Matchup
Lexus RX vs BMW X5
The 2026 RX 350 AWD against the 2027 X5 40 xDrive, through ten physics labs and every official rating we could find.
Last checked Oct 3, 2026. Every figure links to its source.
The short answer
- In the trims shown, the RX costs $19,175 less: $54,375 against $73,550 for the X5, destination included. PublishedLexusPublishedBMW
- The X5 gets to 60 mph 2.5 s sooner: 4.8 s against 7.3 s. TestedMotorTrendPublishedBMW
- The X5 is rated to tow 4,210 lb more: 7,710 lb against 3,500 lb. PublishedCar and DriverPublishedBMW
- On a wet road from 70 mph, reaction included, the X5 needs 350 ft to stop and the RX 381 ft: 31 ft more road for the RX. Simulatedfrom MotorTrendSimulated, estimated inputs
At a glance
| RX | X5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price, this trim | $54,375PublishedLexus | $73,550PublishedBMW |
| Powertrain | 2.4 L turbocharged four (T24A-FTS) with port and direct injection · Full-time electronically controlled AWD (75:25 to 50:50 front/rear) | 3.0 L turbo inline six (B58), Miller cycle, port and direct injection, 48-V starter-generator in the transmission, mild hybrid · xDrive (rear-biased, electronically controlled front multi-plate clutch) |
| 0–60 mph, tested or claimed | 7.3 sTestedMotorTrend | 4.8 sPublishedBMW |
| EPA combined | 24 mpg (9.8 L/100 km)PublishedEPA | 26 mpg (9.0 L/100 km)PublishedEPA |
| Cargo behind the second row | 29.6 cu ft (838 L)PublishedLexus | 27.3 cu ft (773 L)PublishedBMW |
| Large suitcases, packed | 6Simulatedfrom Lexus | 4Simulatedfrom BMW |
| Seats | 5Published | 5Published |
| Crash ratings | NHTSA 5★ overall · IIHS crash tests G/P/G | No safety rating yet · new for 2027 |
Acceleration
The X5 gets to 60 mph 2.5 s sooner: 4.8 s against 7.3 s.
| RX | X5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 275 hp (205 kW)PublishedLexus | 394 hp (294 kW)PublishedBMW |
| Torque | 317 lb-ft (430 Nm)PublishedLexus | 428 lb-ft (580 Nm)PublishedBMW |
| 0–60 mph, tested or claimed | 7.3 sTestedMotorTrend | 4.8 sPublishedBMW |
| 0–60 mph, our simulation | 7.3 sSimulatedfrom MotorTrend | 4.8 sSimulatedfrom BMW |
| Quarter mile | 15.5 sTestedMotorTrend | no data |
Braking and stopping distance
On a wet road from 70 mph, reaction included, the X5 needs 350 ft to stop and the RX 381 ft: 31 ft more road for the RX.
| RX | X5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Braking 60–0 mph, tested | 139 ft (42.4 m)TestedMotorTrend | no data |
| Wet road from 70 mph, 1 s reaction | 381 ft (116.3 m)Simulatedfrom MotorTrend | 350 ft (106.5 m)Simulated, estimated inputs |
| Dry road from 70 mph, 1 s reaction | 291 ft (88.6 m)Simulatedfrom MotorTrend | 269 ft (82.1 m)Simulated, estimated inputs |
| Packed snow from 30 mph, 1 s reaction | 177 ft (54.0 m)Simulatedfrom MotorTrend | 162 ft (49.3 m)Simulated, estimated inputs |
Rollover
No meaningful gap between the RX and the X5 on what we can measure here.
| RX | X5 | |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA rollover rating | 4★ · 15.5% riskTestedNHTSA | no data |
| Sideways slide that trips it into a roll | 12 mph (19 km/h)Simulated, estimated inputs | 12 mph (19 km/h)Simulated, estimated inputs |
| Static stability factor (half-track ÷ CoG height) | 1.25Simulated, estimated inputs | 1.25Simulated, estimated inputs |
Efficiency and running costs
At 15,000 miles a year and national average prices, the X5 costs about $216 a year less to run: $2,583/yr against $2,799/yr.
| RX | X5 | |
|---|---|---|
| EPA combined | 24 mpg (9.8 L/100 km)PublishedEPA | 26 mpg (9.0 L/100 km)PublishedEPA |
| Fuel or charging, 15,000 mi a year | $2,799/yrDerivedEPA | $2,583/yrDerivedEPA |
| Steady 75 mph, our simulation | 30 mpg (7.8 L/100 km)Simulated, estimated inputsfrom Car and Driver | 27 mpg (8.7 L/100 km)Simulated, estimated inputs |
| Drag coefficient | 0.35PublishedLexus | 0.29PublishedBMW |
Grip, snow and maneuvering
The RX turns in a 3.3 ft tighter circle: 38.7 ft against 42.0 ft.
| RX | X5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Skidpad grip, tested | 0.75 gTestedMotorTrend | no data |
| Cornering grip, our simulation | 0.75 gSimulatedfrom MotorTrend | 0.84 gSimulated, estimated inputs |
| Pulling away on packed snow | 0.24 gSimulatedfrom MotorTrend | 0.28 gSimulated, estimated inputs |
| Turning circle | 38.7 ft (11.8 m)PublishedLexus | 42.0 ft (12.8 m)PublishedBMW |
| Ground clearance | 8.1 in (21 cm)PublishedLexus | 8.9 in (23 cm)Estimate |
| Tires | All-season 235/60R19 · 235/60R19PublishedC/D specs | All-season 255/50R21 · 285/45R21 (standard; maker not published) · 255/50R21 · 285/45R21PublishedCar and Driver (Chrome Data) |
Space, luggage and fit
The X5 is rated to tow 4,210 lb more: 7,710 lb against 3,500 lb.
| RX | X5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5Published | 5Published |
| Large suitcases, packed | 6Simulatedfrom Lexus | 4Simulatedfrom BMW |
| Carry-ons in the space left | 0Simulatedfrom Lexus | 2Simulatedfrom BMW |
| Cargo behind the second row | 29.6 cu ft (838 L)PublishedLexus | 27.3 cu ft (773 L)PublishedBMW |
| Cargo, seats folded | 46.2 cu ft (1,308 L)PublishedLexus | 67.7 cu ft (1,917 L)PublishedBMW |
| Towing | 3,500 lb (1,588 kg)PublishedCar and Driver | 7,710 lb (3,497 kg)PublishedBMW |
| Driver head room, 6 ft 4 in driver | +1.0 in (3 cm)Simulated, estimated inputs | +3.4 in (9 cm)Simulated, estimated inputs |
| Driver head room, 5 ft 11 in driver | +3.4 in (9 cm)Simulated, estimated inputs | +5.8 in (15 cm)Simulated, estimated inputs |
| Driver head room, 5 ft 4 in driver | +6.5 in (16 cm)Simulated, estimated inputs | +9.0 in (23 cm)Simulated, estimated inputs |
| Rear head room, 5 ft 11 in passenger | +2.9 in (7 cm)Simulated, estimated inputs | +3.7 in (10 cm)Simulated, estimated inputs |
| Rear knee room, 5 ft 11 in behind 5 ft 11 in | +2.1 in (5 cm)Simulated, estimated inputs | +5.2 in (13 cm)Simulated, estimated inputs |
| Rear head and knee, 6 ft 4 in behind 6 ft 4 in | +0.3 in head · −2.2 in kneeSimulated, estimated inputs | +1.2 in head · +0.9 in kneeSimulated, estimated inputs |
| Front head room, published | 38.1 in (97 cm)PublishedLexus | 40.6 in (103 cm)PublishedBMW |
| Rear head room, published | 38.5 in (98 cm)PublishedLexus | 38.1 in (97 cm)PublishedBMW |
| Rear leg room, published | 37.4 in (95 cm)PublishedLexus | no data |
Visibility
From the driver’s seat the RX’s hood hides the first 29 ft of road; the X5’s hides 34 ft.
| RX | X5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Road hidden in front of the bumper, 5 ft 9 in driver | 29 ft (8.7 m)Simulated | 34 ft (10.4 m)Simulated |
| Ground visible within 33 ft ahead | 32%Simulated | 30%Simulated |
Headlights and night stopping
No meaningful gap between the RX and the X5 on what we can measure here.
| RX | X5 | |
|---|---|---|
| IIHS headlight rating | GoodTestedIIHS | no data |
| Low beams, straight road (right edge) | 335 ft (102.2 m)TestedIIHS | no data |
| Fastest you can stop inside the low beams | 69 mph (111 km/h)Simulatedfrom IIHS | no data |
| High beams, straight road (right edge) | 453 ft (138.1 m)TestedIIHS | no data |
Crash safety
No meaningful gap between the RX and the X5 on what we can measure here.
| RX | X5 | |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA overall | 5★TestedNHTSA | no data |
| IIHS small overlap front | GoodTestedIIHS | no data |
| IIHS moderate overlap front (updated) | PoorTestedIIHS | no data |
| IIHS side (updated) | GoodTestedIIHS | no data |
| Curb weight | 4,394 lb (1,993 kg)TestedMotorTrend | 5,216 lb (2,366 kg)PublishedBMW |
Where each one wins
Lexus RX
- In the trims shown, the RX costs $19,175 less: $54,375 against $73,550 for the X5, destination included. PublishedLexusPublishedBMW
- Our packing test fits 6 large suitcases in the RX and 4 in the X5. Simulatedfrom LexusSimulatedfrom BMW
- From the driver’s seat the RX’s hood hides the first 29 ft of road; the X5’s hides 34 ft. Simulated
- The RX turns in a 3.3 ft tighter circle: 38.7 ft against 42.0 ft. PublishedLexusPublishedBMW
BMW X5
- The X5 gets to 60 mph 2.5 s sooner: 4.8 s against 7.3 s. TestedMotorTrendPublishedBMW
- The X5 is rated to tow 4,210 lb more: 7,710 lb against 3,500 lb. PublishedCar and DriverPublishedBMW
- On a wet road from 70 mph, reaction included, the X5 needs 350 ft to stop and the RX 381 ft: 31 ft more road for the RX. Simulatedfrom MotorTrendSimulated, estimated inputs
- Behind a 5-ft-11 driver, a 5-ft-11 passenger gets +5.2 in of knee room in the X5 and +2.1 in in the RX. Simulated, estimated inputs
- A 6-ft-4 driver has +3.4 in between head and headliner in the X5 and +1.0 in in the RX. Simulated, estimated inputs
- The X5 makes 119 hp more: 394 hp against 275 hp. PublishedLexusPublishedBMW
- At 15,000 miles a year and national average prices, the X5 costs about $216 a year less to run: $2,583/yr against $2,799/yr. DerivedEPADerivedEPA
- The X5 is rated 26 mpg combined by the EPA, 2 mpg better than the RX (24 mpg). PublishedEPAPublishedEPA
- In our simulation the X5 corners at up to 0.84 g against 0.75 g for the RX. Simulatedfrom MotorTrendSimulated, estimated inputs
- On packed snow the X5 can pull away at 0.28 g, against 0.24 g for the RX. Simulatedfrom MotorTrendSimulated, estimated inputs
- The X5 rides higher: 8.9 in of ground clearance against 8.1 in. PublishedLexusEstimate
- A 5-ft-11 rear passenger has +3.7 in of head room in the X5 and +2.9 in in the RX. Simulated, estimated inputs
Other trims
- RX 350 AWD · on this page
- RX 350h F Sport Design
- X5 40 xDrive · on this page
- X5 50e xDrive
Keep comparing
Sources
- Lexus: 2026 RX grades, starting MSRP, 0–60 estimates, top speed and fuel capacity; $1,550 RX delivery, processing and handling fee (Lexus pricing disclaimer) (2026-10)
- BMW Group PressClub USA: The New BMW X5 and iX5 (US prices, outputs, 0–60 mph, 50e battery and range; June 30, 2026) (2026-06)
- MotorTrend: 2023 Lexus RX350 F Sport First Test (RX 350 AWD F Sport Handling) (2023-01)
- Car and Driver: 2026 Lexus RX review, pricing and specs (RX 350 not yet instrument-tested; towing) (2026-10)
- BMW of North America: 2027 BMW X5 overview and FAQ (7,710-lb towing capacity, 40 xDrive) (2026-10)
- MotorTrend: 2023 Lexus RX SUV of the Year review (test data: RX 350 FWD, RX 350h, RX 500h) (2023-10)
- US EPA (fueleconomy.gov): 2026 Lexus RX 350 AWD (id 49858) and RX 350h AWD (id 49857) ratings (2026-10)
- US EPA (fueleconomy.gov): 2027 BMW X5 40 xDrive ratings (2026-10)
- Lexus Canada: 2026 RX Product Information (dimensions, overhangs, Cd, gear ratios, weights, motors, battery, interior) (2026-10)
- BMW of North America: 2027 BMW X5 technical data (dimensions, curb weights, cargo, fuel capacity, top speed) (2026-10)
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings: 2026 Lexus RX 350 SUV AWD (VehicleId 21620) (2026-10)
- Car and Driver: Tested: The Larger 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Hits the Mark (XLE AWD and Hybrid Max Platinum) (2023-08)
- BMW Group PressClub: The new BMW X5: technical specifications (Cd × A, tracks, gear ratios, turning circle; dimension drawing on page 11) (2026-06)
- Car and Driver (Chrome Data): 2026 Lexus RX 350 features and specs (gear ratios, 3.33 axle, 19-in wheels and P235/60VR19 tires) (2026-10)
- Car and Driver (Chrome Data): 2027 BMW X5 40 xDrive features and specs (255/50R21 · 285/45R21 all-season tires) (2026-10)
- IIHS: 2026 Lexus RX ratings (crash tests apply to 2023–26 models) (2026-10)
Badges: Published figures come from the maker, a regulator or a rating agency; Tested from an independent instrumented test; Simulated are computed by our physics from those inputs (how); Estimate means no published value exists. Confirm figures with the maker or your dealer before you buy.