2021 Lexus RX vs 2021 BMW X5

The 2021 BMW X5 showcased BMW's hallmark high-quality craftsmanship. As part of BMW's true SUV range, the X5 was unmistakably a BMW, from its kidney grille to its body shape. This consistency in design meant that while the X5 was instantly recognizable, it could also blend in with other BMWs in a crowded parking lot. The X5 featured full adaptive LED headlights, with xLine models sporting matte aluminum grilles and satin aluminum finishes, while M Sport models had body-color matched trims and high-gloss black accents for a sportier look. The interior, though filled with leather and soft-touch materials, had a sameness issue with switches and dials borrowed from other BMW models, making it feel less unique.

In contrast, the 2021 Lexus RX embodied modern Lexus design with its large grille, angular headlamps, and floating roof. The RX was available in five variants, including the performance-focused RX F Sport and the extended-body RXL with a third row. The 2020 redesign, which carried over to 2021, gave the RX a more refined front end. Standard features included 18-inch aluminum wheels, LED lighting, and rear privacy glass, with available upgrades like 20-inch wheels and triple-beam LED headlights. The interior was well-appointed with standard NuLuxe-trimmed seats and available semi-aniline leather upholstery. However, the center console design and infotainment system were criticized for being dated.

The 2021 BMW X5 offered a range of powertrain options, all paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base X5 sDrive40i/xDrive40i featured a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine producing 335 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque. The X5 M50i came with a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 delivering 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, while the X5 M offered up to 617 hp with the Competition Package. The new X5 xDrive45e plug-in hybrid achieved 389 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque, with a 30-mile all-electric range. Despite its power, the X5's steering and handling were less engaging than expected, with issues at both low and high speeds. The cabin was quiet, and the suspension absorbed road imperfections well. Charging the hybrid model was convenient, and it offered a combined range of about 400 miles. Fuel efficiency varied, with the X5 M being the least efficient at 15 mpg combined, while the xDrive45e achieved 50 MPGe.

The 2021 Lexus RX, RXL, and RX F-Sport were powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The RX Hybrid and RXL Hybrid combined a 3.5-liter V6 with three electric motors for a total of 308 hp, managed by an electronic continuously variable transmission (e-CVT). The RX Hybrid achieved up to 31 mpg in the city. The RX's suspension and handling improvements made it more dynamic, with the F Sport Handling package adding adaptive variable suspension and sportier features. The RX was a comfortable cruiser, with the F Sport model offering a bit more excitement. The RX's top speed was limited to 124 mph, with a 0-60 mph time of around 7.7 to 7.9 seconds.

The 2021 BMW X5 made efficient use of space, with well-placed cupholders and a wireless phone charging pad. The front seats were comfortable for short trips but could feel hard on longer drives. The rear seats were spacious enough for adults, and an optional third row was available. The climate controls were easy to manage, and the split liftgate with height adjustment made loading cargo convenient. The X5's cargo area was spacious, though slightly reduced in the hybrid model. However, the rear doors did not open very wide, making it harder to move children and cargo in and out.

The 2021 Lexus RX offered functional and spacious seating for five in the two-row models and up to seven in the three-row RXL. The front and second-row seats were comfortable, but the third row was tight. The RX's cargo space was limited compared to traditional SUVs, with 18.4 cubic feet behind the second row and 56.3 cubic feet with the seats folded. The three-row RXL had even less cargo space, with just 7.5 cubic feet behind the third row. A power liftgate was standard, with a hands-free option available.

The 2021 BMW X5 came with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Standard features included a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, a 10-speaker sound system, voice recognition, Bluetooth, five USB ports, navigation, HD Radio, satellite radio, automatic climate control, a proximity key, and a panoramic moonroof. Optional upgrades included remote start, a head-up display, quad-zone climate control, a wireless charger, massaging seats, a Wi-Fi hot spot, premium audio systems, rear sunshades, and a dual-panel panoramic roof. The iDrive system required some acclimation but was user-friendly once familiar.

The 2021 Lexus RX featured dual-zone automatic climate control, keyless entry, an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, voice recognition, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, satellite radio, HD Radio, a WiFi hot spot, six USB ports, and a nine-speaker sound system. Available upgrades included a 12.3-inch touchscreen, additional USB ports, a moonroof, a panoramic roof, wireless charging, navigation, and premium audio systems. The infotainment system's touchpad controller was less refined than competitors and took up valuable console space. The RX lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The 2021 BMW X5 came with a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, rain-sensing windshield wipers, fatigue and focus alert, lane departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. However, the Driving Assistance Professional Package had issues with adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping systems, especially in sunny or rainy conditions. The X5 received nearly all Good ratings from the IIHS and a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2021 Lexus RX earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick designation with all Good marks on crashworthiness tests. The NHTSA rated the RX 350, RX 350L, and RX 450h with four out of five stars overall and five stars for side-impact crashworthiness. Standard safety features included a rearview camera, 10 airbags, enhanced vehicle stability control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Lexus Safety System+ 2.0. This suite included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian and cyclist detection, automatic high beams, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, lane-trace assist, and road sign assist. The RX lacked hands-off piloting technology found in some competitors.