibility and packaging. The Lexus RX is available in 20 trims with differing drivetrains, luxury features, and electrification. The BMW X5 only has five variants, sharing much of their comfort, convenience, and safety software.
Lexus RX Trims
- RX 350 FWD
- RX 350 AWD
- RX 350h AWD
- RX 350 Premium FWD
- RX 350 Premium AWD
- RX 350h Premium AWD
- RX 350 Premium+ FWD
- RX 350 Premium+ AWD
- RX 350h Premium+ AWD
- RX 350 Luxury FWD
- RX 350 Luxury AWD
- RX 350h Luxury AWD
- RX 450h+ Luxury AWD
- RX 350 F SPORT Design FWD
- RX 350 F SPORT Design AWD
- RX 350h F SPORT Design AWD
- RX 350 F SPORT Handling AWD
- RX 350 F SPORT Handling AWD
- RX 500h F SPORT Performance AWD
- RX 500h Black Line Special Edition
BMW X5 Trims
- BMW X5 sDrive40i
- BMW X5 xDrive40i
- BMW X5 xDrive50e
- BMW X5 M60i
- BMW X5 M Competition
Compare Lexus RX vs. BMW X5 Features
Many of your favorite features come on the Lexus RX and BMW X5, like Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, a touchscreen, push-button Start/Stop, multi-zone climate control, and more. However, a major factor that the BMW X5 equivalent has over its competitor is a lineup of incredible convenience and safety options, starting on the base RX.
When comparing safety features, the BMW X5 includes systems like an Active Driving Assistant with Frontal Collision Warning, Active Blind Spot Detection, Lane Departure Warning, and Speed Limit Assistant. The Lexus RX comes standard with a backup camera, Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Brake Assist, Intuitive Parking Assist with Auto Braking, and the advanced Lexus Safety System+ 3.0. The Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 includes:
- Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control with Curve Speed Management
- Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection and Intersection Support
- Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
- Lane Tracing Assist
- Road Sign Assist
- Automatic High Beams
The Lexus RX, through its trim levels, gets all of the available features of the BMW X5 at a much lower price point. Both SUVs come with a Head-Up Display, but the Lexus RX offers it as standard on its Luxury model, whereas the BMW X5 requires an add-on package. The BMW X5 receives an optional 16-speaker premium sound system, while your Lexus RX can have a 21-speaker Mark Levinson® sound system.
These standard and available safety technologies and luxuries are part of the reason why the BMW X5 vs. Lexus RX 350 reliability score comparison is so far in favor of the Lexus RX: Motorists have rated the Lexus SUV at 85/100,7 while the BMW X5 only received a 77/100.8
Pros & Cons of Our Lexus RX vs. BMW X5 Comparison
Lexus RXPros & Cons
Pros
- Excellent electrified powertrains
- More maneuverable chassis
- Better front-row legroom
- Easier access to premium features
- More impressive high-end features
- Better reliability ratings7,8
Cons
- Cargo room preferable for smaller families
- Slower engine performance
BMW X5Pros & Cons
Pros
- More powerful engine
- More cargo space
Cons
- Substandard electric powertrain
- Less diverse array of features
- Trim levels don't offer improved comfort systems
- All trims are more expensive than most Lexus RX options
- More cramped front row
Purchase a Lexus RX at DARCARS Lexus of Mt. Kisco
Now that you have compared the Lexus RX vs. BMW X5, are you ready to get the keys to a new RX in Mt. Kisco, NY? While the BMW X5 and Lexus RX are both excellent SUVs on the market, the Lexus car leads with trims, efficiency, and features. See the exciting amenities of the RX today by coming over to our Lexus dealership! Alternatively, if you're looking for a larger or smaller car, please research more Lexus models with us.
For example, in our Lexus RX vs. GX, we'll touch on how the vehicles share a dedication to elevated comfort, but the GX is preferable to larger families or those who want to go off-road. At our showroom in Westchester County, we can explore more of those differences in person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lexus RX better than BMW X5?
In our opinion, the Lexus RX is typically the better option when compared to the BMW X5. Overall fuel efficiency, model choices, and a better feature suite are points for the Lexus RX, as is its front-row legroom. In addition, families rely on the RX significantly more than they trust the BMW X5, according to J.D. Power.7,8
Is the RX 350 as reliable as the BMW X5?
Yes! Both the Lexus RX 350 and BMW X5 are top choices when looking for reliability in your next vehicle. However, the Lexus RX stands out with its standard suite of safety features with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0. That's why it earned an 85/100 for Quality & Reliability from J.D. Power,7 while the BMW X5 only received a 77/100.8
Is the Lexus RX or BMW X5 faster?
Both of these SUVs are incredibly fast and offer quick acceleration. The BMW X5 M60i can go from 0-60 mph in around 4.2 seconds. The Lexus RX 500h F SPORT Performance offers a 0-60 mph time of 5.9 seconds. The top speed for the BMW X5 M60i without performance tires is 130 mph, the same limit as the Lexus RX 500h models.
Is a Lexus car cheaper to fix than a BMW one?
Yes, the Lexus RX is typically less expensive to fix than the BMW X5. According to RepairPal, a Lexus RX owner is expected to pay $550 per year for their repairs.9 The BMW X5 owner is expected to owe an average of $1,166 annually – more than double the Lexus RX.10 There are myriad reasons for this, like the BMW X5 engine or technology.
1EPA-estimated 22 city/ 29 hwy/ 25 comb MPG rating for 2025 Lexus RX 350 FWD. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary for many reasons, including your vehicle's condition and how/where you drive. See www.fueleconomy.gov.
2Preliminary EPA-estimated figures are for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary, depending on speed, driving habits, trip length and driving conditions; actual mileage may be lower.
3EPA-estimated 37 city/ 34 hwy/ 36 comb MPG rating for 2025 Lexus RX 350h. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary for many reasons, including your vehicle's condition and how/where you drive. See www.fueleconomy.gov.
4EPA-estimated 83 MPGe rating for 2025 Lexus RX 350h+. MPGe is the EPA equivalent of gasoline fuel efficiency for electric operation. Use for comparison purposes only. Your MPGe/MPG will vary for many reasons, including your vehicle's condition and how/where you drive. See www.fueleconomy.gov.
5EPA-estimated 35 comb MPG rating for 2025 Lexus RX 350h+. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary for many reasons, including your vehicle's condition and how/where you drive. See www.fueleconomy.gov.
6Preliminary EPA-estimated figures are for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary, depending on speed, driving habits, trip length and driving conditions; actual mileage may be lower. Note for MPGe: All data are provisional and subject to official confirmation. The provisional power consumption figures have been calculated based on the ECE test cycle.
7Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://www.jdpower.com/cars/2025/lexus/rx
8Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://www.jdpower.com/cars/2025/bmw/x5
9Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://repairpal.com/lexus/rx350
10Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://repairpal.com/bmw/x5