BMW X3 vs Lexus TX

The 2026 BMW X3 30 xDrive started at $64,092, including destination charges, but the allure of upgrades was undeniable. Buyers often found themselves spending an additional $10,000 to $15,000, enhancing the compact SUV's appeal. The X3 M50, priced from $81,592, showcased numerous upgrades, including a striking Frozen Deep Grey paint job, 21-inch wheels, and Merino leather upholstery. These additions pushed the MSRP to over $100,000 Canadian. Despite the luxurious Amber over Atlas Grey leather, the X3's cabin quality struggled to justify its six-figure price. The design, described by BMW as "monolithic," was polarizing, with the illuminated grille surround at night being a particular point of contention. While the interior lighting was commendable, the touch-sensing controls and austere cabin left some feeling underwhelmed. BMW attempted to address these concerns by adding standard artificial leather to the dashboard and door panels for the 2026 model year.

The 2026 Lexus TX offered a range of packages tailored to different powertrains. The TX 350 came with the Luxury package as standard, with options for Ultra Luxury, Executive, and F Sport 3 packages. The 500h hybrid started with the F Sport Performance 2 package, with the F Sport 3 package as an option. Higher packages included towing capabilities. The TX's design retained a large grille reminiscent of the older "spindle grille" shape, complemented by sharp bi-LED headlights and rear LED lighting. Interior options included standard grey, Birch, and Peppercorn, with ambient lighting adding warmth. However, the material quality fell short of luxury standards, with basic plastics prevalent. Lexus redesigned the door handles, opting for pressure-reactive exteriors and push-to-open interiors, which some found unnecessary. The TX's overall design and features aimed to balance practicality with a touch of luxury.

The 2026 BMW X3 M50 was equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine, delivering 393 horsepower and 428 pound-feet of torque. This power was available almost continuously between 1,900 and 6,250 rpm, providing exhilarating acceleration and a sensational engine and exhaust sound. BMW claimed the M50 could reach 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds. Performance features included an M Sport rear differential, M Sport brakes, Adaptive M suspension, variable sport steering, and an exclusive exhaust system. The base X3 30 xDrive, with its 255-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, was also sprightly, reaching 100 km/h in 6.3 seconds. Both models came standard with all-wheel drive (AWD) and a 48-volt mild hybrid system, ensuring smooth operation and reasonable fuel efficiency. The X3 M50's towing capacity was 2,200 kilograms, while the 30 xDrive could handle 1,800 kilograms.

The 2026 Lexus TX 350 featured a 275-horsepower 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while the TX 500h hybrid boosted output to 366 hp. The gas model had an eight-speed automatic transmission, and the hybrid used a six-speed automatic. The TX 350 came with electronically controlled full-time AWD, while the TX 500h featured Lexus's Direct4 AWD system. Drive modes included Normal, Eco, and Sport, with Sport mode enhancing throttle sensitivity. The TX 500h offered adaptive suspension and rear steering for improved handling. While not designed as a sports car, the TX provided a balanced driving experience, with the hybrid model offering a blend of performance and efficiency.

The 2026 BMW X3 featured heated, power-adjustable front sport seats wrapped in Veganza, BMW's vegan artificial leather. Ventilated front seats were available as an option. The front seats provided excellent comfort and support, but rear passengers might find the seat cushion too low. The X3 offered generous storage, with a cargo space of 892 litres, expandable to 1,900 litres with the rear seats folded. A standard panoramic glass sunroof added natural light, and a temporary spare tire was included under the cargo floor.

The 2026 Lexus TX offered three-zone automatic climate control, heated and cooled front seats, and heated second-row seats. The third row was spacious, with a recline function and ample headroom. A one-touch button facilitated entry to the third row, though folding the second row flat required multiple steps. The front seats were roomy but lacked thigh support. The TX provided excellent cargo space, with 572 litres available with all seats in place, expanding to 2,747 litres with all rear seats folded. All TX models could tow up to 2,268 kilograms.

The 2026 BMW X3's dashboard was dominated by the BMW Curved Display, featuring a 12.3-inch digital driver display and a 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The system ran BMW Operating System 9 with QuickSelect, offering cloud-based navigation, Augmented View video, and more. However, real-world issues included difficulties with Guest mode and occasional glitches with Apple CarPlay. The Premium Package added a head-up display and a 15-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound system.

The 2026 Lexus TX featured a 14-inch colour touchscreen, though some features lacked polish. Steering wheel buttons controlled adaptive cruise control and volume, but their multi-functional nature and lack of labels caused confusion. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, but connectivity issues occasionally arose. The TX offered a back-up camera with a bird’s-eye view and an available Advanced Park system. Seven USB ports and wireless charging ensured devices stayed powered.

The 2026 BMW X3 came equipped with a comprehensive suite of driver assistance systems, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and an active blind-spot monitor. The optional Driving Assistant Professional Package added features like lane-centring assist and adaptive cruise control with hands-free traffic jam assist. The X3 received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.

The 2026 Lexus TX included Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 as standard, featuring forward collision warning, lane tracing assist, and Proactive Driving Assist. The adaptive cruise control worked well, though it was initially challenging to set up. The TX received a five-star crash safety rating from the NHTSA, while the IIHS gave it an "Acceptable" rating for the small overlap front crash test on the driver’s side and a "Good" rating for the passenger’s side.