BMW X3 53·Lexus NX 62on the MotiveGrid Score·Lexus NX about $12,588 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Lexus NX is the cheaper one to own — roughly $12,588 less over five years, mostly because it holds its value better. The BMW X3 counters with more towing capacity (4,001 vs 2,000 lbs) and more cargo room (31.5 vs 22.7 cu ft).
Go with the Lexus NX for the better long-term value; consider the BMW X3 if you prioritize more towing capacity and more cargo space.
Last updated July 2026 · National-average estimates
BMW X3 vs. Lexus NX
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 BMW X3 versus 2026 Lexus NX.
Metric
BMW X3
Lexus NX
MotiveGrid Score
53
62
Cost of Ownership
44
59
Powertrain
64
65
Driver Assistance
6
32
Livability
25
38
Safety
95
78
5-Year Cost to Own
$70,674
$58,087
Depreciation (5-yr)
$28,523
$21,337
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$10,263
$8,339
Insurance (5-yr)
$17,015
$15,735
Maintenance (5-yr)
$4,080
$3,095
Tires (5-yr)
$1,750
$1,750
Financing (5-yr)
$7,718
$6,646
Registration (5-yr)
$1,325
$1,185
Starting Price
$51,300
$44,175
Horsepower
255 hp
240 hp
MPG (combined)
33 mpg
40 mpg
Cargo volume
31.5 cu ft
22.7 cu ft
Seating
5
5
Towing capacity
4,001 lbs
2,000 lbs
Drivetrain
AWD
FWD
Gas
2026$51,300
MSRP
$51,300
Mo · 5yr
$1,178
$70,674 / 5 years
Best for families
Hybrid
2026$44,175
MSRP
$44,175
Mo · 5yr
$968
$58,087 / 5 years
Best for long-term savings
VS
01 · The MotiveGrid Score
Five measured pillars, weighted into one score.
Cost, Powertrain, Driver Assistance, Livability, and Safety — each scored against its class, then combined into a single MotiveGrid Score. Built by our engineering team and benchmarked against independent sources like NHTSA, IIHS, and CarEdge. How it’s calculated →
Lexus NX scores higher overall.
BMW X3
0
/ 100
Lexus NX
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
X3
44
NX
59
Winner: NX
$12,588 cheaper / 5 yrs
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
X3
64
NX
65
Winner: NX
+1 pts
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
X3
6
NX
32
Winner: NX
+26 pts
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
X3
25
NX
38
Winner: NX
+13 pts
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Lexus NX is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $12,588 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
BMW X3 still wins if your priority is best for families.
Daily commuter
Lexus NX
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Lexus NX
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
BMW X3
Much stronger safety with substantially more cargo room
Highway driver
Lexus NX
Better adaptive cruise + lane keep
City driver
Lexus NX
Easiest to park and maneuver in tight spots
03
Cost of Ownership
Monthly running costs — national baseline.
Adjust for your situation
State
Miles/yr15,000
Loan rate7%
Down payment20%
BMW X3
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$1,178
$70,674 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$1,178/mo
Lexus NX
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$968
$58,087 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$968/mo
04
Frequently asked questions
Lexus NX comes out about $12,588 cheaper over 5 years on running costs (depreciation, fuel/energy, insurance, maintenance, financing). The gap shifts with your state, annual miles, and loan rate — use the "Adjust for your situation" panel above.
