2025 Lexus RX Hybrid vs 2024 BMW X5

The 2024 BMW X5, last redesigned in 2019, maintained a timeless appeal, although the M Sport treatment was not universally appreciated, giving it a station wagon-like appearance. The test vehicle featured optional 21-inch “741M” wheels with staggered-width summer tires, which were considered a worthwhile upgrade despite the potential cost of tire replacement. The X5 offered a range of powertrains, including a turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine, a turbo-six PHEV powertrain, and a turbocharged V8 engine, with the high-performance X5 M Competition variant. The xDrive50e M Sport Pro specification test vehicle showcased Brooklyn Grey paint, optional wheels, and all available equipment packages. The 2024 model received a light styling refresh, aligning it with other BMW models, and introduced the BMW Curved Display instrumentation and infotainment screen, modernizing the interior while retaining high-quality materials and construction.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid, particularly the RX 500h F Sport Black Line, was a $90,000 SUV with an exclusive Incognito paint job and orange brake calipers. Despite these unique features, the RX's design was considered unremarkable, with a large front grille and dramatic rear haunches. The RX lineup included three hybrid models: the RX 350h, RX 500h, and RX 450h+, each offering different power outputs and fuel efficiencies. All models featured standard AWD in Canada, with various package options available. The RX's interior boasted quality materials and ambient lighting, though the controls were a mix of intuitive and baffling. Lexus avoided the single curved display trend, maintaining a distinct interior design.

The 2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e PHEV featured new mild-hybrid engines and a significant upgrade in electric range and power output. It boasted a 19.2 kWh lithium-ion battery pack and a maximum AC charging rate of 7.4 kW. The xDrive50e offered 63 km of electric-only driving, with a combined fuel efficiency of 10.6 L/100 km. The PHEV produced 483 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque, accelerating to 96 km/h in 4.6 seconds. The adaptive damping air suspension masked the vehicle's weight, and the 21-inch wheels provided a firm yet comfortable ride. The X5 excelled in handling, with quick steering and excellent visibility. During testing, it achieved an average fuel economy of 6.0 L/100 km over 154 km, showcasing its efficiency and performance.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid offered three models with varying power outputs. The RX 350h, with 246 hp, was the most efficient, while the RX 450h+ PHEV delivered 304 hp and a 0-100 km/h time of 6.5 seconds. The RX 500h, with a turbocharged 2.4-litre engine, produced 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-100 km/h in 6.2 seconds. It featured a sport-tuned adaptive damping suspension, 21-inch wheels, and Direct4 AWD. Despite its power, the RX 500h averaged 13.5 L/100 km, higher than expected. The drivetrain hesitated in city driving, and the adaptive suspension produced unnatural sensations. While capable on twisty roads, the RX 500h lacked communication between the road and driver, focusing more on appearance and straight-line acceleration.

The 2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e offered a spacious interior with room for five and a cargo area expanding from 937 to 2,016 litres. The split liftgate design provided a seating area but required stretching to access deep cargo. The test vehicle featured Sensafin artificial leather, sport seats, and optional 20-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed comfort with available upgrades, and a panoramic sunroof enhanced the view. The X5 no longer offered a third-row seat, requiring a step up to the BMW X7 for that feature.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid focused on occupant comfort and cargo space, with the RX 500h offering heated and ventilated front seats with enhanced bolstering. The panoramic sunroof extended over the rear seat, which featured optional power-reclining, heated, and ventilated seats. The RX provided ample room for adults and practical interior storage. The cargo area offered 838 litres of space, expandable to 1,308 litres with the rear seats folded. However, the cargo cover hindered loading full-size suitcases, and the rear centre armrest storage lacked lining, causing potential noise.

The 2024 BMW X5 featured a BMW Curved Display combining a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel with a 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It ran BMW Operating System 8.5, offering wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L, and over-the-air updates. The Intelligent Personal Assistant, however, struggled with voice recognition, affecting navigation and media requests. The head-up display and augmented video function for navigation were highlights, though the assistant's performance was disappointing.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid included digital key functionality, a camera-based digital rearview mirror, and a hands-free power liftgate. The RX 500h featured a 14-inch touchscreen display with a volume knob and climate control dials. The Lexus Interface infotainment system offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and cloud-based navigation. The Intelligent Assistant provided excellent voice recognition, though the steering wheel controls were distracting. The Mark Levinson audio system sounded great, but the head-up display was smaller than competitors.

The 2024 BMW X5 offered the Highway Assistant hands-free driving system, effective in dense or light traffic but less so in moderate traffic. It occasionally engaged brakes without cause, but driver aids operated subtly. The X5 received high ratings from the IIHS, though lower headlight ratings prevented an award. The NHTSA gave it a four-star overall crash-test rating.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid included Safety Connect, offering collision notification and emergency assistance. Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 provided advanced driver assistance systems, including forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Proactive Driving Assist monitored progress, and a surround-view camera was available. The RX received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA, but the IIHS rated it Poor in frontal-impact tests.