Compare the2023 BMW X6VS 2022 Lexus RX

The X6’s pre-crash front seatbelts will tighten automatically in the event the vehicle detects an impending crash, improving protection against injury significantly. The RX doesn’t offer pre-crash pretensioners.

The X6 has a standard PostCrash iBrake, which automatically applies the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The RX doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

To provide maximum traction and stability on all roads, All-Wheel Drive is standard on the X6. But it costs extra on the RX.

Both the X6 and the RX have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger 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, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, driver alert monitors and available around view monitors.

The X6’s corrosion warranty is 6 years longer than the RX’s (12 vs. 6 years).

BMW pays for scheduled maintenance on the X6 for 2 years and 26000 miles longer than Lexus pays for maintenance for the RX (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 X6’s warranty.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the X6 second among upper midsize premium suvs in their 2022 Initial Quality Study. The RX isn’t in the top three in its category.

The X6’s standard 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder hybrid produces 40 more horsepower (335 vs. 295) and 63 lbs.-ft. more torque (331 vs. 268) than the RX 350’s standard 3.5 DOHC V6. The X6’s 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder hybrid produces 27 more horsepower (335 vs. 308) than the RX 450h’s standard 3.5 DOHC V6 hybrid. The X6 M50i’s standard 4.4 turbo V8 produces 215 more horsepower (523 vs. 308) than the RX 450h’s standard 3.5 DOHC V6 hybrid.

As tested in Motor Trend the BMW X6 is faster than the Lexus RX:

On the EPA test cycle the X6 xDrive40i gets better fuel mileage than the RX 350 AWD (21 city/25 hwy vs. 19 city/26 hwy).

Regardless of its engine, regenerative brakes improve the X6’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. Lexus only offers a regenerative brake system on the RX Hybrid.

Regardless of its engine, the X6’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 RX 450h, and doesn’t offer a disable button.

The X6 has 4.7 gallons more fuel capacity than the RX Hybrid’s standard fuel tank (21.9 vs. 17.2 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups. The X6 has 2.7 gallons more fuel capacity than the RX’s standard fuel tank (21.9 vs. 19.2 gallons).

The X6’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 RX doesn’t offer launch control.

For better stopping power the X6’s brake rotors are larger than those on the RX:

The X6 stops much shorter than the RX:

For better traction, the X6 has larger standard tires than the RX (275/45R20 vs. 235/65R18). The X6’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the RX (F:275/40R21 & R:315/35R21 vs. 235/65R18).

The X6’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 45 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the RX’s standard 65 series tires. The X6’s optional 275/35R22 front and 315/30R22 rear tires have a lower 35 series front and 30 series rear profile than the RX’s optional 55 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the X6 has standard 20-inch wheels. Smaller 18-inch wheels are standard on the RX. The X6’s optional 22-inch wheels are larger than the 20-inch wheels optional on the RX.

Changing a flat tire near traffic can be dangerous and inconvenient. The run-flat tires available on the X6 can be driven up to 50 miles without any air pressure, allowing you to drive to a service station for a repair. The RX doesn’t offer run-flat tires.

The X6 M50i offers active sway bars, which help keep it flat and controlled during cornering, but disconnect at lower speeds to smooth the ride and offer greater off-road suspension articulation. This helps keep the tires glued to the road on-road and off. The RX doesn’t offer an active sway bar system.

The X6 offers an available adjustable active suspension system, which counteracts cornering forces actively, limiting body roll and improving handling and stability. Lexus doesn’t offer an active suspension on the RX.

The X6 has a standard automatic load leveling suspension to keep ride height level with a heavy load or when towing. The RX doesn’t offer a load leveling suspension.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the X6’s wheelbase is 7.3 inches longer than on the RX (117.1 inches vs. 109.8 inches).

For better handling and stability, the average track (width between the wheels) on the X6 is 1.8 inches wider in the front and 3 inches wider in the rear than the track on the RX.

The X6’s front to rear weight distribution is more even (50.8% to 49.2%) than the RX’s (57% to 43%). This gives the X6 more stable handling and braking.

The X6 M50i handles at .97 G’s, while the RX 450h pulls only .78 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The X6 M50i executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 3.4 seconds quicker than the RX 450h (24.1 seconds @ .83 average G’s vs. 27.5 seconds @ .65 average G’s).

For greater off-road capability the X6 Air Suspension has a 1.5 inches greater minimum ground clearance than the RX (9.7 vs. 8.2 inches), allowing the X6 to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

The front grille of the X6 uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The RX doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

The X6 has 2.2 inches more front shoulder room and .1 inches more rear shoulder room than the RX.

The X6 has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat up than the RX with its rear seat up (27.4 vs. 16 cubic feet). The X6 has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the RX with its rear seat folded (59.6 vs. 32.6 cubic feet).

The X6’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the RX’s (5952 vs. 0 pounds). Maximum trailer towing in the Lexus RX is only 3500 pounds. The X6 offers up to a 7200 lbs. towing capacity.

The engine in the X6 is mounted longitudinally (North-South), instead of sideways, as in the RX. This makes it easier to service and maintain, because there are no rear spark plugs and the accessory belts are in front.

Unlike the driver-only memory system optional at extra cost in the RX, the X6 M50i has a passenger memory, so that when drivers switch, the memory setting adjusts the driver’s seat, steering wheel position, outside mirror angle, climate settings and radio stations and the front passenger seat also adjusts to the new passenger’s preset preferences.

Heated windshield washer nozzles are standard on the X6 to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. The RX doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

The X6 offers optional massaging front seats in order to maximize comfort and eliminate fatigue on long trips. Massaging seats aren’t available in the RX.

The X6’s optional Parking Assistant Plus can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, starting, stopping and changing direction automatically. The RX doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

Insurance will cost less for the X6 owner. The Car Book by Jack Gillis rates the X6 with a number “1” insurance rate while the RX is rated higher at a number “5” rate.

According to The Car Book by Jack Gillis, the X6 is less expensive to operate than the RX because typical repairs cost much less on the X6 than the RX, including $86 less for a starter and $1205 less for a timing belt/chain.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the X6 first among upper midsize premium suvs in owner reported satisfaction. This includes how well the vehicle performs and satisfies its owner’s expectations. The RX isn’t in the top three in its category.