X5 vs Range Rover Sport
Two makers, one class, one decision: the X5 from BMW or the Range Rover Sport from Land Rover. The X5 wins more of the areas that we compared (2 of 4), and its most convincing lead is in fuel economy & range.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance X5 wins
- Fuel Economy & Range X5 wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance3.5
- Fuel Economy & Range9.4
- Off-road & Towing8.6
- Engine & Performance2.9
- Fuel Economy & Range7.9
- Off-road & Towing9.3
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
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The X5 has better fuel economy
The difference is minor (25 mpg against 22 mpg), but if you’re splitting hairs, the X5 wins it. Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold.
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The X5 has 20 hp more power
The Range Rover Sport comes close with 355 hp; the X5 does slightly better with 375 hp. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
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The X5 has better city fuel economy
This is one of the widest gaps in the whole comparison: 23 mpg for the X5 versus 20 mpg for the Range Rover Sport. Hybrids often shine in the city, and the X5 has the better rating here.
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The X5 has 29 lb-ft more torque
Think of it as a tiebreaker rather than a deal-breaker: 398 lb-ft for the X5, 369 lb-ft for the Range Rover Sport. The X5’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
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The X5 has better highway fuel economy
On paper, the X5 is a touch ahead here, listing 27 mpg against 25 mpg. The X5 uses less fuel on the highway, a real saving on road trips and long commutes.
Design & Size
Engine & Performance
X5 leads
The engine & performance comparison is one-sided. The X5 leads where it counts. Point to the X5 for 20 hp more power. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels. Anyone shopping mainly on engine & performance should start with the X5.
Total system output
X5: 375 hp Range Rover Sport: 355 hp The X5’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
Torque
X5: 398 lb-ft Range Rover Sport: 369 lb-ft Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
Fuel Economy & Range
X5 leads
Look at the fuel economy & range table and one name keeps coming out on top: the X5. The X5 comes with better fuel economy. Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership. That makes the X5 the natural choice for buyers focused on fuel economy & range.
Fuel economy (combined)
X5: 25 mpg Range Rover Sport: 22 mpg The X5 uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot.
Fuel economy (city)
X5: 23 mpg Range Rover Sport: 20 mpg In town, driving style has a big effect, but the X5 starts from a better baseline.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
On space & practicality, the X5 and the Range Rover Sport are effectively level. On space & practicality alone, you can’t go far wrong with either.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
Call the off-road & towing round a draw. In short, off-road & towing is a draw; the decision lies elsewhere.
Safety & Tech
Here the spec sheet speaks in model names and types. Compare the X5 and the Range Rover Sport row by row in the table below.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | X5 | Range Rover Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas (48V mild hybrid) | Gas (48V mild hybrid) |
| Engine | 3.0L turbo I6 | 3.0L turbo I6 |
| Total system output | 375 hp (winner) | 355 hp |
| Torque | 398 lb-ft (winner) | 369 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | RWD (xDrive AWD available) | AWD (4WD) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | X5 | Range Rover Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 25 mpg (winner) | 22 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 23 mpg (winner) | 20 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 27 mpg (winner) | 25 mpg |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | X5 | Range Rover Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 33.9 cu ft | N/A (not specified) |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 72.3 cu ft | N/A (not specified) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | X5 | Range Rover Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | 7,200 lb | 7,716 lb |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | X5 | Range Rover Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the X5 if…
- you want better combined fuel economy (25 mpg vs 22 mpg)
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (375 hp vs 355 hp)
- you mostly drive in town (23 mpg vs 20 mpg in the city)
- you want more pulling power from low speeds (398 lb-ft vs 369 lb-ft of torque)
Choose the Range Rover Sport if…
- you prefer staying with Land Rover
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the X5 or the Range Rover Sport?
On the specs compared here, the X5 makes more sense for most buyers; the Range Rover Sport doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Executive Summary
BMW makes the X5, Land Rover makes the Range Rover Sport, and both want the same spot on your shortlist. Here’s where I land. To me, the standout is that the X5 offers better fuel economy. Plus, the X5 gets 20 hp more power, which I wouldn’t overlook.
The X5 is built for people who weigh engine & performance heavily, and the Range Rover Sport for people who weigh the things a spec sheet can’t capture.
My pick: the X5.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.