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BMW X5 vs Lincoln Aviator

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

BMW X5

2026 BMW X5

Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WDAWD/4WDHybrid/EV
VS2 – 4Lincoln Aviator wins 4 of 6 categories
Lincoln Aviator

2026 Lincoln Aviator

Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WDAWD/4WD

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The short version

The BMW X5 is more fuel-efficient: 25 vs 21 MPG combined in its best version.

That works out to about $100 a year less in fuel for the Lincoln Aviator (EPA estimate, 15,000 miles).

The Lincoln Aviator is the bigger car, about 8 inches longer.

Across all model years since 2005, the Lincoln Aviator has had fewer recall campaigns (51 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 Lincoln Aviator is a standard SUV offered with a 3.0L 6-cyl turbo engine and rear-wheel drive and part-time 4-wheel drive. It measures about 200 inches long and 80 inches wide on a 119-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,969 lb (4dr SUV AWD).

Buying used? The 2023 X5 and the 2024 Aviator have the fewest problems in our data; avoid the 2019 X5 and the 2020 Aviator.

Basics

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

Efficiency

25 MPG
Best combined MPG
21 MPG
23 city
City / highway MPG (best)
18 city
$3,300
Fuel cost per year (EPA)
$3,200

Performance & space

523 hp
Horsepower (most powerful)
–
192.1 in
Length
199.6 in
78 in
Width
79.5 in
68.9 in
Height
69.3 in
5,181 lb
Curb weight (lightest)
4,852 lb

Safety & reliability

9
Driver-assist features standard
13
2
Recalls (2026)
6
85
Recalls, all years since 2005
51
28
Owner complaints (latest year)
4

Interest

25,895
Wikipedia views, 30 days
5,928

Buying used

2023
Best used year
2024
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 21 MPG)
  • You want something easier to park (8 in shorter)
  • You want a hybrid or electric option

Choose the Lincoln Aviator if…

  • You want more room (8 in longer)
  • You want more standard driver-assist tech
  • You put reliability history first (51 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 Lincoln Aviator

  • AWD / 4WD available
  • Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
  • 6 recallsMore than similar models (about 1). Confirm repairs with the VIN.

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