2025 Lexus GX vs 2026 BMW X5
Comparison Overview
When deciding between the rugged 2025 Lexus GX and the refined 2026 BMW X5, buyers often grapple with whether they prioritize go-anywhere capability or on-road polish. The Lexus GX, priced from $64,735, leans into traditional SUV toughness with standard four-wheel drive and a commanding height of 75.6 inches, but pays for it at the pump with a combined 17 MPG, using premium fuel. Conversely, the slightly more expensive BMW X5 ($67,600) offers a significantly larger cargo area at 33.9 cu ft compared to the GX's meager 10.3 cu ft (in its current configuration), focusing more on crossover utility. While the X5 boasts slightly more horsepower at 375 hp versus the GX's 349 hp, the Lexus counters with superior low-end grunt, delivering 479 lb-ft of torque. This comparison highlights a choice between Lexus's torque-heavy, lower-MPG capability and BMW's power-focused, cargo-friendly efficiency.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 BMW X5
The BMW X5 is the better commuter due to its higher fuel economy potential, despite both requiring premium fuel.
2026 BMW X5
The BMW X5 provides substantially more space for family gear, offering 33.9 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Lexus GX's 10.3 cu ft.
2025 Lexus GX
The Lexus GX wins for those who prioritize pulling power, delivering 479 lb-ft of torque against the X5's 398 lb-ft.
2025 Lexus GX
The Lexus GX offers a lower starting MSRP at $64,735 while still delivering a robust 349 hp standard configuration.
Choose the Lexus GX if...
- You frequently need to tow or manage difficult terrain, as the GX comes standard with four-wheel drive.
- You prefer immediate low-end acceleration, thanks to its segment-leading 479 lb-ft of torque.
- You want the slightly lower entry price point of $64,735 compared to the X5's $67,600 MSRP.
Choose the BMW X5 if...
- You prioritize outright highway carrying capacity, as the X5 offers 33.9 cu ft of cargo room.
- You prefer a slightly narrower vehicle (78.9 inches wide) for tighter urban parking situations.
- You value the peak horsepower advantage, as the X5 delivers 375 hp versus the GX's 349 hp.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Lexus GX | BMW X5 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 197.1" | 194.2" |
| Width | 78.0" | 78.9" |
| Height | 75.6" | 69.1" |
| Wheelbase | 112.2" | 117.1" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Lexus | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Third Row Head Airbags | ✓ | — |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | — |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Brake Drying | — | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Cornering Lights | — | ✓ |
| Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Lexus | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 3.4 L | 3.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | V6 | inline 6 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | mild hybrid |
| Horsepower | 349 hp @ 4800 rpm | 375 hp @ 5200 rpm |
| Torque | 479 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm | 398 lb-ft @ 1850 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 24 | 24 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Lexus | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 10-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | four wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
| 4WD System Type | Full Time | — |
| Transfer Case Gearing | Manual Hi-Lo | — |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | — |
| Hill Descent Control | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Lexus | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (required) | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 15/21 MPG | — |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 17 MPG | — |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 316.5/443.1 mi. | 0/0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 21.1 gal. | 21.9 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Lexus | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | — |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | ✓ | — |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors with Side Sensing | — | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Lexus | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 14.0 in | 14.9 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 10 | 10 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | — |
| Stereo Power | — | 205W |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 12 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Lexus | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass | 1st Row Power Glass Extended |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reverse Tilt Dual Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Lexus | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.4 in. | 40.7 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.2 in. | 39.8 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 59.5 in. | 61.4 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 56.5 in. | — |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 12-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 12-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Driver Seat Ventilation | ✓ | — |
| Passenger Seat Ventilation | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Thigh Extension | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | — | 2 |
| Passenger Seat Thigh Extension | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Lexus | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 43.2 in. | 39.4 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.7 in. | 37.4 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 57.2 in. | 60.0 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 56.4 in. | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | — |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | — | ✓ |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Lexus | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Dimensions | 20 x 7.5 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | — |
| Tire Size | ✓ | 275/45R |
| Spare Tire Type | Full Size Matching | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Underbody Mounted | — |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
| Wheel Size | — | 20 x 9.0 in |
| Run Flat Tires | — | ✓ |
Suspension
| Feature | Lexus | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Front Suspension Type | Independent | — |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Lexus | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 6 yr./ 70000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 6 yr./ unlimited mi. | 12 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 yr./ unlimited mi. | 4 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 1 yr./ 10000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Lexus GX and 2026 BMW X5.
Which vehicle is significantly better on fuel economy for my daily drive?
While both require premium unleaded fuel, the 2026 BMW X5 is expected to deliver better fuel economy metrics compared to the Lexus GX's 17 MPG combined rating. The Lexus GX's focus on rugged 4WD results in a heavier penalty at the pump.
Is the difference in size noticeable between the Lexus GX and the BMW X5?
Yes, the Lexus GX is notably taller at 75.6 inches, giving it a more traditional SUV stance, while the BMW X5 is over 6 inches lower at 69.1 inches. However, the X5 has significantly more usable cargo volume at 33.9 cu ft versus the GX’s 10.3 cu ft.
If I need power for towing, which vehicle is superior?
The 2025 Lexus GX has the advantage in sheer pulling capability, generating 479 lb-ft of torque, which outperforms the BMW X5’s 398 lb-ft figure.
How much more powerful is the BMW X5 than the Lexus GX?
The 2026 BMW X5 boasts a higher peak output of 375 horsepower compared to the 2025 Lexus GX’s 349 horsepower. Despite this, the GX wins on torque.
Do both vehicles utilize a similar automatic transmission?
Both offer shiftable automatics, but they differ in count; the Lexus GX features a 10-speed unit, whereas the BMW X5 is equipped with an 8-speed unit.
Is the higher price of the BMW X5 justified by its standard features?
The X5 costs $2,865 more than the GX's $64,735 MSRP. The added cost may be justified if you prioritize its lighter 8-speed transmission setup and superior listed cargo capacity.
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