2025 BMW X5 vs 2024 Lexus TX

The 2024 Lexus TX, based on the Toyota Grand Highlander, was designed to stand out as a luxury SUV. It presented an upscale appearance, distinct from the Grand Highlander's resemblance to a larger RAV4. The test model, featuring the Luxury trim, showcased impressive 22-inch silver-finished wheels, enhancing its overall presence. The TX's styling was more subdued compared to other Lexus models, offering a conservative look that might appeal to those previously put off by the brand's design. The TX lineup included the TX 350, TX 500h F Sport Performance, and TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid, with prices ranging from $55,050 to $69,350, though the TX 550h+ was not yet available. The TX 350, likely the most popular version, came with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and options for FWD or AWD. The test vehicle, priced at $67,869, featured FWD and Luxury trim, along with various packages and a dark Peppercorn interior, which felt somewhat too dark despite the panoramic sunroof. Nevertheless, the TX 350 Luxury model's interior was sufficiently luxurious to bear the Lexus badge.

The 2025 BMW X5, a fourth-generation model facelifted for 2024, maintained the original X5's distinctive proportions while incorporating intriguing details. It featured a cab-rearward profile, rounded fender arches, and arrow-shaped lighting elements in the headlights and taillights. The front fascia was somewhat busy, but the signature twin-kidney grille remained reasonably sized. The optional M Sport Package added sportier bumpers and Shadowline trim, with further upgrades available. The X5 celebrated its 25th anniversary with a limited-production Silver Anniversary Edition, featuring unique trim and paint options. The interior evolved gradually, retaining a connection to previous generations while incorporating a curved dashboard display. The Silver Anniversary Edition test car included carbon fiber trim and light-up "X5" graphics, enhancing the otherwise plain appearance. Overall, the X5's interior offered a sense of quality, though it lacked the opulence of some competitors.

The 2024 Lexus TX 350 was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. Despite initial skepticism about this engine choice for a midsize, three-row luxury SUV, it performed adequately in typical driving situations with up to four passengers. Lexus claimed the TX 350 could accelerate to 60 mph in eight seconds (7.8 seconds with AWD), though it felt quicker due to its torque delivery. The EPA rated the TX 350 FWD at 23 mpg in combined driving, a slight improvement over the previous RX L model. During testing, the TX 350 FWD averaged 20.4 mpg. AWD, available for an additional $1,600, offered slightly quicker acceleration and improved traction in adverse conditions. The TX 350's suspension provided a balanced ride, with commendable body motion control and accurate steering. The interior remained quiet on the highway, though the brake pedal felt too soft in the test car.

The 2025 BMW X5 offered a range of powertrain options, starting with the RWD X5 sDrive40i and AWD X5 xDrive40i, both featuring a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine producing 375 horsepower and 398 pound-feet of torque. These models accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds. The AWD-only X5 M60i xDrive boasted a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 with 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, achieving 60 mph in 4.2 seconds. Both models shared an eight-speed automatic transmission and a 48-volt mild hybrid system. The X5 xDrive50e plug-in hybrid combined the inline-six with a larger electric motor and battery, delivering 483 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque, with a 4.6-second zero to 60 mph time and up to 39 miles of electric range. The Silver Anniversary Edition test car, mechanically identical to the xDrive40i, offered smooth power delivery and agile handling. The xOffroad Package, standard on the Silver Anniversary Edition, included air suspension and off-road features, though it compromised on-road dynamics.

The 2024 Lexus TX addressed previous shortcomings in Lexus's three-row SUV offerings. The TX 350 Luxury model featured premium semi-aniline leather and artificial suede upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The standard second-row bench seat could be replaced with heated and ventilated captain's chairs. While the front seats lacked a massage function, they provided a supportive driving position. The second-row seat, though comfortable, had a relatively flat lower cushion. The TX's third-row seat was habitable for adults, offering better leg support and visibility than previous models. However, sliding the second-row seat forward to accommodate third-row passengers reduced second-row comfort. The TX provided 20.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 57.4 cubic feet with the third row folded and 97 cubic feet with the second row down. Storage options were plentiful but lacked lining, potentially causing noise and vibration.

The 2025 BMW X5, a two-row, five-seater, offered generous passenger space, though not class-leading. It had slightly less first-row legroom than some competitors but provided more headroom. The sport seats in the test car offered extra bolstering for cornering and comfort on long drives. However, the lack of real leather upholstery and front-seat ventilation was noticeable given the X5's price. The X5 provided 33.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 72.3 cubic feet with the second row folded. The split tailgate design was a standout feature, serving as a backstop and bench. The X5's 7,200-pound towing capacity was competitive, though slightly less than some rivals.

The 2024 Lexus TX featured an optional Technology Package, including a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel, head-up display, digital rearview mirror, surround-view camera, and semi-autonomous parking assist. However, the unmarked dual-purpose steering wheel controls and head-up display visibility issues detracted from the experience. The Lexus Interface infotainment system, with a 14-inch touchscreen, offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a digital assistant and cloud-based navigation. The TX also included free 10-year subscriptions to Service Connect and Safety Connect, as well as Wi-Fi Connect and Remote Connect. The optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson PurePlay surround-sound system provided impressive audio quality.

The 2025 BMW X5 received a curved dashboard display and new operating system for 2024, featuring a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 14.9-inch infotainment touchscreen. The iDrive infotainment system remained intuitive, with multiple control options, including a rotary controller, touchscreen, voice recognition, and gesture control. The angular instrument cluster layout was distinctive and easy to read. BMW introduced augmented reality navigation and digital key connectivity, allowing smartphones to replace key fobs.

The 2024 Lexus TX came equipped with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, featuring adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and more. Proactive Drive Assist, part of LSS+ 3.0, provided braking and steering assistance but was not always transparent. The TX also included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a safe exit assist system. Optional features included parking sensors, front cross-traffic alert, and traffic jam assist. LSS+ 3.0 generally performed well, though it slowed too dramatically when other vehicles cut in.

The 2025 BMW X5's standard Active Driving Assistant included lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and more. The optional Driving Assistance Professional Package added Highway Assistant, a hands-free system for speeds up to 85 mph. The standard Parking Assistant included Reversing Assistant, while the optional Parking Assistance Professional Package added advanced parking features. The X5 earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS and a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.