Compare the2025 BMW X5VS 2024 Lexus GX

The X5’s pre-crash front seatbelts will tighten automatically in the event the vehicle detects an impending crash, improving protection against injury significantly. The GX doesn’t offer pre-crash pretensioners.

For better protection of the passenger compartment, the X5 uses safety cell construction with a three-dimensional high-strength frame that surrounds the passenger compartment. It provides extra impact protection and a sturdy mounting location for door hardware and side impact beams. The GX uses a body-on-frame design, which has no frame members above the floor of the vehicle.

Both the X5 and the GX 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, post-collision automatic braking systems, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, driver alert monitors, available all wheel drive and around view monitors.

The BMW X5 achieved a “Top Safety Pick” rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for the 2024 model year. This recognition was based on its impressive performance in the small overlap frontal crash test, updated side impact crash test, headlight evaluations, and pedestrian crash prevention testing. The GX has not yet been evaluated by the IIHS for 2024.

The X5’s corrosion warranty is 6 years longer than the GX’s (12 vs. 6 years).

BMW pays for scheduled maintenance on the X5 for 2 years and 26000 miles longer than Lexus pays for maintenance for the GX (3/36,000 vs. 1/10,000).

There are over 43 percent more BMW dealers than there are Lexus dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the X5’s warranty.

The X5 s/xDrive40i’s standard 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder hybrid produces 26 more horsepower (375 vs. 349) than the GX’s 3.4 turbo V6. The X5 xDrive50e’s standard 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder hybrid produces 134 more horsepower (483 vs. 349) and 37 lbs.-ft. more torque (516 vs. 479) than the GX’s 3.4 turbo V6. The X5 M60i xDrive’s standard 4.4 turbo V8 hybrid produces 174 more horsepower (523 vs. 349) and 74 lbs.-ft. more torque (553 vs. 479) than the GX’s 3.4 turbo V6.

On the EPA test cycle the X5 running its gasoline engine gets better mileage than the GX:

The X550e xDrive can travel with zero emissions for 40 miles. The GX can’t move without running its internal combustion engine.

Regenerative brakes improve the X5’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The GX doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

In heavy traffic or at stoplights the X5’s engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. The engine is automatically restarted when the driver gets ready to move again. If the conditions warrant or the driver wishes, the system can be manually disabled at any time for the duration of a trip. The GX doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

The X5’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 GX doesn’t offer launch control.

For better stopping power the X5 M Sport’s brake rotors are larger than those on the GX:

For better traction, the X5 has larger standard tires than the GX (275/45R20 vs. 265/55R20). The X5’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the GX (F:275/40R21 & R:315/35R21 vs. 265/55R20).

The X5’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 GX Overtrail’s standard 70 series tires. The X5’s optional 275/35R22 front and 315/30R22 rear tires have a lower 35 series front and 30 series rear profile than the GX’s optional 50 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the X5 has standard 20-inch wheels. Smaller 18-inch wheels are standard on the GX Overtrail.

Changing a flat tire near traffic can be dangerous and inconvenient. The run-flat tires available on the X5 can be driven up to 50 miles without any air pressure, allowing you to drive to a service station for a repair. The GX doesn’t offer run-flat tires.

The X5 M60i xDrive 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 GX.

The X5 has a standard automatic load leveling suspension to keep ride height level with a heavy load or when towing. The GX doesn’t offer a load leveling suspension.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the X5’s wheelbase is 4.9 inches longer than on the GX (117.1 inches vs. 112.2 inches).

The BMW X5 may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 150 to 650 pounds less than the Lexus GX.

Unibody construction lowers the X5’s center of gravity significantly without reducing ground clearance. This contributes to better on the road handling and better off-road performance and stability. In addition, unibody construction makes the chassis stiffer, improving handling and reducing squeaks and rattles. The GX doesn’t use unibody construction, but a body-on-frame design.

The front grille of the X5 uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The GX doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

The X5 has a much larger cargo volume than the GX with its rear seat up (33.9 vs. 10.3 cubic feet).

Unlike the driver-only memory system optional at extra cost in the GX, the X5 M60i 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.

The X5’s standard easy entry system raises the steering wheel, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. An easy entry system costs extra on the GX.

The GX’s optional cornering lamps activate a lamp on the front corner when the turn signal is activated. The X5’s standard adaptive cornering lights turn the actual headlight unit up to several degrees, depending on steering wheel angle and vehicle speed. This lights a significant distance into corners at any speed.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the BMW X5 has a standard wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. Wireless charging costs extra on the GX.

The X5’s optional Parking Assistant Professional can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, starting, stopping and changing direction automatically. Remote Control Parking will park and retrieve your car remotely: press a button and watch it park itself. This is ideal for tight locations. The GX doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

The X5 is available in both rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive configurations. The GX doesn’t offer a two-wheel drive configuration.

Consumer Reports® chose the BMW X5 as its “Top Pick,” the highest scoring vehicle in its category, based on reliability, safety and performance.

The BMW X5 outsold the Lexus GX by over two to one during 2023.