8 Top BMW X5 Competitors

If you’re in the market for a BMW X5, consider an Acura MDX or an Audi Q8 as well.
Written by Cassandra Hamilton
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
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Whether you’re drawn to the overt luxury of a
Mercedes-Benz GLE
, the sleek
Infiniti QX60
, or the statement-making
Cadillac XT5
, they’re all good alternatives to the BMW X5. If you’re in the market for a new luxury mid-size SUV, you should consider all of your options.
A BMW is a status symbol that flaunts your fine taste to the world. The
2022 BMW X5
proves that and more with its versatility and technology-laden interior. However, its steering could be sharper and the V8 engine option carries a hefty price tag. 
You might have your heart set on a BMW X5, but a competitor may be better for you. Luckily you can make an easy comparison with this guide from
Jerry
, the trusted
car insurance
comparison app for car owners hoping to save on
car insurance costs for their BMW
—or any other vehicle, for that matter.
But before finding insurance, you need to know what you'll be driving. Check out our list of the top eight SUVs in competition with the BMW X5 to help you weigh your options.

1. Mercedes-Benz GLE

Starting price: $57,200 to $81,200
Selling points: High-tech cabin, upscale appointments, spacious seating
Weak spot: Best features have serious price tags, snug optional third row, stiff ride
You probably wouldn’t think of a Mercedes as a vehicle you’d take off-road, but the
Mercedes-Benz
GLE would surprise you. Its off-road capabilities are just one of the surprises the GLE has in store for its drivers, with engine upgrade options to a V6 or V8 to provide power you didn’t even know you wanted.
For expanding families, you can get an optional third-row seat installed in your GLE, though it's best left for children since it’s surprisingly snug for adults. The interior is loaded with all kinds of impressive tech, like an infotainment center complete with a WiFi hotspot. Stick with the base 4-cylinder option to get the best mileage possible at 19 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined.
MORE: Is a Mercedes-Benz hybrid worth it?

2. Audi Q8

Starting price: $71,995 to $82,095
Selling points: Fun to drive with next-level tech 
Weak spot: Sacrificing practicality for style, laggy acceleration
The
Audi Q8
is one snazzy SUV. You’re sure to turn heads cruising around in this sleek, stylish, stunning ride, packed full of futuristic tech and passenger comforts like leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, and a power-operated tailgate.
The 3.0-liter V6 engine provides 335 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. It’s enough power to get you from the grocery store to the PTA meeting in no time. Driving the Q8 is a real pleasure, but it shines in Dynamic mode where you can utilize four-wheel drive to have fun on rough surfaces—the ride will still be smooth and quiet.
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3. Acura RDX

Starting price: $40,345 to $55,295
Selling points: Less expensive than rivals, generous standard features
Weak spot: Clumsy transmission, some packages are all superficial
If you’re looking for the luxury and driving experience of a BMW without the price tag, consider the
Acura RDX
instead. This compact SUV is roomy, comfortable, and sporty without being overly expensive
Unfortunately, the RDX’s turbocharged 4-cylinder engine can take a while to respond to the gas pedal, leaving acceleration a little clunky and slow. Still, you get 272 horsepower and quick response at low speeds, making it ideal for stop-and-go city driving. Just don’t get too excited about taking it on some winding country roads—it’ll disappoint in that arena.

4. Genesis GV80

Starting price: $51,295 to $78,295
Selling points: Nice tailoring, smooth ride, lots of tech
Weak spot: Heavy steering, standard 4-cylinder isn’t exciting
A winner of Car and Driver’s
Editor’s Choice award
, the
Genesis
GV80 is all about driving in the lap of luxury. From the moment you open the door, you’ll be overwhelmed by the extravagance and top-of-the-line features. 
The GV80 more than delivers on a drive that’s both composed and comfortable. While you might get more fun out of driving a model tuned for sports performance like the
Porsche Cayenne
, the GV80 does the job well for its price. But if performance is what you crave, opting for the twin-turbo V6 engine (an extra $10,000) will give you that adrenaline.

5. Cadillac XT5

Starting price: $45,290 to $57,090
Selling points: Stylish both in and out, generous cargo space 
Weak spot: Weak acceleration with the base engine
If you’re looking for
Escalade
-level luxury and style in a smaller package, the
Cadillac XT5
is the right choice for you. Despite some problems with engine performance and ride smoothness, the XT5 has more than enough space for four adults and their gear
You can choose either the base turbocharged 4-cylinder (237 horsepower) or an optional V6 (310 horsepower) for your engine—neither take home awards, but they still top the charts compared to other rivals. Still, you’ll be able to handle the twistiest of roads and pack a lot of cargo thanks to the XT5’s many storage cubbies and folding rear seats

6. Lexus RX 350

Starting price: $46,995 to $59,185
Selling points: Fuel efficient, very comfortable ride
Weak spot: A little slow, confusing infotainment design
Purchasing a
Lexus RX 350
is all about versatility. You can choose between a powerful V6 or an eco-friendly hybrid powertrain and even pick your seating arrangement. Five seats come standard, but you can upgrade to a seven-seater if you’re willing to sacrifice a little space and comfort in the third row.
You’ll find nothing but smooth-riding luxury in this model, with leather seats, wood trims, and soft-touch plastics. Plus, this is a great option if you have a lot of cargo to store—it can fit the same amount of cargo as a Cadillac XT5 with the rear seats folded. While the infotainment display could be improved, it’s a great choice for anyone looking to upgrade their SUV. 
MORE: Lexus RX 350 towing capacity

7. Infiniti QX60

Starting price: $47,875 to $61,375
Selling points: Elegant, smooth-shifting, great storage space 
Weak spot: Stiff ride, no Android Auto available
If you’re looking for a sizable family vehicle, consider the three-row
Infiniti QX60
. This is the only alternative on our list with a standard third row, which provides adequate room for children and small adults alike. Passengers ride in style with full-leather seating and ventilated front seats with a massage option for the driver and passenger. 
You’ll also be driving with ease thanks to the new nine-speed automatic transmission that offers smoother shifting than previous model years, though overall the ride is somewhat stiff. Despite that, it’s still a comfortable drive, especially when you consider the towing capacity: up to 6,000 pounds of towing power
MORE: Infiniti QX60 towing capacity

8. Lincoln Nautilus

Starting price: $45,285 to $67,905 
Selling points: Smooth ride, huge infotainment screen
Weak spot: Peak luxury is pricey, poor fuel efficiency
Back in the day, the
Lincoln Town Car
reigned supreme as the premium luxury ride ruling the suburbs. It went the way of the dodo in 2011, leaving a space for the top dog of understated luxury. Today, Lincoln has struck gold again with the
Nautilus
.
Old-school, plush Lincoln luxury in a modernized package, the Nautilus has touchscreen infotainment features and driver-assist tech that take the guesswork out of navigating a large vehicle. Upgrade to a Reserve or Black Label and you’ll get a wireless smartphone charging pad. And if you’ve got kiddos, rear-seat entertainment is available as an option on all trim levels.
Overall, if you’re looking for a lush interior coupled with a smooth ride, there’s no choice other than the Lincoln Nautilus. 

BMW X5 vs. the competition

Want to see it all laid out? Below is our side-by-side comparison of the 2022 BMW X5 with its fiercest competitors.
Model
Starting price range
Engine options
Maximum seating capacity
Maximum cargo volume
Maximum towing capacity
Fuel economy (city/highway/combined)
$61,595 to $84,095
V6, hybrid, or twin-turbo V8
5 to 7
72.3 cubic feet
6,603 pounds
20/26/22 mpg
$57,200 to $81,200
4-cylinder, V6, or V8
5 to 7
80.3 cubic feet
7,200 pounds
19/26/22 mpg
$71,995 to $82,095
V6
5
60.1 cubic feet
7,700 pounds
17/22/19 mpg
$40,345 to $55,295
Turbocharged 4-cylinder
5
58.9 cubic feet
1,500 pounds
21/26/23 mpg
Genesis
GV80
$51,295 to $78,295
4-cylinder or twin-turbo V6
5 to 7
84.0 cubic feet
6,000 pounds
21/25/22 mpg
$45,290 to $57,090
turbo 4-cylinder or V6
5
63.0 cubic feet
1,000 pounds
21/28/24 mpg
$46,995 to $59,185
V6 or hybrid powertrain
5 to 7
58.5 cubic feet
3,500 pounds
19/26/22 mpg
$47,875 to $61,375
V6
6 to 7
75.4 cubic feet
6,000 pounds
21/26/23 mpg
$45,285 to $67,905
turbo 4-cylinder or V6
5
68.8 cubic feet
2,000 pounds
21/26/23 mpg
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It can be challenging to compare the BMW X5 with all its alternatives—especially if you’re considering one that’s not on our list. Making the right decision takes time, so don’t rush yourself.
You can speed up the process when it comes to buying
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