Engine and Drivetrain: Power Versus Refinement
The 2025 Lexus GX is offered with a twin-turbo 3.4-liter V6 that produces 349 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque, paired with a ten-speed automatic and a standard full-time four-wheel-drive system. This configuration emphasizes towing readiness and low-end torque for off-road confidence, with the gasoline engine making it a self-sufficient choice for drivers who prefer a proven, non-hybrid powertrain. The BMW X5's entry point is a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six producing 375 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive, with xDrive all-wheel drive available across trims. Its engine is newer and more powerful on paper, tuned more for on-road responsiveness than the GX's rugged torque curve. If your priority is a dedicated hybrid with significant electric-only capability, neither is the clear winner; the Lexus GX doesn't offer a plug-in hybrid, and the X5's mild hybrid system is designed more for supplemental electric assist than pure EV driving. Buyers seeking a diesel alternative should also know that the X5 xDrive40d is sold in Europe but not in the U.S., where the gasoline options dominate the comparison.