Lexus RX vs BMW X3
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.
Price Breakdown
The Lexus RX starts from $90,350 before on-road costs, while the BMW X3 opens at $86,100. That makes the BMW X3 the more affordable entry point by $4,250.
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 $99,385 and $94,710 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
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 Lexus RX features a 14-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the BMW X3 gets a 14.9-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. 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 Bowers & Wilkins audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Lexus RX gets synthetic leather upholstery while the BMW X3 offers merino leather. Climate control is 3-zone in the Lexus RX and 4-zone in the BMW X3.
Drivetrain
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.
Space & Comfort
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.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.8m to 12.1m
Based on 11.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 12.1m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,967/year for the Lexus RX and $2,138/year for the BMW X3. That is a $171 annual difference in favour of the Lexus RX.
Estimated annual total: $1,967 (Lexus RX) vs $2,138 (BMW X3). The Lexus RX saves you roughly $171 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)—.
Who Should Buy Which?
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.
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.
The Verdict
The BMW X3 takes 4 of 7 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Lexus RX will save you roughly $171 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, Lexus RX and BMW X3?
The BMW X3 is the cheapest at $86,100 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Lexus RX by $4,250.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Lexus RX uses the least fuel at 6.9L/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 2,500kg.
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 179kW. The BMW X3 is quickest to 100km/h in 6s.
Get ahead of your next car
Join free for new-car launches, news, reviews and buying guides. The independent take on what's new in Australia and what's actually worth buying, no dealer spin. Plus early access and founding-member pricing on the upcoming CarSorted Pro Report. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
By subscribing, you agree to receive marketing emails. You can unsubscribe at any time. View our Privacy Policy.
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
Comments (0)
Sign in to join the conversation
No comments yet. Be the first!
