2026 BMW X5 vs. Lexus RX: Comparing Two Luxury SUVs Near Riverside
The 2026 BMW X5 and 2026 Lexus RX are two of the most respected names in the midsize luxury SUV class, and shoppers across Riverside, Corona, Moreno Valley, and the surrounding Inland Empire often cross-shop them. Both seat five, both deliver premium cabins and advanced technology, and both carry strong reputations. They take different approaches, though — and for drivers who prioritize standard power, drivetrain breadth, and a larger standard display, the X5 makes a strong case. Here is an honest, spec-by-spec look at how they compare.
Engine & Performance
The X5 and RX take meaningfully different powertrain paths. The 2026 BMW X5 starts with a 3.0L TwinPower Turbo inline-six (with 48V mild-hybrid assist) producing 375 horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic. The plug-in-hybrid xDrive50e pairs that inline-six with an electric motor for 483 combined horsepower, and the M60i steps up to a 4.4L twin-turbo V8 rated at 523 horsepower. The 2026 Lexus RX 350, by comparison, uses a 2.4L turbocharged four-cylinder producing 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, also with an 8-speed automatic.
Drivetrain reflects two different priorities rather than a clear winner. The RX 350 comes standard with front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive available — a setup that keeps the entry price lower and suits shoppers focused on comfortable, efficient daily driving. The X5 leans sportier: its base sDrive40i is rear-wheel drive, while BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system is standard on the xDrive40i, xDrive50e, and M60i, giving X5 shoppers AWD availability across most of the lineup. Buyers who want a more engaging, performance-oriented feel may gravitate toward the X5’s layout, while those who prioritize easygoing everyday commuting and value may find the RX’s front-wheel-drive setup the better fit.
| Specification | 2026 Lexus RX 350 | 2026 BMW X5 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.4L Turbo I4 | 3.0L Turbo I6 / 4.4L Turbo V8 (M60i) |
| Horsepower | 275 hp | 375 hp (40i) / 483 hp (50e) / 523 hp (M60i) |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD standard, AWD available | RWD (sDrive40i); AWD standard on xDrive40i, 50e, M60i |
Fuel Economy
The X5’s gas inline-six models (sDrive40i and xDrive40i) carry an EPA-estimated 23 city / 27 highway / 25 combined MPG. The plug-in-hybrid xDrive50e is EPA-estimated at 56 MPGe combined, with roughly 38 miles of all-electric range, and 22 MPG combined once running on gasoline alone. The M60i V8 is EPA-estimated at 17 city / 22 highway / 19 combined MPG. The 2026 Lexus RX 350 is EPA-estimated at 21 city / 28 highway / 24 combined MPG with all-wheel drive. Lexus also offers more efficient RX variants, including the RX 350h hybrid (EPA-estimated 36 MPG combined) and the RX 450h+ plug-in hybrid (EPA-estimated 85 MPGe combined with about 38 miles of electric range), though this comparison focuses on the gas RX 350.
| Fuel Economy (EPA-Estimated) | 2026 Lexus RX 350 (AWD) | 2026 BMW X5 |
|---|---|---|
| Gas MPG | 21 city / 28 hwy / 24 combined | 23 / 27 / 25 combined (40i); 17 / 22 / 19 (M60i) |
| Hybrid / Plug-In Hybrid | RX 350h: 36 MPG combined; RX 450h+: 85 MPGe combined, ~38 mi electric range | xDrive50e: 56 MPGe combined, ~38 mi electric range |
| Fuel Type | Premium unleaded | Premium unleaded / electric (50e) |
EPA-estimated figures shown for comparison purposes only. Actual mileage will vary with driving habits, vehicle condition, and maintenance.
Dimensions & Capacity
Both SUVs seat five. The X5 is marginally larger in every exterior dimension, giving it a slightly more substantial road presence, and it offers notably more maximum cargo volume — up to 72.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded — along with a 7,200-pound maximum towing capacity when equipped with the available factory-installed trailer hitch.
| Specification | 2026 Lexus RX | 2026 BMW X5 |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 | 5 |
| Length | 192.5 in | 194.3 in |
| Width | 75.6 in | 78.9 in |
| Height | 67.3 in | 69.1 in |
| Cargo (behind 2nd row) | 29.6 cu ft | 33.9 cu ft |
| Max Cargo (2nd row folded) | 46.2 cu ft | 72.3 cu ft |
| Max Towing | 3,500 lbs (properly equipped) | 7,200 lbs (with factory hitch) |
Technology & Infotainment
The X5 leads on standard screen size: every X5 comes with BMW’s Curved Display, combining a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch central touchscreen as standard. The 2026 RX also comes with a standard 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, paired with a standard 9.8-inch touchscreen, with a 14-inch touchscreen available on higher trims.
Both SUVs include standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless phone charging, and cloud-based navigation. For premium audio, the RX offers an available 21-speaker Mark Levinson surround-sound system, while the X5 offers an available Bowers & Wilkins Diamond surround-sound system (a 16-speaker Harman Kardon system is standard on the M60i).
| Specification | 2026 Lexus RX | 2026 BMW X5 |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Screen | 9.8-in standard (14-in available) | 14.9-in standard |
| Digital Cluster | 12.3-in standard | 12.3-in standard |
| Apple CarPlay / Android Auto | Wireless (standard) | Wireless (standard) |
| Wireless Phone Charging | Standard | Standard |
| Premium Audio | Available 21-speaker Mark Levinson | Available Bowers & Wilkins Diamond |
| Navigation | Standard (cloud-based) | Standard (cloud-based) |
Safety & Driver Assistance
Both brands equip their SUVs with comprehensive standard driver-assistance suites. The 2026 BMW X5 earned a 2026 IIHS Top Safety Pick award. Standard driver assistance includes BMW’s Active Driving Assistant suite with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, active blind-spot detection, and lane-departure warning. BMW’s available Driving Assistant Professional package adds a hands-free driving system for compatible highways.
The 2026 Lexus RX comes standard with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which includes a Pre-Collision System with pedestrian detection, all-speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Tracing Assist, lane-departure alert, automatic high beams, and road sign assist. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are also standard on every 2026 RX.
| Feature | 2026 Lexus RX | 2026 BMW X5 |
|---|---|---|
| Forward Collision Warning | Standard | Standard |
| Automatic Emergency Braking (w/ pedestrian detection) | Standard | Standard |
| Lane Departure Warning | Standard | Standard |
| Blind Spot Monitoring | Standard | Standard |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | Standard | Available |
| Hands-Free Highway Driving | Not available | Available (Driving Assistant Professional) |
Pricing
Pricing reflects the two vehicles’ different positioning. The Lexus RX 350 carries a lower point of entry, while the BMW X5 lineup extends well into high-performance luxury territory.
| Model | Starting MSRP |
|---|---|
| 2026 Lexus RX 350 (FWD) | from approx. $49,725 |
| 2026 BMW X5 sDrive40i (RWD) | from approx. $68,300 |
| 2026 BMW X5 xDrive40i (AWD) | from approx. $70,600 |
| 2026 BMW X5 xDrive50e (PHEV) | from approx. $76,000 |
| 2026 BMW X5 M60i (V8) | from approx. $93,600 |
MSRP shown excludes destination/handling, taxes, title, license, and dealer-installed options. MSRP shown is the manufacturer’s suggested retail price; the dealer sets the final price. Pricing subject to change.
Warranty Coverage
Lexus offers a longer powertrain warranty term, while BMW provides longer rust-through corrosion coverage at 12 years/unlimited miles.
| Coverage | 2026 Lexus RX | 2026 BMW X5 |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
| Powertrain Warranty | 6 yr / 70,000 mi | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
| Corrosion (rust-through) | 6 yr / unlimited mi | 12 yr / unlimited mi |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 yr / unlimited mi | 4 yr / unlimited mi |
See dealer for complete warranty details and terms.
The Verdict
For Inland Empire shoppers who want a larger standard touchscreen, more standard horsepower, all-wheel-drive availability across most of the lineup, and the option of a V8 (M60i) or a plug-in-hybrid powertrain (xDrive50e), the 2026 BMW X5 is the more compelling choice — and it backs that up with a 12-year corrosion warranty and a 7,200-pound towing capability. The Lexus RX remains a strong, value-oriented luxury SUV with a lower entry price and a longer powertrain warranty. If the X5’s blend of performance, technology, and drivetrain flexibility fits your priorities, we would love to show you one in person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the BMW X5 or Lexus RX more powerful?
The 2026 BMW X5 is more powerful. Its base 3.0L turbocharged inline-six produces 375 horsepower, the plug-in-hybrid xDrive50e produces 483 combined horsepower, and the M60i’s 4.4L twin-turbo V8 produces 523 horsepower. The 2026 Lexus RX 350’s 2.4L turbocharged four-cylinder produces 275 horsepower.
Which SUV has more cargo and towing capacity?
The BMW X5 offers more of both. The X5 provides 33.9 cubic feet of cargo behind the second row and up to 72.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, plus a maximum towing capacity of 7,200 pounds when equipped with the available factory-installed trailer hitch. The Lexus RX offers 29.6 cubic feet behind the second row, up to 46.2 cubic feet with the seats folded, and tows up to about 3,500 pounds when properly equipped.
Does the BMW X5 come with all-wheel drive?
All-wheel drive is standard on most of the 2026 X5 lineup. The base sDrive40i is rear-wheel drive, while BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system is standard on the xDrive40i, xDrive50e, and M60i. On the 2026 Lexus RX 350, front-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is available.
How much does a 2026 BMW X5 cost compared to a Lexus RX?
The 2026 BMW X5 starts at a higher price than the Lexus RX. The X5 begins at approximately $68,300 for the sDrive40i and rises to approximately $93,600 for the M60i. The 2026 Lexus RX 350 starts at approximately $49,725. MSRP excludes destination, taxes, title, license, and dealer-installed options, and the dealer sets the final price.
Which SUV has the larger touchscreen?
The BMW X5 has the larger standard touchscreen. Every X5 comes standard with BMW’s Curved Display, which includes a 14.9-inch central touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The 2026 Lexus RX comes standard with a 9.8-inch touchscreen and a standard 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, with a 14-inch touchscreen available on higher trims.
Does the BMW X5 offer a hybrid option?
Yes. The 2026 BMW X5 xDrive50e is a plug-in hybrid that pairs a 3.0L turbocharged inline-six with an electric motor for 483 combined horsepower, an EPA-estimated 56 MPGe combined, and roughly 38 miles of all-electric driving range.