2023 BMW X5 vs. 2023 Lexus RX Vehicle Comparison

 Genuine rivals

You'll see a fair few predecessors of the 2023 BMW X5 and 2023 Lexus RX when you are out and about in Tacoma, Seattle, or Bellevue, and more and more 2023 models as time passes by. There's a good reason: these two have been around for a while and are always at or towards the top of the class. These two compete fiercely for supremacy in the midsize luxury SUV segment, so which comes out on top and deserves your attention the most?  

Inside out

While it's easy to directly compare irrefutable data such as size, weight, and power, comparing style and design is a much more personal endeavor. There can sometimes be very little between contenders in the midsize luxury SUV segment in some departments, but the 2023 BMW X5 and 2023 Lexus RX are as different as it gets on the outside. The two models have been in production for a similar amount of time, but you'll never mistake the Lexus for the BMW. On the outside, the X5 is muscular, imposing, classy, and classic BMW. Lexus has started to tone down the exterior styling of the RX, but it's still a model that divides the room with lots of angles and futuristic but divisive styling.

Both models have interiors that deserve considerable praise and admiration. The quality of fit and materials are top-notch in both cases. Five adults can be supremely comfortable on long journeys in both vehicles. Although the RX and X5 have identical second-row legroom (37.4 inches), there's more headroom and shoulder room in the BMW's second row, and there is a third-row option the RX doesn't offer at the moment. There's a lot to love about both interiors, but the 2023 BMW X5 has the edge for passenger space and leaves the RX for dead with its superior cargo volume. The cabin of the X5 is also notably quieter, which matters at this level of comfort and luxury.

How do they perform?

The 2023 BMW X5 is bigger and heavier than the 2023 Lexus RX, which could have given the Lexus a performance advantage if the BMW didn't more than make up for it with considerably more powerful engine options. The base powerplant for the RX is a 2.4-liter turbo-four with 275 horsepower and 317 lb.-ft. of torque, but the X5 trumps that with a standard 3.0-liter turbo-six with 335 horsepower and 330 lb.-ft. of torque.

If you'd like the most power and performance available for these two, the gap in favor of the X5 grows significantly. The RX 500h F Sport Performance employs a motor generator up front and a rear electric motor to supplement the 2.4-liter turbo four, resulting in 366 horsepower and 406 lb.-ft. of torque. However, M50i versions of the BMW boast a 523-horsepower V-8, while the X5 M Competition tunes the 4.4-liter twin-turbo V-8 to produce a staggering 617 horsepower.

Buying and ownership

It would be churlish to try and suggest the 2023 Lexus RX doesn't come with a lavish inventory of features that emphasize its luxury credentials because it does. But although the BMW costs more than its Japanese rival, it's pretty apparent shoppers are getting what they pay for and then some. We've already discussed the bigger, more powerful engines and more impressive performance of the X5 at every level. Both models feature wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto at every level, but while the Lexus starts with a 9.8-inch touchscreen, the BMW gets a massive 12.3-inch touchscreen.

Both models come with a decent 4-year/50,000-mile warranty. But while the Lexus includes a free first-year wheel alignment, X5 buyers get three years or 36,000 miles of maintenance included with their purchase.  

Conclusion

  
The 2023 Lexus RX is an excellent luxury midsize crossover SUV, but the 2023 BMW X5 is a class above. Although many hold the Lexus brand in high esteem, and rightly so, it's still not quite at the level of BMW. Experience more than two decades of class-leading development excellence with a test drive in the 2023 BMW X5 at BMW Northwest, 4011 20th Street East Tacoma, WA, or call us (253)-922-8700 to schedule a test drive that fits your schedule.
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