2021 Lexus GX vs 2021 BMW X5

The 2021 BMW X5 boasted commendable craftsmanship, characteristic of the brand's lineup. As part of BMW’s true SUV range, the X5 shared a familial design ethos with its siblings—the X1, X3, and X7. In terms of visual identity, the vehicle's characteristic kidney grille and recognizable body shape ensured that onlookers could instantly identify it as a BMW. However, this uniform look also made the X5 susceptible to blending in with other BMWs in parking lots.

The exterior design of the X5 was enhanced by full adaptive LED headlights and matte aluminum grilles standard on xLine models. The M Sport styling models pushed the sporty aesthetic further with color-matched trims, matte aluminum, and high-gloss black accents complementing the sporty features. The X5 rode on wheels ranging from 19 to 22 inches, depending on the trim level.

Inside, the X5 continued BMW’s trend of interior consistency. Although there was a heavy reliance on black plastics, which collected dust and fingerprints easily, there was also an abundance of leather and soft-touch materials, elevating the luxurious feel. M Sport models further intensified the interior’s sporty vibe with M-specific features like a sports steering wheel, specific pedals, seat piping, and exclusive interior trim strips.

In stark contrast, the 2021 Lexus GX 460 showed its age with a design that had remained largely unchanged for a decade. It featured the distinctive Lexus spindle grille, which was updated in 2020 to include a new textured insert. The 2021 model maintained the same grille and added standard silver 18-inch wheels on the Premium trim level, with 19-inch wheels as an option.

The GX’s chunky and aggressive look appealed to traditional SUV enthusiasts, standing firm in a market increasingly dominated by more rounded and car-like SUV designs. However, the interior revealed the GX's dated architecture. Mandane wood trim that could pass for molded plastic was prevalent, and plastic components felt subpar for a luxury segment. Despite some semi-aniline leather on higher trims, the cabin did not match the refinement expected of a modern luxury SUV.

Under the hood, the 2021 BMW X5 offered several robust powertrain options. The base model sDrive40i/xDrive40i featured a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine producing 335 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The rear-wheel-drive (sDrive) was exclusive to the base model, whereas all other versions came with all-wheel drive (xDrive).

For those seeking extra power, the X5 M50i was equipped with a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 engine generating 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque. The high-performance X5 M variant upped the ante with 600 hp, which further increased to 617 hp with the Competition Package. Another noteworthy option was the newly introduced X5 xDrive45e plug-in hybrid, combining a 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine with a 24-kWh battery, delivering a total output of 389 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque, and capable of approximately 30 miles of all-electric range.

The driving experience in the X5 xDrive45e was mostly comfortable but not particularly inspiring. Low-speed maneuvering felt truck-like with ample wheel play, and at higher speeds, even in Sport mode, the steering dynamics were underwhelming. Road and engine noise were minimal, and the SUV handled bumps with a cushioned ride quality.

BMW's X5 models required premium gasoline, with fuel economy varying across the lineup. The X5 M offered the lowest efficiency at 15 mpg combined, followed by the X5 M50i at 18 mpg combined, while the X5 xDrive45e achieved 20 mpg on gasoline-only, or 50 MPGe when integrating electric power.

The 2021 Lexus GX, by contrast, kept things simple with a single powertrain: a 4.6-liter V8 engine delivering 301 hp and 329 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Acceleration from 0-60 mph took a modest 7.8 seconds, reflecting the weighty 5,130-pound frame of the vehicle.

On the road, the GX felt like a throwback, with noticeable body roll in corners and a less-than-refined ride quality characteristic of its body-on-frame construction. While the V8 provided sufficient power for quick starts, it required careful planning for passing and merging at higher speeds. Stopping distances were longer than those of modern SUVs, and cornering was met with low grip and significant body roll.

Where the GX shone was off-road. Equipped with a Torsen center differential and several driver aids like hill-descent control and hill-start assist, it excelled in rough terrain. With 8.1 inches of ground clearance and various off-road modes, it offered impressive off-road credentials, further bolstered with an optional Off-Road Package that included features like a transmission cooler, fuel-tank protector, and a multi-view camera system. The GX could tow up to 6,500 pounds when properly equipped.

BMW utilized the interior space of the X5 thoughtfully. The front center console featured accessible cupholders, and the wireless phone charging pad was discreetly placed. Although comfortable for short stints, the front seats turned firm over longer drives. In the rear, seating was spacious enough for two adults or children, and while a third-row option was available, it wasn’t tested here.

The X5 maintained its functional cargo space with a split liftgate making loading convenient. This feature was further aided by an adjustable vehicle height button at the liftgate. Without the third row, the X5 provided ample cargo space. The plug-in hybrid variant had slightly reduced cargo capacity due to the battery but was generally sufficient for most needs. Child seat installation posed a bit of a challenge as the rear doors didn't open very wide.

The Lexus GX’s interior reflected its dated design. The high center console restricted legroom, and the steering wheel angles resembled a bus-like driving position. The dashboard offered excellent outward visibility, while the upright design helped maneuvering in tight spots easy. However, forward visibility was limited by the tall hood.

Storage compartments were sparse, with smaller bins and cupholders in all rows. The GX included analog controls for most functions, favoring traditional buttons over touchscreens. With standard three-row seating, the GX could fit seven passengers, though the third row proved tight for adults. Adjusting seats to access the third row was cumbersome, and Lexus reported restricted cargo space measurements when the third row was utilized. With the third row folded, the GX offered 64.7 cubic feet of cargo space, substantially less than the Land Rover Discovery.

BMW equipped the 2021 X5 with a suite of modern tech features headlined by a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a digital gauge cluster, voice recognition, and multiple USB ports along with Bluetooth, navigation, and satellite radio.

Upgradable options enhanced the tech experience with a head-up display, quad-zone automatic climate control, and premium audio systems from Harman Kardon and Bowers & Wilkins. Although BMW’s iDrive system had a learning curve, it became intuitive with regular use.

Lexus’s GX was sparse on tech upgrades, highlighting its older design. Basic connectivity like Bluetooth, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant were standard, but newer systems like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were absent. An optional 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system was available.

The touchscreen graphics and functionality were visibly outdated, supported by physical analog controls for ease of use. This setup catered less to tech enthusiasts and more to those appreciating straightforward, non-digital interfaces.