BMW X3 vs Lexus TX

The 2026 BMW X3 30 xDrive started at $52,650, including destination charges, but the model truly shone with upgrades. A preferred build could reach nearly $62,500, offering a look and feel that justified the expense. The X3 M50, priced from $67,850, featured numerous enhancements, including a costly Frozen Deep Grey paint job, 21-inch wheels, and Merino leather upholstery, bringing the MSRP to $79,100. Despite the luxurious Amber over Atlas Gray leather, the X3's austere cabin struggled to justify its nearly $80,000 price tag. The design, described by BMW as "monolithic," was an acquired taste, with the illuminated grille surround at night giving off "pick-me" vibes. BMW's attempt to improve the interior with standard artificial leather and upgraded trim for the 2026 model year was noted, but the cabin's austerity and touch-sensing controls felt cheap to some.

The 2026 Lexus TX offered a variety of trim levels, with the 550h+ plug-in hybrid standing out due to its standard panoramic glass roof and striking Matador Red Mica paint. The 550h+ featured 22-inch wheels, a large grille, sharp bi-LED headlights, and rear LED lighting. Inside, the TX provided multi-zone climate control, heated and cooled front seats, and a spacious third row with recline function and USB-C ports. However, the overall material quality fell short of luxury standards, with basic plastic scattered throughout. The redesigned door handles, which reacted to pressure rather than pulling out, were a minor inconvenience. Despite these quirks, the TX offered excellent cargo space, with up to 97 cubic feet available when the second and third rows were folded.

The 2026 BMW X3 M50 featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine, producing 393 horsepower and 428 pound-feet of torque. This engine delivered exhilarating acceleration, reaching 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. The M50 also included performance hardware such as an M Sport rear differential, M Sport brakes, and an Adaptive M suspension. The base X3 30 xDrive, with a 255-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, was sprightly, reaching 60 mph in six seconds. Both models came standard with all-wheel drive and a 48-volt mild hybrid system, contributing to a fuel economy rating of 27 mpg in combined driving. The X3 M50's 4,850-pound towing capacity was notable, and the vehicle's tight turning radius and responsive steering made it easy to maneuver.

The 2026 Lexus TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid generated 404 horsepower from its 3.5-liter V6 and hybrid system. The vehicle offered multiple drive options, including electric-only, hybrid, and gas-only modes, with Normal, Eco, Sport, and Custom drive modes available. The 550h+ provided a quiet and smooth ride, with a suspension that absorbed bumps and potholes effectively. The AWD system could distribute power between the front and rear wheels, and a Trail Mode helped maintain traction on slippery surfaces. The TX's 5,000-pound towing capacity was impressive, and the vehicle's ride quality made it ideal for long road trips.

The 2026 BMW X3 featured heated, power-adjustable front sport seats wrapped in Veganza, BMW's vegan artificial leather upholstery. The front seats were comfortable and supportive, while rear passengers might find the seat cushion too low. The panoramic glass sunroof provided natural light, and the cargo space measured 31.5 cubic feet, expandable to 67.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. A temporary spare tire was included under the cargo floor.

The 2026 Lexus TX 550h+ offered standard luxury features, including multi-zone climate control and heated and cooled front seats. The third row was spacious, with a recline function and USB-C ports. The second row featured captain's chairs with a removable center console, but folding the seats flat was complicated. The front seats were roomy but lacked thigh support. The TX provided excellent cargo space, with up to 97 cubic feet available when the second and third rows were folded.

The 2026 BMW X3's dashboard was dominated by the BMW Curved Display, featuring a 12.3-inch digital driver display and a 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The system ran BMW Operating System 9 with QuickSelect, offering cloud-based navigation, Augmented View video, and more. However, the system had real-world issues, such as difficulties with Guest mode and occasional glitches with Apple CarPlay. The Premium Package added a head-up display and a 15-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound system.

The 2026 Lexus TX featured a 14-inch color touchscreen that was easy to use but had some quirks, such as the inability to manually input satellite radio stations. The steering wheel buttons were multi-functional and not labeled, causing confusion. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, but connectivity issues occasionally arose. The TX offered a clear back-up camera with an available bird’s-eye view and an Advanced Park system for automated parking. The vehicle also included seven USB ports and wireless charging.

The 2026 BMW X3 came equipped with a comprehensive suite of driver assistance systems, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and an active blind-spot monitor. The optional Driving Assistance Professional Package added features like lane-centering assist and adaptive cruise control with hands-free traffic jam assist. The X3 received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.

The 2026 Lexus TX included the Safety System+ 3.0 as standard, featuring forward collision warning, Lane Tracing Assist, and Proactive Driving Assist. The adaptive cruise control worked well, though it was initially confusing to set up. The TX 350 and TX 500h earned five-star safety ratings from the NHTSA, while the IIHS gave the TX an "Acceptable" rating for the small overlap front crash test on the driver’s side and a "Good" rating for the passenger’s side.