Compare the2023 BMW X4VS 2022 Lexus RX

The X4’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 X4 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 X4. But it costs extra on the RX.

Both the X4 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 X4’s corrosion warranty is 6 years longer than the RX’s (12 vs. 6 years).

BMW pays for scheduled maintenance on the X4 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 X4’s warranty.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the X4 third among compact premium SUVs in their 2022 Initial Quality Study. The RX isn’t in the top three in its category.

The X4 M40i’s standard 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder hybrid produces 74 more horsepower (382 vs. 308) than the RX 450h’s standard 3.5 DOHC V6 hybrid.

On the EPA test cycle the X4 gets better mileage than the RX:

Regardless of its engine, regenerative brakes improve the X4’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 X4’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.

For better stopping power the X4 M40i’s front brake rotors are larger than those on the RX:

The X4 stops much shorter than the RX:

For better traction, the X4 has larger standard tires than the RX (245/50R19 vs. 235/65R18). The X4’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the RX (F:245/45R20 & R:275/40R20 vs. 235/65R18).

The X4’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 RX’s standard 65 series tires. The X4’s optional 245/40R21 front and 275/35R21 rear tires have a lower 40 series front and 35 series rear profile than the RX’s optional 55 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the X4 has standard 19-inch wheels. Smaller 18-inch wheels are standard on the RX. The X4’s optional 21-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 standard on the X4 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.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the X4’s wheelbase is 3 inches longer than on the RX (112.8 inches vs. 109.8 inches).

For better handling and stability, the average track (width between the wheels) on the X4 is 1.2 inches wider in the rear than the track on the RX.

The X4’s front to rear weight distribution is more even (50.2% to 49.8%) than the RX’s (57% to 43%). This gives the X4 more stable handling and braking.

The X4 M40i handles at .89 G’s, while the RX 450h pulls only .78 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The X4 M40i executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 1.9 seconds quicker than the RX 450h (25.6 seconds @ .73 average G’s vs. 27.5 seconds @ .65 average G’s).

The X4 is 4.9 inches shorter than the RX, making the X4 easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The front grille of the X4 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 X4 has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat up than the RX with its rear seat up (18.5 vs. 16 cubic feet). The X4 has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the RX with its rear seat folded (50.5 vs. 32.6 cubic feet).

The engine in the X4 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.

The X4’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.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the X4 second among compact 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.