2025 BMW X5 vs 2026 Lexus TX

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 featured a three-dimensional shape. The front fascia was somewhat busy, but the twin-kidney grille remained reasonably sized, with illumination added as an option for 2024. The M Sport Package offered sportier aesthetics, while the interior continued the BMW aesthetic evolution with a curved dashboard display, maintaining a sense of quality despite a plainer appearance compared to competitors.

The 2026 Lexus TX presented a variety of packages depending on the powertrain, with the TX 350 featuring the Luxury package and the 500h hybrid starting with the F Sport Performance 2 package. The large grille retained the spindle shape, complemented by sharp bi-LED headlights and rear LED lighting. Interior options included three colours, ambient lighting, and suede trim, though material quality fell short of luxury standards. Redesigned door handles were a notable change, though they seemed unnecessary. The TX offered spacious seating, especially in the third row, and practical features like a one-touch button for third-row access.

The 2025 BMW X5 offered a range of powertrain options, starting with the xDrive40i, featuring a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six engine producing 375 horsepower and 398 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0 to 100 km/h in 5.4 seconds. The M60i xDrive variant boasted a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 with 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, reducing the 0 to 100 km/h time to 4.3 seconds. Both models shared an eight-speed automatic transmission and a 48-volt mild hybrid system. The plug-in hybrid xDrive50e combined the inline-six with a larger electric motor, delivering a total output of 483 hp and 516 lb-ft, with an estimated 0 to 100 km/h time of 4.7 seconds and up to 63 km of all-electric range.

The 2026 Lexus TX 350 featured a 275-horsepower 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while the TX 500h hybrid increased output to 366 hp. The gas model used an eight-speed automatic transmission, and the hybrid employed a six-speed automatic. The TX 350 came with full-time AWD, while the TX 500h utilized Lexus’s Direct4 AWD system. Drive modes included Normal, Eco, and Sport, with Sport mode enhancing throttle sensitivity. The 500h offered adaptive suspension and rear steering for improved handling.

The 2025 BMW X5 was a two-row five-seater, offering generous passenger space but not class-leading. It had slightly less first-row legroom than some competitors but provided more headroom. The sport seats were comfortable and supportive, and the cargo space was substantial, with 960 litres behind the rear seats and 2,047 litres with the second row folded. The split tailgate was a unique feature, and the X5’s towing capacity was 3,265 kilograms.

The 2026 Lexus TX included three-zone climate control, heated and cooled front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The third row was spacious, with a recline function and ample headroom. Access to the third row was facilitated by a one-touch button, though folding the second row flat was more complex. The front seats were roomy but lacked thigh support. The TX offered excellent cargo space, with 572 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,747 litres with all rear seats folded. The towing capacity was 2,268 kilograms.

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 system was 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 features.

The 2026 Lexus TX had a 14-inch touchscreen, though some features lacked polish. Steering wheel buttons controlled various functions but were confusing to use. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, though connectivity issues occurred. Subscription services were required for in-dash navigation and other features. The back-up camera was clear, and the Advanced Park system was available. The TX offered ample USB ports and wireless charging.

The 2025 BMW X5 included standard driver aids like lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. The Advanced Driver Assistance Package offered Highway Assistant for hands-free driving. The X5 earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS and a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2026 Lexus TX came with Safety System+ 3.0, including forward collision warning, lane tracing assist, and traffic sign recognition. Adaptive cruise control worked well once set up, and hands-free driving was available via subscription. The TX received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA and mixed scores from the IIHS.