BMW X3 vs Lexus RX
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
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Price Breakdown
The BMW X3 starts from $86,100 before on-road costs, while the Lexus RX opens at $93,550. That makes the BMW X3 the more affordable entry point by $7,450.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $94,710 and $102,905 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Lexus RX by roughly $2,995 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
The BMW X3 features a 14.9-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Lexus RX gets a 14-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The BMW X3 stands out with Bowers & Wilkins audio that you will not find on the Lexus RX. The Lexus RX counters with head-up display, panoramic roof, heated front seats, ventilated seats, power tailgate, Lexus Premium Sound audio and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the BMW X3 gets merino leather upholstery while the Lexus RX offers synthetic leather. Climate control is 4-zone in the BMW X3 and 3-zone in the Lexus RX.
Drivetrain
The BMW X3 uses a Petrol producing 140kW and 310Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.5 seconds.
The Lexus RX responds with a Hybrid making 184kW and 239Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.7 seconds.
The Lexus RX has the clear power advantage at 184kW vs 140kW. In the real-world sprint, the Lexus RX is 0.8s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The BMW X3 measures 4,755mm long on a 2,865mm wheelbase, 135mm shorter than the Lexus RX at 4,890mm (2,850mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BMW X3 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 570L in the BMW X3 and 612L in the Lexus RX, giving the Lexus RX a 42L advantage.
For towing, the BMW X3 leads with a 2,400kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 900kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.8m to 12.1m
Based on 12.1m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,138/year for the BMW X3 and $1,539/year for the Lexus RX. That is a $599 annual difference in favour of the Lexus RX.
Estimated annual total: $2,138 (BMW X3) vs $1,539 (Lexus RX). The Lexus RX saves you roughly $599 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (BMW X3) vs 4 years / 100,000km (Lexus RX). The BMW X3 has longer coverage. Capped-price servicing: —4yr (Lexus RX).
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BMW X3 if: You want the lower entry price, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Lexus RX if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Lexus's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Lexus RX takes 4 of 7 key spec categories. The Lexus RX will save you roughly $599 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Lexus RX has a clear edge. The BMW X3 adds peace of mind with a longer 5-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, BMW X3 and Lexus RX?
The BMW X3 is the cheapest at $86,100 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Lexus RX by $7,450.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Lexus RX uses the least fuel at 5.4L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Lexus RX all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Lexus RX has the largest boot at 612L.
Which can tow the most?
The BMW X3 has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,400kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The BMW X3 has the longest warranty at 5 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The Lexus RX makes the most power at 184kW. The Lexus RX is quickest to 100km/h in 7.7s.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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