Compare the 2019 BMW X3 to vs. 2019 Lexus RX at BMW of Akron
Compare, contrast, examine—going head to head!
When it comes to comparing two luxury cars in the crossover SUV lineup— the BMW X3 and the Lexus RX — there is much to examine and consider, from design elements and performance to safety and technology. While both boast handsome exterior and interior elements, as well as strong safety records, there are some aspects of the vehicles that will undoubtedly hold greater appeal for today’s driver, depending on personal taste and preferences. See how they stand apart when going head to head and make your choice!
Style and Design
The look of each of these cars holds certain key design elements with the BMW presenting its more traditional kidney grille and headlights that disconnect. The result is pure elegance in comparison to the Lexus, which has a large front hang that overhangs the wheels, giving a heavier appearance. A big difference between the two vehicles is also its headlights, with the BMW having the appearance of a more traditional headlight with a full adaptive LED headlamp, equating to a safer car due to its ability to adapt to whatever driving situation. In contrast, the Lexus’ headlamp is in a more fixed positionand therefore does not adapt to your driving situation.
At the rear of the vehicle, in daylight, the BMW has better tail lamps at first glance, making for a safer drive due to the brightness it gives off for other motorists to see you. The car even has an auxiliary tail lamp that, if you hit the brake harder than usual, it lights up. The BMW’s turn signals are also LED compared to the partial LED tail lamps of the Lexus, which also have an iridescent bulb. The RX also has a noticeably slower tail gate.The BMW allows for easier cargo loading capabilities than the RX due to the fact it sits lower to the ground.
Even down to the wheels, these vehicles showcase distinct differences. For better traction, the X3’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires even available on the RX series. The BMW X3 xDrive30i’s standard tires provide better handling due to their lower 60 series profile and a stiffer sidewall compared to the RX Series’ standard 65 series tires.
Drivers experience a better ride in the X3 with its optional 21-inch wheels. The RX Series’ largest wheels are only 20 inches.
Interior Amenities/Power
Although the inside of the RX has controls within easy reach, the usability of those features is not easy. Because of that fact, drivers site a disconnect when getting behind the wheel. The RX exhibits soft handling suspension and body roll as well as the way the car brakes are considered shortcomings. Lexus makes a big nose dive due to weight distribution and the engine sitting over the front axle resulting in a poor experience if a sudden emergency lane change is necessary.
The Lexus has 295 horsepower which does not give peak horsepower until 4,300 RPMs. What this means for drivers is that when merging into traffic and accelerating, they have to rev the car up to get back to speed. The X3 has 248 horsepower, but with a turbo 4 cylinder compared to the Lexus 6 cylinder. The adaptive all wheel drive on the BMW is more reactive and the acceleration works in conjunction with that making for a safer drive.
In contrast, the interior of the BMW hits drivers in all the right places, and speaks to great comfort with adjustable leg extension, heated seats and steering wheel and supple materials. With the Lexus, interior accents that were wood weren't heated. All of the buttons in the X3 are high gloss for an upscale and luxurious look. In all, the X3 is considered a more driver-focused vehicle with motorists feeling completely level and connected to the road.
The brakes on the X3 are also known to give much better feedback than the RX with the BMW also excelling with a top notch engine and drivetrain.
In addition, for a smoother ride and more stable handling, the X3’s wheelbase is 3 inches longer than the RX series. The X3 also stands out in that is front to rear weight distribution is more even than the RX series, resulting in more stable handling and braking.
Cargo capacity is another area these vehicles differ, with the X3 having a much larger cargo area with its rear seat up than the RX series. The BMW also has a much larger cargo area with its rear seat folded than the RX, allowing for more ample room for all your belongings.
Technology
User-friendly touch screen technology is presented in the X3, allowing you to navigate it as you would your smartphone. You can also change the tiles and arrange them to your personal preference. There is also in-car weather you can view with forecast. It’s this total variety, as well as the intelligent navigation system, that makes the X3 a technology powerhouse. Travel in the X3 is a breeze with regular traffic updates as well as the ability to send directions to your iDrive system via smartphone through Connected Drive that you can download on Android or Apple phones.
Not only are these features helpful, but they are also presented in a high-end finish and located next to the driver, as opposed to the Lexus controls, which are a bit farther away.
Safety first
Driver protection is made clear in the X3’s pre-crash front seat belts, which will tighten automatically in the event the vehicle detects an impending crash. This is not found in the RX series as it does not offer pre-crash pretensioners.
The X3 has a variety of standard safety features including ActiveProtection, which automatically applies the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collision and further injuries. In comparison, the RX Series does not offer a post collision that triggers the airbags. As a result, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed. For the inattentive driver, the X3 driver alert monitor offers great detection, sounding a warning and suggesting a break. The RX Series does not have this feature, which is critical in light of the fact that drivers who fall asleep cause about 100,000 crashes and 1,500 deaths annually, according to the NHTSA.
While each are considered luxurious and desirable in their line-up, the BMW X3 scores higher in its category based on its reliability, safety and performance and therefore stands apart. Take a test drive today and see all this top pick has to offer!