2026 BMW X3 vs 2026 Lexus TX

$50,900 · Crossover

$55,640 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the nimble 2026 BMW X3 and the expansive 2026 Lexus TX often comes down to balancing size against running costs. If you frequently navigate tighter city streets or prioritize fuel savings, the X3 presents a compelling argument. The X3 achieves a solid 29 MPG combined, notably outperforming the larger TX's 23 MPG combined, which is crucial given both require premium unleaded fuel. The price gap is also significant: the X3 starts at $50,900 versus the TX's $55,640. While the TX boasts more power with 275 hp compared to the X3's 255 hp, the X3 offers a better overall efficiency package for daily driving. Furthermore, while the TX is substantially longer at 203.1 inches, the X3’s smaller footprint (187.2 inches) makes it more manageable, balancing performance with economy for the average driver.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 BMW X3

The 2026 BMW X3 is the clear winner for commuters due to its superior 29 MPG combined fuel economy versus the Lexus TX's 23 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Lexus TX

The 2026 Lexus TX, being significantly larger at 203.1 inches long with potentially greater interior space, is better suited for growing families despite its smaller listed cargo volume.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Lexus TX

The 2026 Lexus TX appeals more to enthusiasts with higher output, delivering 275 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque compared to the BMW X3’s 255 hp and 295 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2026 BMW X3

The 2026 BMW X3 offers better value by being $4,740 less expensive while providing substantially better fuel efficiency.

Choose the BMW X3 if...

You want to save money upfront, as the BMW X3 starts at $50,900 compared to the TX's $55,640.
Minimizing trips to the pump is a priority, thanks to the X3's 29 MPG combined fuel rating.
You prefer a slightly more agile vehicle with dimensions of 187.2 inches in length for easier parking and city driving.

Choose the Lexus TX if...

Maximum passenger or overall cabin space is essential, reflected in the TX's 70.1-inch height.
You desire slightly more raw power for highway merging, leveraging the TX's 275 hp.
Your usage involves carrying large items frequently, despite the cargo rating difference, prioritizing the sheer size of the 203.1-inch body.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	BMW X3	Lexus TX
Length	187.2"	203.1"
Width	75.6"	78.3"
Height	65.4"	70.1"
Wheelbase	112.8"	116.1"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	BMW	Lexus
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	✓	—
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear 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
Brake Drying	✓	—
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Preparation System	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED 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	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	—	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓

Engine

Feature	BMW	Lexus
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.4 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	gas
Horsepower	255 hp @ 4700 rpm	275 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	295 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm	317 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	BMW	Lexus
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	front wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	—
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	BMW	Lexus
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	27/33 MPG	21/27 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	29 MPG	23 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	464.4/567.6 mi.	373.8/480.6 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.2 gal.	17.8 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	BMW	Lexus
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	—
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Cruise Control	✓	—
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
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	—	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	—	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	BMW	Lexus
Infotainment Display	14.9 in	14.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	12 months	3 months
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	BMW	Lexus
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Reverse Tilt Dual Mirrors	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	BMW	Lexus
Front Leg Room	40.2 in.	41.6 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.9 in.	60.0 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Sport	✓	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Memory Settings	2	—
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Front Head Room	—	41.4 in.
Front Hip Room	—	56.5 in.
Front Seat Type: Bucket	—	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way

Rearseats

Feature	BMW	Lexus
Rear Leg Room	36.3 in.	39.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.7 in.	59.0 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Rear Head Room	—	40.1 in.
Rear Hip Room	—	56.8 in.
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	BMW	Lexus
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	19 x 8.5 in	20 x 8.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	✓	255/55R20
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy

Suspension

Feature	BMW	Lexus
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	BMW	Lexus
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	6 yr./ 70000 mi.
Hybrid Component Warranty	8 yr./ 100000 mi.	—
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	12 yr./ unlimited mi.	6 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ unlimited mi.	4 yr./ unlimited mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	1 yr./ 10000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2026 BMW X3 and 2026 Lexus TX.

How much more expensive is the 2026 Lexus TX than the 2026 BMW X3?

The 2026 Lexus TX carries a higher starting MSRP of $55,640, making it $4,740 more expensive than the 2026 BMW X3, which begins at $50,900.

Which car is better on gas for the daily drive?

The 2026 BMW X3 is considerably more fuel-efficient, achieving 29 MPG combined, while the 2026 Lexus TX is rated for only 23 MPG combined.

Does the difference in horsepower significantly impact driving experience?

The Lexus TX does have a slight edge with 275 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque compared to the X3's 255 hp and 295 lb-ft, which enthusiasts might notice in acceleration.

Are both crossovers equipped with All-Wheel Drive?

No, the 2026 BMW X3 comes standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD), whereas the compared version of the 2026 Lexus TX utilizes Front Wheel Drive (FWD).

Which vehicle offers more overall cargo space behind the rear seats?

The BMW X3 provides more immediate listed space with 31.5 cubic feet, whereas the Lexus TX is listed with 20.2 cubic feet of cargo capacity, suggesting the X3 is more practical for luggage.