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BMW X3 vs Lexus RX

2026 BMW X3 vs 2026 Lexus RX — two small SUVs compared on efficiency, size, safety and reliability.

BMW X3

2026 BMW X3

Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WDAWD/4WDHybrid/EV
VS2 – 5Lexus RX wins 5 of 7 categories
Lexus RX

2026 Lexus RX

Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WDAWD/4WDHybrid/EV

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The short version

The Lexus RX is more fuel-efficient: 36 vs 29 MPG combined in its best version.

That works out to about $550 a year less in fuel for the Lexus RX (EPA estimate, 15,000 miles).

The Lexus RX is the bigger car, about 5 inches longer.

Across all model years since 2005, the Lexus RX has had fewer recall campaigns (26 vs 62).

The two cars

The 2026 BMW X3 is a small SUV offered with 2 engines (2.0L 4-cyl turbo and 3.0L 6-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version and all-wheel drive. It measures about 187 inches long and 76 inches wide on a 113-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,176 lb (30 Xdrive 4dr SUV).

The 2026 Lexus RX is a small SUV offered with 2 engines (2.5L 4-cyl and 2.4L 4-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version and all-wheel drive and front-wheel drive. It measures about 193 inches long and 76 inches wide on a 112-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,288 lb (350 4dr SUV).

Buying used? The 2023 X3 and the 2022 RX have the fewest problems in our data; avoid the 2020 X3 and the 2017 RX.

Basics

Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Hybrid
Fuel
Hybrid, Premium Gasoline
2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo
Engines
2.5L 4-cyl, 2.4L 4-cyl turbo
All-Wheel Drive
Drivetrain
All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive

Efficiency

29 MPG
Best combined MPG
36 MPG
27 city
City / highway MPG (best)
37 city
$2,850
Fuel cost per year (EPA)
$2,300

Performance & space

393 hp
Horsepower (most powerful)
275 hp
–
Seats (most)
5
187.4 in
Length
192.5 in
75.6 in
Width
75.6 in
65.4 in
Height
67.3 in
4,176 lb
Curb weight (lightest)
4,288 lb

Safety & reliability

11
Driver-assist features standard
12
2
Recalls (2026)
3
62
Recalls, all years since 2005
26
22
Owner complaints (latest year)
12

Interest

24,272
Wikipedia views, 30 days
22,684

Buying used

2023
Best used year
2022
2020
Year to avoid
2017

Green = clearly better. Prices are not included. How we calculate this →

Which one should you choose?

Choose the BMW X3 if…

  • You want more power (up to 393 vs 275 hp)
  • You want something easier to park (5 in shorter)

Choose the Lexus RX if…

  • You want lower fuel bills (36 vs 29 MPG)
  • You want more room (5 in longer)
  • You put reliability history first (26 vs 62 recalls since 2005)

Pros & cons of each

2026 BMW X3

  • Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
  • Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.

2026 Lexus RX

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 36 MPG combined — 39% better than the average 2026 small SUV (25.9 MPG).
  • Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
  • AWD / 4WD available
  • Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
  • Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
  • Modest powerUp to 275 hp, versus about 355 hp for similar 2026 models.

Full 2026 BMW X3 specs →Full 2026 Lexus RX specs →Compare fuel costs for your driving →Compare size & garage fit →