2027 Lexus RX vs. BMW X5: Which Luxury SUV Fits Your Spokane Life?
The 2027 Lexus RX vs. BMW X5 matchup pits two established midsize luxury SUVs against each other. The RX arrives this fall with light updates, while the X5 enters an all-new fifth generation. Here is how the two compare for drivers shopping at Findlay Lexus of Spokane.
Both deliver premium comfort and available all-wheel drive for snowy South Hill mornings. They take different paths to get there. The RX offers four powertrains, including a hybrid rated at a Lexus-estimated 36 mpg combined. The X5 leads with a 394-hp inline-six and a larger footprint.
This page compares price, power, efficiency, technology, safety, and warranty side by side. Figures come from Lexus and BMW, and any spec not yet official for 2027 is labeled. By the end, you will know which SUV fits your commute, your road trips, and your budget.
Current RX InventoryComparison Highlights
2027 Lexus RX vs. BMW X5
A lower starting price:
The 2027 RX starts at $55,450 MSRP, about $15,800 below the 2027 X5 at $71,250 (both include destination).
More ways to power your SUV:
The RX offers gas, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and performance hybrid choices. The X5 offers a turbo six now and a plug-in hybrid in early 2027.
Hybrid efficiency for long I-90 drives:
The RX 350h is rated at a Lexus-estimated 36 mpg combined, and official 2027 EPA ratings for both SUVs are still pending.
Longer powertrain coverage:
Lexus covers the powertrain for 6 years or 70,000 miles, compared with 4 years or 50,000 miles from BMW.
Stronger base acceleration:
The X5 40 makes 394 hp and reaches 60 mph in an estimated 5.1 seconds, according to BMW.
Standard driver assistance on both:
Each SUV includes a full suite of standard safety and driver-assist features.
Powertrain Options
Under the Hood of the Lexus RX and BMW X5
The Lexus RX and BMW X5 take different approaches under the hood. The RX gives you four choices. The RX 350 uses a 275-hp turbocharged four-cylinder with 317 lb-ft of torque. The RX 350h hybrid makes 246 total system hp and is rated at a Lexus-estimated 36 mpg combined.
The RX 450h+ plug-in hybrid adds an estimated 38 miles of electric-only range. The RX 500h F SPORT Performance tops the lineup with 366 total system hp.
The X5 offers two powertrains. The X5 40 xDrive arrives first this October, and the X5 50e plug-in hybrid follows in early 2027, according to BMW. The X5 40 pairs a 3.0-liter inline-six with 48-volt mild-hybrid assist. The X5 50e plug-in hybrid offers up to 44 miles of electric range, per a preliminary EPA estimate. If you log miles on I-90 to Coeur d'Alene or over Snoqualmie Pass, the RX 350h is built for efficient miles between fill-ups.
Side by Side
The 2027 Lexus RX vs. BMW X5
| Specification | 2027 Lexus RX | 2027 BMW X5 |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP (incl. destination) | $55,450 (RX 350 FWD) | $71,250 (X5 40 RWD, arrives early 2027) |
| Starting MSRP, AWD (incl. destination) | $57,050 (RX 350 AWD) | $73,550 (X5 40 xDrive) |
| Powertrain choices | 4 (turbo gas, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, performance hybrid) | 2 (turbo six with mild hybrid, plug-in hybrid) |
| Full hybrid (no plug-in needed) | Available (RX 350h, RX 500h) | Not offered |
| Horsepower (base / max) | 275 hp / 366 hp | 394 hp / 483 hp |
| 0-60 mph, base / quickest (mfr. est.) | 7.2 sec / 5.9 sec | 5.1 sec / 4.6 sec |
| Best combined fuel economy (mfr. est.) | 36 mpg (RX 350h, Lexus est.) | Not yet published for 2027 |
| Plug-in hybrid starting MSRP (incl. destination) | $66,880 (RX 450h+) | $78,950 (X5 50e, arrives early 2027) |
| Plug-in hybrid electric range (est.) | 38 miles (RX 450h+) | Up to 44 miles (X5 50e, preliminary) |
| Cargo space (behind 2nd row / max) | 29.6 / 46.2 cu ft | Not yet published for 2027 (prior generation: 33.9 / 72.3 cu ft) |
| Overall length / wheelbase | 192.5 in / 112.2 in | 197.2 in / 119.5 in |
| Towing capacity (properly equipped) | Up to 3,500 lbs (all grades) | Not yet published for 2027 (prior generation: up to 7,200 lbs) |
| Standard center screen | 9.8 in (14 in standard on Premium+ and above) | 17.9 in, plus standard head-up display |
| Standard safety suite | Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 | Driving Assistant Plus with Active Blind Spot Detection |
| Basic warranty coverage | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
| Powertrain warranty coverage | 6 yr / 70,000 mi | 4 yr / 50,000 mi (within basic warranty) |
| Complimentary scheduled maintenance | First two services (up to 1 yr / 10,000 mi) | 3 yr / 36,000 mi (BMW Ultimate Care) |
Starting MSRP excludes options, taxes, title, license, and dealer fees; Lexus figures include a $1,550 delivery, processing, and handling fee and BMW figures include a $1,450 destination charge. Fuel economy and 0-60 figures are manufacturer estimates pending official EPA ratings, and actual results will vary. Contact Findlay Lexus of Spokane to confirm current pricing and availability.
Driving Dynamics
What the RX and X5 Feel Like on South Hill Roads
The Lexus RX and BMW X5 both handle with confidence, but their personalities differ. The RX focuses on calm, composed control. Its GA-K platform, the underlying structure Lexus builds the RX on, keeps the center of gravity low for steady cornering.
The RX 500h adds DIRECT4 all-wheel drive, which balances power between the front and rear axles. An 80-kW rear eAxle, an electric motor that drives the rear wheels, delivers near-instant response when you accelerate. Lexus estimates the RX 500h reaches 60 mph in 5.9 seconds.
The X5 leans sportier. The X5 40 makes 394 hp and 428 lb-ft of torque, and BMW estimates its 0-60 mph time at 5.1 seconds. Standard adaptive suspension and available air suspension sharpen its feel.
On snowy South Hill grades or the climb to Mt. Spokane, available AWD gives you smooth, predictable traction. AWD is standard on the RX 350h, RX 450h+, and RX 500h.
Interior & Craftsmanship
What It's Like to Sit Inside the RX and X5
The Lexus RX and BMW X5 take different paths inside. The RX puts craftsmanship and ease of use first. The available 21-speaker Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound system fills the cabin with rich, detailed sound on long I-90 drives.
A 14-inch touchscreen comes on Premium+ and above, with a 9.8-inch screen on base grades. A head-up display is standard on the Luxury, F SPORT Handling, and F SPORT Performance grades. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come on every RX.
The RX cabin reflects Lexus Takumi craftsmanship, with a calm, carefully finished space for long drives. If you prefer an intuitive layout over the largest possible screen, the RX feels right at home.
The X5 takes a screen-forward approach. A 17.9-inch center display, BMW Panoramic Vision, and a 3D Head-Up Display come standard. A 14.6-inch passenger screen and a Bowers & Wilkins system with up to 18 speakers are available.
Protection & Confidence
Safety Features and Warranty: Where the RX and X5 Differ
The Lexus RX and BMW X5 both include advanced driver assistance as standard. The RX comes with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0. It includes a Pre-Collision System with pedestrian detection, Lane Tracing Assist, and Proactive Driving Assist. The X5 includes Driving Assistant Plus, Active Blind Spot Detection, and Emergency Brake Assistant with Evasion Assistant.
Coverage is where the two separate. Both carry a 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty. Lexus extends powertrain coverage to 6 years or 70,000 miles. BMW includes 3 years or 36,000 miles of scheduled maintenance through BMW Ultimate Care.
Lexus also ranks highest in dependability among premium brands for a fourth straight year, according to the J.D. Power 2026 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study. Together, that coverage and track record add up to long-term peace of mind.
Compare the Numbers
Where Your Money Goes: RX and X5 Pricing
The 2027 Lexus RX starts at $55,450 MSRP, and the 2027 BMW X5 starts at $71,250 MSRP. Both figures include destination. Comparing AWD models, the RX 350 AWD starts at $57,050 and the X5 40 xDrive starts at $73,550.
Plug-in hybrid shoppers see a similar gap. The RX 450h+ starts at $66,880, while the X5 50e starts at $78,950. That spread gives you more room to choose the grade and options you want.
Findlay Lexus of Spokane can walk you through each RX grade and current availability. You can also start online with Buy From Home tools and get pre-approved before your visit. Explore our current RX inventory to find the right trim for you.
So, Should You Choose the RX or the X5?
Choose the Lexus RX if you:
- Want a hybrid or plug-in hybrid with strong efficiency for long Inland Northwest drives.
- Prefer a starting MSRP about $15,800 lower than the X5.
- Value 6-year/70,000-mile powertrain coverage and Lexus's top premium-brand ranking in the J.D. Power 2026 Vehicle Dependability Study.
- Park downtown or in tight garages, where a shorter overall length makes daily maneuvering easier.
Choose the BMW X5 if you:
- Want 394 hp as standard and quicker base acceleration.
- Want the longer electric-only range of these two plug-in hybrids, up to 44 miles (preliminary estimate).
- Plan to tow heavy trailers or boats; BMW rated the previous-generation X5 up to 7,200 lbs.
If the RX checks more of your boxes, the next step is a test drive on Spokane roads.
FAQ
What Spokane Drivers Ask About the RX and X5
You are weighing two strong luxury SUVs, and the details make the difference. Here are direct answers to what Spokane shoppers ask most before choosing between the RX and X5.
What is the main difference between the 2027 Lexus RX and BMW X5?
Which has more technology, the Lexus RX or the BMW X5?
Do the Lexus RX and BMW X5 come with the same warranty?
Which is the better fit for Inland Northwest winters and road trips?
Can I test drive the Lexus RX at Findlay Lexus of Spokane?
Which is the smarter buy, the RX or the X5?
How do I decide between the Lexus RX and BMW X5?
At Findlay Lexus of Spokane
Come Drive the Lexus RX at Findlay Lexus of Spokane
At Findlay Lexus of Spokane, we keep the experience personal, not corporate. We welcome drivers from Spokane, Spokane Valley, Liberty Lake, Cheney, Airway Heights, and Coeur d'Alene. Our team will walk you through every RX grade, from the efficient RX 350h to the RX 500h F SPORT Performance.
Prefer to start at home? Our Buy From Home tools let you shop and get pre-approved online. Every new RX includes complimentary maintenance at 5,000 and 10,000 miles, and we offer loaner vehicles while yours is in for service. When you are ready, we will have an RX ready for your test drive.