2025 Lexus RX Hybrid vs 2025 BMW X5

The 2025 BMW X5 had gracefully evolved, maintaining its distinctive proportions while incorporating intriguing details. The cab-rearward profile and rounded fender arches were complemented by arrow-shaped lighting elements in the headlights and taillights, which added a three-dimensional shape. The front fascia was somewhat busy, but the twin-kidney grille remained reasonably sized. The optional M Sport Package introduced sportier bumpers and Shadowline trim, with further upgrades available in the M Sport Professional version. The X5 celebrated its 25th anniversary with a limited-production Silver Anniversary Edition, featuring unique trim options and Lime Rock Grey paint. Inside, the X5's interior represented a gradual evolution of BMW's aesthetic, with a curved dashboard display and a feeling of quality, albeit plainer than some competitors.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid, particularly in the RX 500h Black Line Special Edition, presented a $75,000 SUV with an exclusive Incognito paint job and orange brake calipers. Despite these unique touches, the RX's design was unremarkable, with a large front grille and a dramatic swell into the rear haunches. The RX lineup included three models: the RX 350h, RX 500h, and RX 450h+, each offering different powertrains and fuel efficiency. The RX 500h stood out with its turbocharged engine and sport-tuned suspension, while the RX 450h+ offered a plug-in hybrid option. Inside, the RX featured a contemporary interior with quality materials and ambient lighting, though some controls were ergonomically challenging.

The 2025 BMW X5 offered a range of powertrain options, starting with the RWD X5 sDrive40i and AWD X5 xDrive40i, both powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine producing 375 horsepower and 398 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 5.3 seconds. The AWD-only X5 M60i xDrive featured a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 with 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, reaching 0-60 mph in 4.2 seconds. Both models shared an eight-speed automatic transmission and a 48-volt mild hybrid system. The X5 plug-in hybrid, the xDrive50e, combined the inline-six with a larger electric motor and battery, delivering 483 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque, with a 0-60 mph time of 4.6 seconds and up to 39 miles of electric range. The Silver Anniversary Edition included the xOffroad Package, enhancing its off-road capabilities.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid lineup began with the RX 350h, offering 246 hp and 233 lb-ft of torque from a hybrid powertrain, prioritizing fuel efficiency. The RX 450h+ PHEV increased output to 304 hp, achieving 0-60 mph in 6.2 seconds, while the RX 500h featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine with 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, reaching 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds. The RX 500h included a sport-tuned adaptive damping suspension, 21-inch wheels, and the Direct4 AWD system. Despite its power, the RX 500h's fuel efficiency was lower than expected, averaging 20.9 mpg. The RX 500h excelled in straight-line acceleration but lacked dynamic communication, making it more about sporty appearance than overall capability.

The 2025 BMW X5 was a two-row, five-seater SUV with generous passenger space, though not class-leading. It offered slightly less first-row legroom than some competitors but provided ample headroom. The X5's sport seats were comfortable for long drives, though the lack of real leather upholstery was noticeable at its price point. Cargo space was competitive, with 33.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 72.3 cubic feet with the second row folded. The split tailgate was a unique feature, providing convenience for loading and unloading. The X5's towing capacity was 7,200 pounds, reasonable for its size.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid focused on occupant comfort and practical cargo space. The RX 500h F Sport Performance model featured snug front seats with enhanced bolstering, though the bottom cushions were less comfortable over time. The rear seats were spacious and comfortable, with optional power-reclining, heated, and ventilated features. The RX offered 29.6 cubic feet of cargo space, with hooks for grocery bags and a small storage area under the load floor. Folding the second row increased cargo volume to 46.2 cubic feet, which was modest for a midsize SUV.

The 2025 BMW X5 featured a curved dashboard display with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch infotainment touchscreen, running BMW Operating System 8. The iDrive infotainment system remained intuitive, offering multiple control options, including a rotary controller, touchscreen, voice recognition, and steering wheel controls. Augmented reality navigation and digital key connectivity were notable additions. The angular instrument cluster layout was distinctive and easy to read, though a more prominent fuel gauge was desired.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid offered a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 14-inch touchscreen display with the Lexus Interface infotainment system. While the system was user-friendly, the unlabeled steering wheel controls were distracting. The RX included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and cloud-based navigation. The optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system provided excellent sound quality. However, the infotainment system experienced occasional glitches, and the head-up display was smaller than some competitors.

The 2025 BMW X5 came standard with Active Driving Assistant, including lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and forward collision warning. The optional Driving Assistance Professional Package added Highway Assistant, a hands-free system for speeds up to 85 mph. The Parking Assistant setup included Reversing Assistant, with an optional Parking Assistance Professional Package offering additional features. The X5 earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS and a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid included Safety Connect, offering automatic collision notification, SOS emergency assistance, and roadside assistance. Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 provided advanced driver assistance systems, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, and adaptive cruise control. The RX also featured Predictive Driving Assist and an optional Convenience Package with a surround-view camera. The RX received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA but a Poor rating from the IIHS for occupant protection in a frontal-impact test.