Compare the2023 BMW X2VS 2021 Lexus NX Series

The BMW X2 has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags helps prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The NX Series doesn’t offer a front passenger side knee airbag.

Both the X2 and the NX Series have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras, and available all wheel drive.

The X2’s corrosion warranty is 6 years longer than the NX Series’ (12 vs. 6 years).

BMW pays for scheduled maintenance on the X2 for 2 years and 26000 miles longer than Lexus pays for maintenance for the NX Series (3/36,000 vs. 1/10,000).

There are over 44 percent more BMW dealers than there are Lexus dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the X2’s warranty.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the X2 third among small premium suvs in their 2022 Initial Quality Study. The NX Series isn’t in the top three in its category.

The X2’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder produces 34 more horsepower (228 vs. 194) and 59 lbs.-ft. more torque (258 vs. 199) than the NX 300h’s standard 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid. The X2 M35i’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder produces 66 more horsepower (301 vs. 235) and 73 lbs.-ft. more torque (331 vs. 258) than the NX 300’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder.

As tested in Motor Trend the BMW X2 xDrive28i is faster than the Lexus NX Series:

On the EPA test cycle the X2 gets better mileage than the NX Series:

Regardless of its engine, regenerative brakes improve the X2’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. Lexus only offers a regenerative brake system on the NX Series 300h.

Regardless of its engine, the X2’s engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. If the conditions warrant or the driver wishes, the system can be manually disabled at any time for the duration of a trip. Lexus only offers an automatic engine start/stop system on the NX Series 300h.

The X2 has 1.3 gallons more fuel capacity than the NX Series Hybrid’s standard fuel tank (16.1 vs. 14.8 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

An eight-speed automatic is standard on the BMW X2, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only a six-speed automatic is available for the NX Series.

The X2’s launch control uses engine electronics to hold engine RPM’s precisely in order to provide the most stable and rapid acceleration possible, using all of the available traction. The NX Series doesn’t offer launch control.

For better stopping power the X2 M35i’s brake rotors are larger than those on the NX Series:

The X2’s standard front and rear disc brakes are vented to help dissipate heat for shorter stops with less fading. The rear discs on the NX Series are solid, not vented.

The X2 stops much shorter than the NX Series:

The X2’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 50 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the NX Series’ standard 65 series tires. The X2 M35i’s optional tires have a lower 40 series profile than the NX Series F Sport’s 55 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the X2 has standard 18-inch wheels. Smaller 17-inch wheels are standard on the NX Series. The X2 M35i’s optional 20-inch wheels are larger than the 18-inch wheels optional on the NX Series.

Changing a flat tire near traffic can be dangerous and inconvenient. The run-flat tires standard on the X2 can be driven up to 50 miles without any air pressure, allowing you to drive to a service station for a repair. The NX Series doesn’t offer run-flat tires.

The X2 xDrive28i handles at .91 G’s, while the NX 300 F Sport AWD pulls only .76 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The X2 sDrive28i xDrive executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 1.9 seconds quicker than the NX 300h AWD (25.9 seconds @ .68 average G’s vs. 27.8 seconds @ .63 average G’s).

For greater off-road capability the X2 has a greater minimum ground clearance than the NX 300h (7.2 vs. 6.7 inches), allowing the X2 to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged. The X2’s minimum ground clearance is .3 inch higher than on the NX 300 (7.2 vs. 6.9 inches).

The BMW X2 may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 400 to 450 pounds less than the Lexus NX Series.

The X2 is 10.5 inches shorter than the NX Series, making the X2 easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

As tested by Car and Driver, the interior of the X2 xDrive28i is quieter than the NX 300 F Sport AWD:

The X2 has 22.5 cubic feet more passenger volume than the NX Series (94.1 vs. 71.6).

The X2 has 1 inch more front headroom and .6 inches more rear legroom than the NX Series.

The front step up height for the X2 is 1.5 inches lower than the NX Series (16.6” vs. 18.1”). The X2’s rear step up height is 1 inches lower than the NX Series’ (17” vs. 18”).

The X2 has a much larger cargo volume than the NX Series with its rear seat up (21.6 vs. 17.7 cubic feet).

The X2 has a higher standard payload capacity than the NX Series (941 vs. 895 lbs.).

The X2 has a higher maximum payload capacity than the NX Series (970 vs. 895 lbs.).

The X2 offers an optional heads-up display that projects speed, warning and navigation instruction readouts in front of the driver’s line of sight, allowing drivers to view information without diverting their eyes from the road. The NX Series doesn’t offer a heads-up display.

The X2’s power window, power lock, power mirror and cruise control switches are lit from behind, making them plainly visible and easier to operate at night. The NX Series’ power lock, power mirror and cruise control switches are unlit, making them difficult to find at night and operate safely.

The X2’s rain-sensitive wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically based on the amount of rainfall on the windshield. This allows the driver to concentrate on driving without constantly adjusting the wipers. The NX Series’ standard manually variable intermittent wipers have to be constantly adjusted.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the BMW X2 offers an optional wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. The NX Series doesn’t offer wireless personal charging.

The X2’s optional Parking Assistant can parallel park by itself, with the driver only controlling speed with the brake pedal. The NX Series doesn’t offer an automated parking system.