2023 Lexus RX Hybrid vs 2024 BMW X5

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid, with its redesigned exterior, maintained a familiar aesthetic that was both understated and elegant. The RX 350h Luxury model, in particular, was nearly indistinguishable from its non-hybrid counterpart, save for a subtle badge on the liftgate. This model featured a sleek Iridium silver finish and 21-inch wheels that matched the standard RX 350, offering a seamless hybrid experience without overtly advertising its eco-friendly credentials. The RX 500h F Sport Performance, however, stood out with its bold Copper paint, blacked-out grille, and aggressive styling, signaling its performance-oriented nature. Inside, the RX adopted a minimalist design with fewer physical controls, a modern infotainment system, and ambient lighting, creating a sophisticated and contemporary cabin environment.

In contrast, the 2024 BMW X5 retained its classic design, which had aged gracefully since its last redesign in 2019. The X5's styling was slightly refreshed to align with BMW's current lineup, featuring the new BMW Curved Display that combined digital instrumentation with a large touchscreen infotainment system. The xDrive50e M Sport model, with its Brooklyn Grey paint and optional 21-inch wheels, exuded a sporty yet refined presence. The interior was modernized with reduced switchgear and high-quality materials, maintaining a connection to BMW's heritage. The X5's cabin was spacious and comfortable, with standard sport seats and optional multi-contour seats offering exceptional comfort and adjustability.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid offered two distinct hybrid powertrains. The RX 350h featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a hybrid system, producing 246 horsepower and 233 lb-ft of torque. It was expected to achieve 36 mpg in combined driving, although real-world testing showed an average of 32 mpg. The RX 500h F Sport Performance, on the other hand, delivered a more exhilarating experience with its turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and hybrid system, generating 366 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. It accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds but averaged only 20.9 mpg during spirited driving. The RX 500h's adaptive damping suspension and rear-wheel steering enhanced its dynamic capabilities, making it a joy to drive.

The 2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e PHEV boasted a powerful plug-in hybrid system with a turbocharged six-cylinder engine and an electric motor, producing a combined 483 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. It accelerated to 60 mph in just 4.6 seconds, nearly matching the performance of the more expensive X5 M60i. The PHEV offered an impressive 38 miles of electric-only range and achieved 33.7 mpg in hybrid mode during testing. The adaptive damping air suspension provided a smooth ride, while the quick steering and excellent visibility made it easy to maneuver. The X5 excelled in both efficiency and performance, making it a standout choice in the luxury SUV segment.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid provided a comfortable and luxurious interior, especially in the RX 350h Luxury trim with its ten-way power-adjustable front seats, premium leather, and effective climate control system. The RX 500h F Sport Performance offered sportier seats with larger bolsters and a thicker steering wheel. The hybrid's battery placement under the rear seat slightly elevated the seat cushion, resulting in excellent leg support but limited rear headroom. The RX offered 29.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 46.2 cubic feet with the seats folded, a significant improvement over the previous model.

The 2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e provided ample space for five passengers and a generous cargo area, with 33.1 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 71.2 cubic feet with the seats folded. The split liftgate design offered a convenient seating area but required reaching for items deep in the cargo hold. The X5's interior featured standard sport seats and optional 20-way power-adjustable multi-contour seats with heating and ventilation. The panoramic sunroof and side window sunshades enhanced the rear-seat experience, while the absence of a third-row seat option limited its versatility compared to some competitors.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid introduced a new infotainment system, the Lexus Interface, which required subscription services for full functionality. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, cloud-based navigation, and an Intelligent Assistant. However, the system's single-screen view and lack of a tuning knob were drawbacks. The available head-up display with dual-function touch-sensing control pads on the steering wheel was innovative but problematic for those wearing polarized sunglasses.

The 2024 BMW X5 featured the BMW Curved Display with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system running iDrive 8.5. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L, and a cloud-based navigation system. The Intelligent Personal Assistant, however, struggled with voice recognition, leading to some frustrating experiences. The head-up display effectively conveyed data, and the augmented video function for navigation was a useful addition.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid came equipped with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, featuring advanced driving assistance systems like motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, and intersection turn assistance. Proactive Driving Assist and Traffic Jam Assist were also available, enhancing safety and convenience. However, some features, like the curve-speed reduction and driver monitoring system, had room for improvement.

The 2024 BMW X5 introduced the Highway Assistant hands-free driving system, which worked well in specific conditions but could be unpredictable in heavy traffic. The adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance performed admirably, though occasional errant braking was noted. The X5 received high safety ratings from the IIHS, but its headlight ratings prevented it from earning a safety award. The NHTSA awarded it a four-star overall crash-test rating.