BMW X3 53·Lexus RX 63on the MotiveGrid Score·Lexus RX about $9,317 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Lexus RX is the cheaper one to own — roughly $9,317 less over five years, mostly because it holds its value better.
The Lexus RX is the stronger all-round pick here — cheaper to own with little given up in return.
Last updated July 2026 · National-average estimates
BMW X3 vs. Lexus RX
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 BMW X3 versus 2026 Lexus RX.
Metric
BMW X3
Lexus RX
MotiveGrid Score
53
63
Cost of Ownership
44
60
Powertrain
64
73
Driver Assistance
6
32
Livability
25
42
Safety
95
72
5-Year Cost to Own
$70,674
$61,357
Depreciation (5-yr)
$28,523
$18,522
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$10,263
$9,621
Insurance (5-yr)
$17,015
$18,595
Maintenance (5-yr)
$4,080
$3,095
Tires (5-yr)
$1,750
$2,150
Financing (5-yr)
$7,718
$8,008
Registration (5-yr)
$1,325
$1,365
Starting Price
$51,300
$53,225
Horsepower
255 hp
246 hp
MPG (combined)
33 mpg
36 mpg
Cargo volume
31.5 cu ft
29.6 cu ft
Seating
5
5
Towing capacity
4,001 lbs
3,500 lbs
Drivetrain
AWD
AWD
Gas
2026$51,300
MSRP
$51,300
Mo · 5yr
$1,178
$70,674 / 5 years
Best for families
Hybrid
2026$53,225
MSRP
$53,225
Mo · 5yr
$1,023
$61,357 / 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 RX scores higher overall.
BMW X3
0
/ 100
Lexus RX
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
X3
44
RX
60
Winner: RX
$9,317 cheaper / 5 yrs
Strong projected resale value▲
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
X3
64
RX
73
Winner: RX
+9 pts
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
X3
6
RX
32
Winner: RX
+26 pts
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
X3
25
RX
42
Winner: RX
+17 pts
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Lexus RX is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $9,317 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
BMW X3 still wins if your priority is best for families.
Daily commuter
Lexus RX
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Lexus RX
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
BMW X3
Much stronger safety with marginally more cargo space
Highway driver
Lexus RX
Better adaptive cruise + lane keep
City driver
BMW X3
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 RX
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$1,023
$61,357 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$1,023/mo
💡
On fuel + maintenance alone, the pricier Lexus RX recoups its $1,925 price premium in 5.9 years ($325/yr in savings). Depreciation and insurance aren’t included in this payback view.
04
Frequently asked questions
Lexus RX comes out about $9,317 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.
