Compare

BMW X5 vs Lexus RZ

2026 BMW X5 vs 2026 Lexus RZ — two rivals compared on efficiency, size, safety and reliability.

BMW X5

2026 BMW X5

Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WDAWD/4WDHybrid/EV
VS0 – 5Lexus RZ wins 5 of 5 categories
Lexus RZ

2026 Lexus RZ

Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WDAWD/4WDHybrid/EV

Swap in a different car →

The short version

That works out to about $2,700 a year less in fuel for the Lexus RZ (EPA estimate, 15,000 miles).

The BMW X5 is the bigger car, about 3 inches longer.

Across all model years since 2005, the Lexus RZ has had fewer recall campaigns (3 vs 85).

The two cars

The 2026 BMW X5 is a standard SUV offered with 2 engines (3.0L 6-cyl turbo and 4.4L 8-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version and rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. It measures about 194 inches long and 79 inches wide on a 117-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 5,558 lb (M60i 4dr SUV).

The 2026 Lexus RZ is a small SUV powered by electricity and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. It measures about 189 inches long and 75 inches wide on a 112-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,414 lb (350e 4dr SUV).

Buying used? The 2023 X5 and the 2024 RZ have the fewest problems in our data; avoid the 2019 X5.

Basics

Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Hybrid, Plug-in Hybrid
Fuel
EV
3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 4.4L 8-cyl turbo
Engines
EV
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive

Efficiency

25 MPG
Best combined MPG
–
23 city
City / highway MPG (best)
–
–
EV range
301 mi
$3,300
Fuel cost per year (EPA)
$600

Performance & space

523 hp
Horsepower (most powerful)
–
–
Seats (most)
5
192.1 in
Length
189 in
78 in
Width
74.8 in
68.9 in
Height
64.6 in
5,181 lb
Curb weight (lightest)
4,414 lb

Safety & reliability

9
Driver-assist features standard
11
2
Recalls (2026)
1
85
Recalls, all years since 2005
3
28
Owner complaints (latest year)
6

Interest

25,895
Wikipedia views, 30 days
3,742

Buying used

2023
Best used year
2024
2019
Year to avoid
–

Green = clearly better. Prices are not included. How we calculate this →

Which one should you choose?

Choose the BMW X5 if…

  • You want more room (3 in longer)

Choose the Lexus RZ if…

  • You want an EV with more range (301 miles)
  • You want something easier to park (3 in shorter)
  • You want more standard driver-assist tech
  • You put reliability history first (3 vs 85 recalls since 2005)

Pros & cons of each

2026 BMW X5

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 25 MPG combined — 15% better than the average 2026 standard SUV (21.7 MPG).
  • Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid and plug-in hybrid as well as gas.
  • AWD / 4WD available
  • Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.

2026 Lexus RZ

  • Long EV rangeUp to 301 miles on a charge (EPA).
  • AWD / 4WD available
  • Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.

Full 2026 BMW X5 specs →Full 2026 Lexus RZ specs →Compare fuel costs for your driving →Compare size & garage fit →