Lexus RX 300 vs. BMW X5
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Lexus RX 300 and BMW X5 contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Lexus RX 300 and the BMW X5.
When we compare the Lexus RX 300's and the BMW X5's specifications and ratings, the Lexus RX 300 has the advantage in the area of fuel efficiency. The BMW X5 has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Lexus RX 300's and the BMW X5's specifications and ratings, the BMW X5 is a better car than the Lexus RX 300.
Pricing: A used 2003 Lexus RX 300 ranges from $3,496 to $9,655 while a used 2003 BMW X5 is priced between $3,188 to $9,615.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Lexus RX 300’s base engine makes 220 horsepower, and the BMW X5 base engine makes 225 horsepower. The RX 300 is rated to deliver an average of 18 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 399 miles. The X5 is rated to deliver an average of 16 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 456 miles.This gives the Lexus RX 300 the advantage in fuel efficiency and the BMW X5 the advantage in maximum range. Both models use gasoline.
Safety Ratings: The BMW X5 has an average safety rating of 4 out of 5 Stars based on NHTSA's crash test ratings.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$35,700
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
N/A
Category Starting MSRP Range:
N/A
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$40,195
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Midsize SUVs)
$41,075
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Midsize SUVs)
$34,995 - $56,665
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$6,106
Price Range:
$3,496 - $9,655
Category Avg Price:
N/A
Category Avg Price Range:
N/A
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
11
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
192,469
# Good or Great Deals:
3
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$5,990
Price Range:
$3,188 - $9,615
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Midsize SUVs)
$7,140
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Midsize SUVs)
$5,201 - $11,823
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
6
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
146,919
# Good or Great Deals:
1
Lexus RX 300 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
Not available
Safety:
Not available
BMW X5 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.8 / 10
Reliability:
8.4 / 10
Retained Value:
7.1 / 10
Safety:
8.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Lexus RX 300
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
N/A
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
N/A
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for BMW X5
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
N/A
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
N/A
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
0.9
Typical Category Recalls:
N/A
Category Range for Recalls:
N/A
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
5.2
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Midsize SUVs)
5.2
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Midsize SUVs)
2.4 - 19.4
Lexus RX 300 Rankings
Not yet available
BMW X5 Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 3Ranking
3 out of / 68Ranking
3 out of / 7Ranking
3 out of / 5Ranking
4 out of / 20Ranking
5 out of / 20Ranking
5 out of / 20Ranking
6 out of / 20Ranking
6 out of / 10Ranking
7 out of / 29Ranking
7 out of / 20Ranking
7 out of / 20Ranking
7 out of / 20Ranking
9 out of / 68Ranking
9 out of / 68Ranking
10 out of / 68Ranking
10 out of / 29Ranking
11 out of / 68Ranking
11 out of / 20Ranking
11 out of / 20Ranking
12 out of / 68Ranking
12 out of / 29Ranking
12 out of / 19Ranking
13 out of / 29Ranking
13 out of / 29Ranking
14 out of / 29Ranking
14 out of / 29Ranking
14 out of / 26Ranking
16 out of / 20Ranking
18 out of / 68Ranking
20 out of / 29Ranking
22 out of / 29Ranking
22 out of / 29Ranking
28 out of / 68Ranking
33 out of / 68Ranking
46 out of / 59Ranking
54 out of / 68Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Lexus RX 300 Trim Levels
Base
BMW X5 Trim Levels
3.0i, 4.4i, 4.6is
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
6 years / 70000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years / 50000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
220 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque:
222 foot-lbs @ 4400 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.059 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
3500 lbs
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
225 hp @ 5900 rpm
Torque:
214 foot-lbs @ 3500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.050 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
5000 lbs
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
3 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
17 / 21 / 18
Range (city/hwy):
323 / 399 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Gasoline
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
3 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Manual
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
14 / 19 / 16
Range (city/hwy):
336 / 456 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Gasoline
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Heated Seats
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Bluetooth:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Keyless Ignition:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Parking Sensors:
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Power outlet:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Satellite radio:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Voice Recognition:
N/A
Adaptive Cruise Control:
N/A
Air Suspension:
Available
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Bluetooth:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Keyless Ignition:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Power outlet:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
N/A
Roof Rack:
Standard
Satellite radio:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Safety Features
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Backup camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Backup camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
38.1 inches
Front Leg Room:
40.7 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.8 inches
Rear Head Room:
38.6 inches
Rear Leg Room:
36.4 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
57 inches
Cargo Space:
Not yet available
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
Not yet available
Overall Interior Volume:
Not yet available
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.9 inches
Front Leg Room:
39.3 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
58 inches
Rear Head Room:
38.5 inches
Rear Leg Room:
35.4 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
57.2 inches
Cargo Space:
Not yet available
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
Not yet available
Overall Interior Volume:
Not yet available
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3715 lbs
Width:
71.5 inches
Height:
65.7 inches
Length:
180.1 inches
Wheelbase:
103.1 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.7 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4533 lbs
Width:
73.7 inches
Height:
67.5 inches
Length:
183.7 inches
Wheelbase:
111 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.1 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
16.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P225/70R16
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
235/65R17
Exterior Colors
Black
Black Onyx
Blue
Blue Vapor Metallic / Indigo Ink Pearl
Gold
Burnished Gold Metallic
Green
Mineral Green Opalescent / Woodland Pearl
Silver
Millennium SIlver Metallic
White
White Gold Crystal
Beige
Not available
Gray
Not available
Red
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Black Sapphire Metallic / Jet Black
Blue
Topaz Blue Metallic
Gold
Not available
Green
Oxford Green Metallic
Silver
Titanium Silver Metallic
White
Alpine White
Beige
Pearl Beige Metallic
Gray
Gray Green Metallic / Steel Gray Metallic
Red
Siena Red Metallic
Interior Colors
Black
Black
White
Ivory
Beige
Not available
Gray
Not available
Green
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Black
White
Not available
Beige
Beige
Gray
Gray
Green
Pastel Green