12 Cars Similar to BMW X5

The BMW X5 was introduced in 1999 as one of the first SUVs to feel genuinely rewarding to drive. It combined practicality with a sense of refinement that made it stand out right away. Over the years, it has become a familiar choice for drivers who want both comfort and confidence on the road.

Still, other models offer a different take on what makes a luxury SUV appealing. Let’s explore a few alternatives that capture some of the X5’s strengths but with their own character.

1. Audi Q5

The Audi Q5 combines smooth, punchy engines with a high-quality, spacious interior that rivals bigger SUVs. The ride is comfortable, especially with air suspension, and four-wheel drive keeps traction sure in all conditions.

Boot space and passenger room are generous. Trims like Sport offer strong value, and Vorsprung adds top-tier luxury if the budget allows. The running costs are reasonable, particularly with petrol or plug-in hybrid options, and used examples are easy to find.

2. Volvo XC60

The Volvo XC60 offers a spacious, elegant interior, supportive seats, and a boot that carries luggage easily. Engine options cover everything from the 188bhp D4 diesel to the 400bhp-plus T8 plug-in hybrid. Ride comfort is good on the standard suspension, and the optional air suspension adds extra cushioning at a higher cost.

Safety is excellent, with a five-star Euro NCAP rating and advanced driver aids across trims. The Momentum trim covers essentials well.

3. Mercedes GLC

The Mercedes GLC offers a stylish, well-built interior with plenty of space for front and rear passengers.

Engine options range from the efficient 220d and 250d diesels to the smooth 350d V6, and the AMG 43 and 63 variants deliver thrilling performance at higher running costs. The 300de plug-in hybrid provides a greener option for short electric-only trips.

Ride comfort is decent, though firmer than some rivals, and the steering feels a touch vague.

4. Lexus NX

The Lexus NX feels reliable on the road, and the cabin offers comfortable seats and well-made materials.

The 350h hybrid runs quietly and uses fuel efficiently, and the 450h plug-in hybrid adds extra power and allows for short electric-only trips. SE and Premium Pack trims provide sensible features, and F-Sport adds adaptive LED headlights and firmer suspension for better control.

Running costs are reasonable, and there are plenty of used examples to choose from.

5. Jaguar F-Pace

The Jaguar F-Pace is a lively and practical SUV. Engine choices range from efficient four-cylinder diesels to the thrilling supercharged 3.0-litre V6 and the bonkers 5.0-litre V8 in the SVR, plus mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid options.

Ride comfort is firm, and the F-Pace handles more like a sporty saloon than most of its rivals. Interiors are generally well-equipped, especially in facelift models, though early cars show some wear in materials.

6. Land Rover Discovery Sport

The Land Rover Discovery Sport is a compact SUV that combines off-road ability with everyday usability. Engines range from frugal 148bhp diesels to the 287bhp petrol P290, with mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid options for later models.

On the road, the ride is comfortable on motorways, though cornering feels soft, and the larger wheels can make town driving jittery. Interiors are well finished, especially post-facelift, but the third-row seats are better suited to children than adults.

7. BMW X3

The BMW X3 is one of the best large SUVs for drivers who enjoy sharp handling and a high-quality interior. It offers a comfortable ride and handles well, with a wide range of engines. Diesel models are better for long distances, and the 20d gives a good mix of power and fuel economy. Petrol and M models are faster but use more fuel.

Interiors are plush, with flexible rear seating and a large, well-shaped boot. The SE trim hits the sweet spot for standard equipment.

8. Mazda CX-5

The Mazda CX-5 delivers a premium-feeling cabin with plenty of space for passengers and luggage. The front seats offer good support and adjust easily, while the ones in the rear provide ample knee and headroom. The dashboard is clear, with simple controls and a sensible layout.

The car handles confidently, with minimal body roll, though the ride feels firm over bumps. Equipment levels remain generous across trims, and fuel economy is reasonable for a large SUV, especially with the diesel.

9. Skoda Kodiaq

The Skoda Kodiaq accommodates seven passengers on higher trims, and the boot provides plenty of room for luggage. The 2.0 TDI diesel balances economy with capable performance, and a plug-in hybrid option further reduces running costs and emissions. The 1.4 or 1.5 TSI petrol engines offer lively acceleration for longer journeys.

The SE trim provides a sensible mix of features, and higher trims add sat-nav, LED headlights, and Alcantara seats.

10. Kia Sorento

The Kia Sorento is roomy, well-equipped, and easy to drive. Inside, it offers soft-touch surfaces, quality trim, and plenty of space for front and middle passengers. Trim 2 already comes with most essentials like heated seats, adaptive cruise control, and an 8-inch touchscreen, and trim 3 adds leather, a bigger screen, and wireless charging.

On the road, it handles confidently for a tall SUV. Body roll is noticeable in tight corners, but it remains composed and stable on most bends.

11. Toyota Highlander

The Toyota Highlander offers a lot of space and equipment, but it comes at a high price. It's 2.5-litre petrol hybrid provides efficient power, with brisk acceleration for a large SUV.

Handling isn’t sharp, but it’s stable on most roads. Inside, there’s generous legroom in the front and middle rows, while the third row suits shorter adults or children. The dashboard is straightforward, and the boot space is decent, especially with the rear seats folded.

12. Ford Edge

The Ford Edge has bold, American-style looks and a roomy cabin that seats five adults comfortably. The front and rear seats offer plenty of space, and the boot is larger than most rivals, though it cannot fit seven. The interior mixes soft-touch materials with less refined switches and vents.

Bear in mind that the ST-Line’s sports suspension adds stiffness over bumps, so the standard setup offers the best comfort.

Verdict

In the end, the BMW X5 still stands out as a benchmark, but its rivals prove that there’s more than one way to define luxury. Some favour comfort, others lean toward excitement, and each offers its own charm.

If you’re considering a move, it might be the right moment to explore not just the models themselves but also the financing options that could make your choice more attainable.