X5 vs RX 350
If you’re shopping for a car in the midsize luxury suv class, the X5 and the RX 350 are likely both on your shortlist. On the overall scorecard, the X5 is ahead: 3 of 3 areas, with engine & performance doing the heavy lifting.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance X5 wins
- Space & Practicality X5 wins
- Off-road & Towing X5 wins
- Engine & Performance3.5
- Space & Practicality5.4
- Off-road & Towing8.6
- Engine & Performance1.2
- Space & Practicality3.1
- Off-road & Towing3.3
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 100 hp more power
It’s a lopsided result (375 hp for the X5, 275 hp for the RX 350) and one of the main reasons to choose between them. The X5’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
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The X5 has 3,700 lb more towing capacity
The spread here is large: 7,200 lb on the X5 versus 3,500 lb on the RX 350. Expect to notice it. A higher towing capacity lets you pull bigger trailers, boats and campers.
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The X5 has 56% more maximum cargo space
Of all the specs we compared, this is one where the X5 makes its strongest case: 72.3 cu ft against 46.2 cu ft. Maximum cargo space with the seats folded matters when you move furniture, bikes or bulky gear.
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The X5 has 81 lb-ft more torque
The X5 clearly leads on torque, and 398 lb-ft versus 317 lb-ft is a difference that reaches well beyond the spec sheet. Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
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The X5 has 15% more cargo space
A narrow win for the X5. With 33.9 cu ft to 29.6 cu ft, it’s the kind of difference that adds up rather than stands out. The X5’s larger cargo area makes family trips and big shopping runs easier.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | X5 | RX 350 |
|---|---|---|
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 112.2 in |
Engine & Performance
X5 leads
In the engine & performance category, the X5 isn’t just ahead; it’s clearly ahead. The X5 has the edge with 100 hp more power. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board. In short, the X5 is the better-equipped car for engine & performance.
Total system output
X5: 375 hp RX 350: 275 hp Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
Torque
X5: 398 lb-ft RX 350: 317 lb-ft The X5’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
Space & Practicality
X5 leads
The X5 dominates the space & practicality section, and the gaps are large enough to matter in daily use. The X5 gives you 56% more maximum cargo space. The X5 can swallow more with the seats down, which makes it more versatile for occasional big loads. That makes the X5 the natural choice for buyers focused on space & practicality.
Cargo (seats folded)
X5: 72.3 cu ft RX 350: 46.2 cu ft Check the shape of the load floor too: a flat floor can matter as much as the number.
Cargo (behind rear seats)
X5: 33.9 cu ft RX 350: 29.6 cu ft Cargo space behind the rear seats is what you use every day for groceries, strollers and luggage.
Off-road & Towing
X5 leads
The X5 wins the off-road & towing section decisively. Choose the X5 and you get 3,700 lb more towing capacity. If you tow regularly, the X5’s higher rating gives you more margin. Bottom line for off-road & towing: the X5 has the edge.
Max towing
X5: 7,200 lb RX 350: 3,500 lb Towing ratings depend on configuration and equipment, so check the exact trim you’re looking at.
Safety & Tech
The safety & tech entries below are descriptive rather than numeric. Read them side by side to see where the X5 and the RX 350 part ways.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | X5 | RX 350 |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas (48V mild hybrid) | Gas |
| Engine | 3.0L turbo I6 | 2.4L turbo I4 |
| Total system output | 375 hp (winner) | 275 hp |
| Torque | 398 lb-ft (winner) | 317 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | RWD (xDrive AWD available) | FWD (AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | X5 | RX 350 |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 25 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 23 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 27 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | X5 | RX 350 |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 33.9 cu ft (winner) | 29.6 cu ft |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 72.3 cu ft (winner) | 46.2 cu ft Least room, seats folded |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | X5 | RX 350 |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | 7,200 lb (winner) | 3,500 lb |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | X5 | RX 350 |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | N/A (not specified) | 14 in |
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | X5 | RX 350 |
|---|---|---|
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 112.2 in |
“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 merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (375 hp vs 275 hp)
- you want the higher towing capacity (7,200 lb vs 3,500 lb)
- you want more room with the seats folded (72.3 cu ft vs 46.2 cu ft)
- you want more pulling power from low speeds (398 lb-ft vs 317 lb-ft of torque)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the X5 or the RX 350?
On the specs compared here, the X5 makes more sense for most buyers; the RX 350 doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Executive Summary
The X5 and the RX 350 are aimed at each other, and I think the gaps between them are more interesting than the headlines. If I had to name one reason, it’s that the X5 brings 100 hp more power. Beyond that, 3,700 lb more towing capacity gives the X5 another edge.
I’d steer engine & performance fans toward the X5 and the things a spec sheet can’t capture fans toward the RX 350.
My pick: the X5.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.