2021 BMW X5 vs 2021 Lexus NX

The 2021 Lexus NX was available in three versions: the NX 300, NX 300 F Sport, and the NX 300h hybrid. This comparison focused on the gasoline models, specifically the NX 300 and the performance-oriented NX 300 F Sport. The NX carried over Lexus's signature design elements, featuring sharp lines and a sculpted exterior similar to the smaller UX and larger RX models. Standard features included power-folding outside mirrors and 17-inch wheels. The NX F Sport variant added sportier touches like a honeycomb grille, triple-beam LED headlights, and 18-inch F Sport wheels.

Inside, the NX F Sport boasted exclusive quilted NuLuxe sport seats with optional Circuit Red interior, alongside more traditional color schemes. The interior's material quality was excellent, with a familiar gauge cluster featuring a 4.2-inch multi-information display. However, the design felt outdated compared to competitors like the 2022 Hyundai Tucson. The center stack, with its elevated climate-control buttons and rare CD player, also showed its age, limiting small-item storage space.

The 2021 BMW X5 maintained BMW's high-quality craftsmanship and familiar design, making it instantly recognizable. The X5 featured full adaptive LED headlights and various trim options, including the sporty M Sport styling with body-color matched trim and high-gloss black accents. Wheel sizes ranged from 19 to 22 inches, depending on the trim level.

Inside, the X5's design was consistent with other BMW models, featuring an abundance of black plastic, leather, and soft-touch materials. The M Sport models added unique styling elements like an M sports steering wheel and model-exclusive trim strips. While the interior was well-crafted, the sameness across BMW models could make the X5 blend in with other BMWs in a parking lot.

The 2021 Lexus NX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The six-speed automatic transmission was adequate but lagged behind the smoother transitions offered by eight-, nine-, and ten-speed transmissions. The NX accelerated from zero to 60 mph in around seven seconds, a standard performance for its segment. The F Sport model featured Active Sound Control to enhance the engine note electronically, though some purists found this gimmicky.

Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on all trims. The AWD system could transfer up to 50% of torque to the rear axle but lacked individual-wheel torque vectoring. Fuel economy was decent, with the FWD model achieving 22 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined. AWD models had similar figures but slightly lower combined efficiency. The NX 300 had a 2,000-pound towing capacity and a top speed electronically limited to 124 mph.

The 2021 BMW X5 offered multiple powertrain options, all paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base X5 sDrive40i/xDrive40i featured a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with 335 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque. The X5 M50i came with a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8, producing 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque. The high-performance X5 M delivered 600 hp, or 617 hp with the Competition Package. The new X5 xDrive45e plug-in hybrid combined a 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine with a 24-kilowatt-hour battery, achieving 389 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque, and up to 30 miles of all-electric range.

The X5's driving dynamics varied, with the xDrive45e's steering feeling unresponsive at higher speeds. The SUV's suspension absorbed road imperfections well, and the cabin remained quiet. Charging the plug-in hybrid was convenient, with a five-hour charge time on a Level 2 charger. Fuel efficiency varied, with the X5 M being the least efficient at 15 mpg combined, while the xDrive45e achieved 50 MPGe when using both electricity and gas.

The 2021 Lexus NX's interior was stylish and comfortable, with ample room for front-seat passengers and decent legroom for rear-seat occupants. Heated and ventilated seats were available, and the rear seats offered a 60/40 split-folding configuration. However, cargo space was limited, with 17.7 cubic feet behind the second row and 54.6 cubic feet with the seats folded down. A power liftgate with kick sensor technology and power-folding rear seats were available options.

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 journeys. Heated seats and armrests were effective, and the rear seats provided ample space for children and adults. An optional third row was available but not tested. The X5's split liftgate and vehicle height adjustment button made loading cargo easier. The xDrive45e model offered slightly less cargo space due to the battery, but the difference was minimal.

The 2021 Lexus NX featured an 8-inch standard touchscreen, with a 10.3-inch screen available in the Navigation package. The infotainment system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Lexus Enform Destination Assist. However, the Lexus infotainment system was not user-friendly, with functions buried deep in menus. Other standard features included keyless entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth, a USB port, HD Radio, and a WiFi hotspot. Upgrades included a moonroof, heated steering wheel, and a Mark Levinson 14-speaker audio system.

The 2021 BMW X5 came with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The standard features list 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, proximity key, and a panoramic moonroof. Optional upgrades included remote start, a head-up display, quad-zone automatic climate control, a wireless smartphone charger, massaging seats, a WiFi hotspot, and premium audio systems. The BMW iDrive system required some acclimation but was user-friendly once familiar.

The 2021 Lexus NX came standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, which included a rearview camera, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, traffic-sign recognition, automatic high beams, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. Optional features included park assist, a surround-view camera system, and adaptive headlights. The NX received top safety ratings from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Lexus backed the NX with a four-year/50,000-mile limited warranty and a six-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty.

The 2021 BMW X5 was equipped with standard safety features like 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. The Driving Assistance Professional Package included adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality, but it had issues with lane-keeping and stopping in traffic. The X5 received nearly all Good ratings from the IIHS and a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA. However, it had been subject to seven recalls.