Lexus RX vs BMW X3

The Lexus RX starts from $84,900 before on-road costs, while the BMW X3 opens at $86,100. That makes the Lexus RX the more affordable entry point by $1,200.

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 $93,390 and $94,710 respectively.

Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.

Both the Lexus RX and BMW X3 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 90% for the Lexus RX and 93% for the BMW X3.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Lexus RX packs more ADAS features with 6 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 5 in the BMW X3.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 8 in the Lexus RX and 6 in the BMW X3.

The Lexus RX features a 14-inch touchscreen, while the BMW X3 gets a 14.9-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Lexus RX stands out with head-up display, panoramic roof, heated front seats, ventilated seats, power tailgate, Lexus Premium Sound audio and ambient lighting that you will not find on the BMW X3. The BMW X3 counters with Harman Kardon audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

The Lexus RX uses a Hybrid producing 179kW and 221Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.7 seconds.

The BMW X3 responds with a Petrol making 150kW and 310Nm, paired to a auto driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6 seconds.

The Lexus RX has the clear power advantage at 179kW vs 150kW. In the real-world sprint, the BMW X3 is 1.7s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The Lexus RX measures 4,890mm long on a 2,850mm wheelbase, 135mm longer than the BMW X3 at 4,755mm (2,865mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BMW X3 generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 612L in the Lexus RX and 570L in the BMW X3, giving the Lexus RX a 42L advantage.

For towing, the BMW X3 leads with a 2,500kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 1,000kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,967/year for the Lexus RX and $1,938/year for the BMW X3. That is a $29 annual difference in favour of the BMW X3.

Estimated annual total: $1,967 (Lexus RX) vs $1,938 (BMW X3). The BMW X3 saves you roughly $29 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.

Warranty: 4 years / 100,000km (Lexus RX) vs 5 years / 999,999km (BMW X3). The BMW X3 has longer coverage. Capped-price servicing: 4yr (Lexus RX)—.