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BMW X5 vs Lexus GX

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

BMW X5

2026 BMW X5

Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WDAWD/4WDHybrid/EV
VS3 – 4Lexus GX wins 4 of 7 categories
Lexus GX

2026 Lexus GX

Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WDAWD/4WD

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The short version

The BMW X5 is more fuel-efficient: 25 vs 17 MPG combined in its best version.

That works out to about $1,550 a year less in fuel for the BMW X5 (EPA estimate, 15,000 miles).

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

Across all model years since 2005, the Lexus GX has had fewer recall campaigns (15 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 Lexus GX is a standard SUV offered with a 3.4L 6-cyl turbo engine and 4-wheel drive. It measures about 197 inches long and 78 inches wide on a 112-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 5,666 lb.

Buying used? The 2023 X5 and the 2021 GX have the fewest problems in our data; avoid the 2019 X5 and the 2024 GX.

Basics

Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Class
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Hybrid, Plug-in Hybrid
Fuel
Premium Gasoline
3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 4.4L 8-cyl turbo
Engines
3.4L 6-cyl turbo
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drivetrain
4-Wheel Drive

Efficiency

25 MPG
Best combined MPG
17 MPG
23 city
City / highway MPG (best)
15 city
$3,300
Fuel cost per year (EPA)
$4,850

Performance & space

523 hp
Horsepower (most powerful)
349 hp
192.1 in
Length
196.9 in
78 in
Width
78 in
68.9 in
Height
75.6 in
5,181 lb
Curb weight (lightest)
5,666 lb

Safety & reliability

9
Driver-assist features standard
12
2
Recalls (2026)
0
85
Recalls, all years since 2005
15
28
Owner complaints (latest year)
2

Interest

25,895
Wikipedia views, 30 days
14,090

Buying used

2023
Best used year
2021
2019
Year to avoid
2024

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 17 MPG)
  • You want more power (up to 523 vs 349 hp)
  • You want something easier to park (5 in shorter)
  • You want a hybrid or electric option

Choose the Lexus GX if…

  • You want more room (5 in longer)
  • You want more standard driver-assist tech
  • You put reliability history first (15 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 Lexus GX

  • Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
  • Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 17 MPG combined, 15% below the 2026 standard SUV average of 20 MPG.
  • Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.

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