Luxury SUVs, like the BMW X5 and Lexus RX 350, offer the drivers of Destin, Panama City, and Fort Walton Beach, FL, a variety of comfort, technology, and luxury features. While they both offer premium amenities, you need to decide which one matches your needs.
To help you decide, we at BMW of Fort Walton Beach have created this BMW X5 vs. Lexus RX 350 review. Ready to see which vehicle is right for you? Keep reading!
Choose the BMW X5 if you want more power, standard all-wheel drive on the xDrive40i, and more cargo room — its 375-hp inline-six is a big step up from the RX 350’s 275-hp four-cylinder. Choose the Lexus RX 350 if a quiet, comfort-first ride and a lower starting price matter most. For Fort Walton Beach drivers who want a midsize luxury SUV that feels quick and engaging, the X5 is the pick.
It’s no surprise that luxury SUVs like the X5 and RX 350 come equipped with premium comfort features, like multi-zone climate adjustments and synthetic leather upholstery.
However, while both models come equipped with premium comfort features, the BMW X5 goes above and beyond with these features that are only offered with an upgrade with the Lexus RX 350:
For access to more comfort features without having to upgrade your SUV, the X5 is the way to go.
The BMW X5 looks great both inside and out. Read through our BMW X5 vs. Mercedes-Benz GLE review!
One of the benefits to cruising the town in an SUV is the extra space that it provides. The X5 and RX 350 provide plenty of space for passengers to stretch out comfortably.
Let’s see how the standard 5-passenger X5 and RX 350 compare in terms of size…
| Feature | 2026 BMW X5 xDrive40i | 2027 Lexus RX 350 |
|---|---|---|
| Class | Midsize luxury SUV | Midsize luxury SUV |
| Starting MSRP | $70,600 | $55,450 (Premium, FWD) |
| Engine | 3.0L turbo inline-6 | 2.4L turbo 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 375 hp | 275 hp |
| Torque | 398 lb-ft | 317 lb-ft |
| Drivetrain | Standard AWD (xDrive) | FWD standard, AWD available |
| Fuel economy (combined) | 25 mpg | 25 mpg (FWD) / 24 mpg (AWD) |
| Cargo behind rear seats | 33.9 cu ft | 29.6 cu ft |
| Max cargo (seats folded) | 72.3 cu ft | 46.2 cu ft |
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
Pricing and specifications are manufacturer estimates and vary by configuration; confirm current figures with our sales team.
Both the BMW and Lexus models have their space advantages: extra headroom with the X5 or extra legroom with the RX 350. However, in terms of cargo capacity, the X5 takes the lead.
This SUV has a maximum cargo capacity of 72.3 cubic feet compared to the 58.5-cubic-foot cargo capacity with the optional third row in the RX 350.
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Whether you’re running errands or road tripping, you can always stay entertained while on the go, thanks to the advanced technology features in both the X5 and RX 350.
Features like Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto allow you to seamlessly connect your smartphone to your SUV and play your favorite songs with the touch of a button. You can also use hands-free voice commands to choose the songs you want to hear without ever taking your hands off the wheel.
While both vehicles come standard with connective features, the X5 provides crystal-clear audio, thanks to its more advanced audio system.
The Lexus RX 350 comes with nine speakers with the Premium Audio System. BMW X5 drivers, on the other hand, have their choice between the standard 10-speaker HiFi Sound System or the optional 16-speaker Harman Kardon® Surround Sound Audio System.
The BMW X5 strives to make your commutes easier. Read through our BMW X5 vs. Acura MDX review to learn more!
The X5 xDrive40i costs more to start, and you can see where the money goes: 100 more horsepower, standard all-wheel drive, and more cargo space both behind the rear seats and with them folded. Fuel economy is close — both are rated at about 25 mpg combined, and the X5 edges an all-wheel-drive RX 350. The RX 350 is the value play, with a lower entry price and Lexus’s reputation for a quiet, comfortable cabin. If you want the X5 for less and don’t need all-wheel drive, the rear-wheel-drive X5 sDrive40i starts at $68,300.
See every new BMW X5 in stock, see how the X5 compares with BMW’s three-row BMW X7, or compare more BMW rivalries.
It depends on what you value. The X5 xDrive40i has a 375-hp inline-six, standard all-wheel drive, and more cargo room, so it is the quicker, roomier SUV. The RX 350 has a 275-hp four-cylinder, a lower starting price, and a comfort-first cabin. Drivers who want performance tend to prefer the X5.
Yes. The X5 xDrive40i comes standard with BMW’s xDrive all-wheel drive, and a rear-wheel-drive X5 sDrive40i is also offered. On the Lexus RX 350, front-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is optional.
They are close. The 2026 BMW X5 xDrive40i is EPA-rated at 25 mpg combined, the same as a front-wheel-drive RX 350 and 1 mpg better than an all-wheel-drive RX 350. For more efficiency, BMW offers the X5 xDrive50e plug-in hybrid and Lexus offers the RX 350h hybrid.
The bottom line: for Fort Walton Beach drivers who want more power, standard all-wheel drive, and more room in a midsize luxury SUV, the BMW X5 is the pick. If a lower price and a quiet ride matter most, the Lexus RX 350 is worth a look.
