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BMW’s entry-level SUV, the X1, is a two-row SUV that has been the favorite of many since 2009. The model has received multiple updates over the years, with the 2023 model featuring a brand new design. Several improvements have been made to the vehicle’s chassis, powertrain, and interior.
Unlike its predecessors, the SUV now boasts a new 241-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine that comes paired with standard all-wheel drive and a seven-speed automatic transmission. According to BMW, this refreshed powertrain delivers enough power for the vehicle to hit 60 mph in 6.2 seconds. The car has a top speed of 149 mph with performance tires — and 130 mph without them.
If you’re looking for competitors that offer similar features to the BMW X1, look no further. My personal favorites are the Audi Q3, the Cadillac XT4, and the Infiniti QX30. There are many other similar SUVs available on the market today. Here is a list of vehicles that are similar to the 2022 BM X1.
1. 2022 Audi Q3
The BMW X1 and the Audi Q3 are two very closely aligned German-engineered luxury crossovers. You will find lots of similarities between these two cars in every major category. And that certainly includes price.
The base BMW XC1 sDrive28i has a suggested price of $35,400, and the Audi Q3 Premium 40 TSFI Quattro comes with a base tag of $36,400. You can see that the two are basically in the same pricing ballpark.
On paper, these two vehicles have a lot of similarities. Both offer their drivers a refined experience, and they combine luxury with practicality.
The 2022 Audi Q3 is gas-powered, with an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission. The car is a five-seater, and it boasts a combined MPG of 26 MPG. It comes with a base engine size of 2.0L, delivering 184 hp @ 4,800 rpm.
In case you are wondering about the towing capacity, you can expect to be pulling trailers of up to 2000kg with this awesome SUV. The previous Audi Q3 was more practical and, at times, a bit harsh. On the other hand, you can think of the new one as being a bit more fun.
It has loads of high-tech, and it looks up to the way more advanced SUVs like the Lamborghini Urus. However, as much fun as this car might be, it represents Audi when it comes to the class of premium small SUVs.
2. The 2022 Jaguar E-Pace
This vehicle scales the crossover SUV to urban dimensions but maintains great power and handling. Like the BMW X1, it’s a small four-wheel-drive SUV that features a gas-powered intercooler turbo engine delivering 296 hp.
The car has a five-passenger capacity, and again that’s the same spec on the X1. They both have a sports utility body style and automatic transmission.
The Jaguar E-Pace borrows heavily from the Jaguar cupboard. The car’s exterior shape is clearly similar in many ways to the larger F-Pace. The E-pace ranges in price from $47,940 to about $51,000.
It has a city MPG of 21 MPG and a highway MPG of 26 MPG. When properly equipped, the E-PACE boasts a towing capacity of up to 3,968 pounds.
3. Mercedes Benz GLA Class
So you are looking to get an SUV, and you are considering a BMW X1. It may be a good idea to look into other SUVs around the $40,000 ballpark. While there are many in this range, one of the best BMW X1 competitors is the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLA.
With this vehicle, you are looking at a premium sound system, large central touchscreen, and Mercedes’ advanced gauge cluster display.
You can easily cross-shop this vehicle against the BMW X1. Both of these vehicles pack 2.0-liter turbo-four engines. The powerful beast delivers 221 hp in the Mercedes and 228 hp in the BMW.
Both SUVs come with eight-speed auto-transmissions. You will, however, get a dual-clutch in the GLA and the more conventional planetary unit in the X1. Like the BMW X1, the GLA is a five-seater that snaps off a 0-60-mph time of just 6.3 seconds. You can definitely see why these two are a match made in heaven.
If you are looking to upgrade to something more basic, you can stick to the X1, but if you are gunning for something on the luxurious side, you may want to consider the GLA. While they may be similar in size, the GLA has a more stylish cabin, slicker HVAC controls, and lots of other toys to play with.
4. Cadillac XT4
Looking for something a bit more expensive than the BMW X1? The Cadillac XT4 isn’t too far, and for someone with a more flexible budget, it might be worth considering. Coming in at around $35,795 to $42,095, this car has a lot of similarities to the X1.
It’s powered by a 2.0-liter 4 Cylinder Gasoline Engine that delivers 235-hp, a little more than the X1’s 228hp. The fuel efficiency is almost identical, with the XT4 featuring 22 – 24 MPG in the city and highway figures of 29 – 30 MPG. Like the BMW X1, the car is a five-seater with the option of either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.
Technically, the XT4 is one size up from the BMW X1. This makes it more of a competitor to the BMW X3. However, if you are looking for a bit more rear passenger space, you may want to consider it.
Also, if you are finding the styling of the X1 a bit more predictable, the XT4 might just move your meter. The XT4 just shows you how strong the competition in this corner of the SUV market is.
5. Infiniti QX30
You might think of the QX30 as a hatchback with a slightly raised height, but it does offer some competition to the BMW X1 in many respects. The QX30’s engine packs 20 fewer horses than the BMW X1, yet you get the exact same 258 lb-ft torque.
This car is also based on a similar platform to the GLA-Class, which makes it even more attractive, especially considering that it’s nearly $4,000 cheaper than the BMW X1. This will leave you with enough cash to opt for the highest trim levels, where you will start seeing features like driver assistance.
The Infiniti QX30 comes with a 155kW/350Nm 2.0-liter petrol-powered single-turbo four-cylinder petrol engine. It features a seven-speed transmission that’s wired into a Mercedes Benz-sourced all-wheel-drive system.
6. 2022 Range Rover Evoque
What makes this car similar to the BMW1? A lot, actually. The Evoque comes with a well-tailored interior, a roomy cabin, and a turbocharged engine for impressive power delivery.
While the Evoque’s handling is less agile than the BMW X1, it can still be a good alternative if you are looking for something with impressive off-roading heritage. This is one of the factors that makes this car undeniably an SUV rather than a pumped-up hatchback.
The five-seater Range Rover Evoque features an Intercooled Turbo engine with an MPG of 20 city and 27 highway. With the power this vehicle delivers, you can tow up to 3968 pounds.
This is one of the first crossovers to come in a petite size. With this car’s terrain response system, you will probably get more off-roading capabilities than you will ever need, especially if you do most of your driving in the city. When it comes to horsepower, you will get 237, which is a little more than the X1.
You can also extend to the 286-hp version if you have no problem choosing the two highest trim levels. However, all this luxury and power comes at a cost. This model starts at $42,795, which is justified considering you will get things like leather upholstery, navigation, and 12-way power-adjustable front seats.
7. Mazda CX5
The Mazda CX5 comes in a bit cheaper than the x1, so if you are looking for something a bit cheaper, the $29,481 vehicle can be a great pick. Like the BMW X1, the 2021 Mazda CX-5 is a five-seater compact crossover SUV.
The car has great road manners and a shapely body. The top models come with leather-lined luxury. You can think of this one as a vehicle that’s trying super hard to be sporty.
Moving on to performance, the CX5 gas-powered standard engine delivers 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque. On the other hand, the Turbo and Turbo Signature variants boast 227 hp of regular octane gas. The Mazda CX5 delivers a 6.8 sec zero to sixty time, which is quite impressive.
The fuel economy is almost similar to that of the BMW X1, with a 24 MPG city and a highway MPG of 30 MPG.
Related: Subaru Outback vs Mazda CX 5
8. 2022 Lexus UX
This vehicle is ideal for buyers who are looking for a small hatchback that’s marketed as a crossover SUV. This car packs a lot of premium features, but it also comes at a premium price. Considering we already mentioned it’s a hatchback, you shouldn’t expect a lot in terms of higher seating positions, cargo areas, and superior towing capabilities.
The car is also somewhat less practical and a bit less powerful. The car comes as both hybrid and fuel-drive only. As you might expect, the hybrid offers great fuel economy, but it’s the fuel-only version that proves thriftier at highway speeds.
As mentioned before, the Lexus falls a bit short when it comes to power. Though the cars are almost similar when it comes to exterior dimensions, and both are five-seaters, the 169-hp, 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine gasoline-powered engine on the Lexus is a lot less powerful compared to the X1’s 228 horses. Also, unlike the X1, you get a continuous variable transmission in this smaller SUV.
9. MINI Countryman
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The BMW X1 and the MINI Countryman are very similar. Apart from being built on the same basic platform, these cars use similar drivetrains and powertrains. If you are starting to get the idea that these two cars are the same under the skin, then you are correct.
You will also notice that the prices are in the same range. So, what separates these two? Well, the differences are also quite obvious. Bigger is better for the Countryman.
You will get a lot more space, better technology, and a more mature styling treatment. The Countryman’s Cooper S ALL and the X1 used the same B48 engine. It’s a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. This makes the two mechanically incredibly similar. Choosing between the two may end up just being a matter of preference.
For the four-wheel drive option, the Countryman starts at $31,950. This undercuts the BMW’s $36,095. If you are looking to go on a lot of family shopping trips, the Countryman might just be what you are looking for.
As mentioned before, you get a lot more space for your shopping bags. You will, however, get fewer horses on the Countryman. The X1’s engine delivers 228 hp, while the Countryman only makes 189 hp.
That’s almost 40 fewer horses than the Bimmer. This makes the Countryman a lot less lively in comparison. With the Bimmer, you will get from 0 to 60 in just under six seconds, compared to the Countryman’s seven seconds.
10. 2022 Mazda CX-3
Looking for something cheaper and a little less premium? This might just be what you are looking for. While a lot of us might love an X1, the budget can be a bit on the expensive side.
So can you get something similar in the $20,000 range? The short answer is Mazda CX-3. Like the X1, this five-seater SUV is great for someone looking for a family car. It also has a lot of trim levels to choose from.
The revised CX-3 comes with a better exterior design and a much more prestigious badge on the front and back of it. If you are looking for something close to BMW’s typical ride and handling abilities, there will be lots to like on the CX-3. The car starts at a relatively affordable $28,140.
A good description of the CX-3 would be desirable and delectably tempting to look at. This is the type of car that can cause you to abandon all logical and practical concerns. Fortunately, this is not one of those stupidly expensive vehicles, so if it turns out to be a mistake, it won’t be a costly one.
The car comes with a SKYACTIV-D 1.8-liter turbo-diesel engine that delivers a torque of 270Nm. When it comes to fuel consumption, you will get a performance almost similar to that of the X1, with 24 MPG in the City and 31 on the highway. These figures are almost identical to those of the X1.
Electric Vehicles Similar to the BMW X1
11. 2021 Volvo XC40
Looking for something with a smaller footprint but in the same price range as the BMW X1? The XC40 might just be what you need. Starting from a little under $35,000, this car is another great SUV similar to the X1.
The vehicle is an all-electric power-packed SUV that delivers 402 horsepower under the hood. It’s also one of the more performance-oriented SUVs on this list.
The XC40 can accelerate from 0-62mph in just 4.9 seconds. It has a top speed that’s limited to 112mph. You can think of this vehicle as a high-personality compact crossover that packs loads of features for the money.
If you are looking for a greener BMW X1 competitor, then this might just be what you want. The entry-level XC40 is powered by a 184-hp motor, so you will get plenty of power. If you’re a Volvo fan, you’ll also be happy to know that it also offers plenty of tech, too.
When properly equipped, this vehicle can tow up to 3500 pounds. However, this also depends on the engine that you choose and the trim level. Much like the higher-end models, you will find features like driver assistance and this will make your driving experience awesome.