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BMW X5 vs BMW X6

2026 BMW X5 vs 2026 BMW X6 — two standard SUVs compared on efficiency, size, safety and reliability.

BMW X5

2026 BMW X5

Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WDAWD/4WDHybrid/EV
VS2 – 2Tie: 2 categories each
BMW X6

2026 BMW X6

Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WDAWD/4WDHybrid/EV

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The short version

The BMW X5 is more fuel-efficient: 25 vs 23 MPG combined in its best version.

That works out to about $250 a year less in fuel for the BMW X5 (EPA estimate, 15,000 miles).

The BMW X6 is the bigger car, about 3 inches longer.

Across all model years since 2005, the BMW X6 has had fewer recall campaigns (47 vs 85).

The two cars

The 2026 BMW X5 is a standard SUV offered with 2 engines (3.0L 6-cyl turbo and 4.4L 8-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version and rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. It measures about 194 inches long and 79 inches wide on a 117-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 5,558 lb (M60i 4dr SUV).

The 2026 BMW X6 is a standard SUV offered with 2 engines (3.0L 6-cyl turbo and 4.4L 8-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version and all-wheel drive. It measures about 195 inches long and 79 inches wide on a 117-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 5,496 lb (M60i 4dr SUV).

Buying used? The 2023 X5 and the 2023 X6 have the fewest problems in our data; avoid the 2019 X5 and the 2020 X6.

Basics

Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Class
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Hybrid, Plug-in Hybrid
Fuel
Hybrid
3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 4.4L 8-cyl turbo
Engines
3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 4.4L 8-cyl turbo
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drivetrain
All-Wheel Drive

Efficiency

25 MPG
Best combined MPG
23 MPG
23 city
City / highway MPG (best)
22 city
$3,300
Fuel cost per year (EPA)
$3,550

Performance & space

523 hp
Horsepower (most powerful)
523 hp
192.1 in
Length
194.9 in
78 in
Width
78.7 in
68.9 in
Height
66.9 in
5,181 lb
Curb weight (lightest)
5,278 lb

Safety & reliability

9
Driver-assist features standard
9
2
Recalls (2026)
2
85
Recalls, all years since 2005
47
28
Owner complaints (latest year)
3

Interest

25,895
Wikipedia views, 30 days
11,067

Buying used

2023
Best used year
2023
2019
Year to avoid
2020

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

Which one should you choose?

Choose the BMW X5 if…

  • You want lower fuel bills (25 vs 23 MPG)

Choose the BMW X6 if…

  • You put reliability history first (47 vs 85 recalls since 2005)

Pros & cons of each

2026 BMW X5

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 25 MPG combined — 15% better than the average 2026 standard SUV (21.7 MPG).
  • Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid and plug-in hybrid as well as gas.
  • AWD / 4WD available
  • Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.

2026 BMW X6

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 23 MPG combined — 15% better than the average 2026 standard SUV (20 MPG).
  • Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
  • Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.

Full 2026 BMW X5 specs →Full 2026 BMW X6 specs →Compare fuel costs for your driving →Compare size & garage fit →