BMW X1 competitors have big shoes to fill if they want to compete for your attention at the dealership. The X1 is tough to beat because it offers buyers a nice blend of pragmatism and performance, although it’s not quite as sporty as its cousin, the BMW X2. However, it does bring fuel efficiency, great handling, and impressive cargo space to its class at a surprisingly modest price.
But that doesn’t mean the competition shouldn’t get due consideration. Models like the Volvo XC40 andMercedes-Benz GLA Class bring a lot to the table too. If you have a short list of the specs and features you’d like to see, we have a short list of the top eight BMW X1 competitors to consider.
Jerry
, the trusted insurance super app
that helps drivers save big, has a rundown of what makes these eight competing models special. We’ll even show you how to protect your ride, whether you need BMW X1 car insurance
or you decide to go with the competition!1. Volvo XC40
Starting price: $36,195 to $52,795
Selling points: Available electric powertrain, practical cabin with Swedish style, and nice tech options
Weak spot: The EV model is quite expensive, and the gas-powered model lags in efficiency
If you like lots of tech features and a comfy ride that sits high above the road, check out the 2022 Volvo XC40
. It comes with your choice of one of three powertrains: a turbocharged 184-hp 2-liter four-cylinder, a 248-hp version of the same-sized engine, or a 402-hp two-motor electric vehicle powertrain that scoots the XC40 from 0-60 mph in just 4.3 seconds. For that most powerful EV powertrain, though, you'll have to shell out over $16,000 more than the base price.
Across trims, the infotainment system is well-equipped, as you might expect from a luxury SUV, and the driver safety tech is suitable. You’ll get standard automated emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. You can also upgrade with available semi-autonomous driving mode and adaptive cruise control.
2. Mercedes-Benz GLA Class
Starting price: $37,450 to $39,450
Selling points: Attractive inside and out, comfortable interior
Weak spot: Slightly less cargo space and headroom to accommodate a less-boxy look
The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250
’s turbocharged 2-liter four-cylinder manages to push this compact SUV from 0-60 in a respectable 6.3 seconds — but that’s a half-second slower than the model’s previous generation. It’s still not a bad acceleration rate, though, and it manages to be fairly fuel efficient at the same time. The GLA 250 is a standard front-wheel drive, but the more expensive GLA 250 4Matic
has all-wheel drive and includes the Mercedes Off-Road Engineering Package. That means added off-road driving modes to help in snowy or muddy conditions. For infotainment, you’ll get dual 7-inch touchscreen displays which can be upgraded to 10.3-inch displays in the Premium Package. Expected luxury infotainment features, like navigation and heads-up display, are available but not standard.
3. Lexus NX
Starting price: $39,425 to $58,475
Selling points: Available hybrid and PHEV powertrains
Weak spot: The most powerful of the lineup is the PHEV, which costs nearly $20,000 more than the base
The 2022 Lexus NX
is coming in hot with a fresh redesign and four available powertrains. These include the base 203-hp four-cylinder, a turbocharged 275-hp four, a hybrid 239-hp four-cylinder combined with two electric motors for the hybrid setup, and a 304-hp four-cylinder PHEV model. The base level fuel economy falls in about the same range as its competitors, but the PHEV gets an outstanding 84 MPGe — in exchange for a hefty price tag. The NX also brings generous offerings for standard safety tech, including standard adaptive cruise control, plus a comfortable interior and agreeable standard infotainment system.
4. Lincoln Corsair
Starting price: $37,775 to $53,005
Selling points: Well-appointed interior and stunning exterior design
Weak spot: It’s capable but not competitive on the road. Don’t expect big thrills.
The Lincoln Corsair is more for pragmatists than it is for thrill-seekers. Its two gas-powered engine options are nearly identical in terms of performance, but if you opt for the large 2.3-liter four-cylinder, you’ll get AWD thrown in, too.
There’s an available PHEV that’s not as powerful but is much more efficient. Unfortunately, it’s also really noisy.
The interior is comfortable and functional on the base trim, but if you move up to the Revel, which costs nearly $5,000 more, you’ll get lots of features for the hefty price, including heated leather front seats, built-in navigation, a panoramic sunroof, and a 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat.
5. Audi Q3
Starting price: $37,595 to $43,195
Selling points: Looks and feels more expensive than it is, drives with some flair
Weak spot: The back seat’s a little cramped, and there’s some lag between the gas pedal and the acceleration.
The Audi Q3
is the least expensive Audi SUV you can buy, and even though it’s not the quickest in its class, the 2-liter turbocharged four performs adequately. You’ll get from 0-60 mph in a somewhat leisurely 7.3 seconds. The Q3’s look is more modern than it is sporty, so there is no attempt at deception regarding what kind of performance you can expect. Still, it’s an enjoyable ride, especially considering the Q3’s super-soft suspension and plush leather seats that come standard even on the base model. They accompany a power sunroof, valet function, heated front seats, and other amenities typically reserved for higher trims.
6. Jaguar E-Pace
Starting price: $42,850 to $51,045
Selling points: The exclusivity of driving a Jaguar, standard AWD, and up to five years of complimentary maintenance.
Weak spot: It’s not as refined, efficient, or well-appointed as competitors, despite costing a lot more.
If you’re an Anglophile or you just have a thing for the Jaguar brand, we’ll humor you with the 2022 E-Pace’s
better qualities. The cabin’s front end is designed with the driver fully in mind, as all infotainment and comfort functions are easily accessible and visible from the driver’s seat. Its digital gauge cluster and touchscreen infotainment system are well-positioned and easy to operate, and its standard safety features are generous when compared to its contemporaries. Jaguar also offers an exceptional complementary maintenance schedule that lasts just as long as the five-year/60,000-mile factory warranty.
On the downside, it’s not nearly as fuel efficient as competitors in its class. The interior is nice, but nothing out of the ordinary for a luxury SUV. And the base price is several thousand dollars higher than other builds, even from European manufacturers.
7. Lexus UX
Starting price: $34,525 to $41,865
Selling points: Affordable with a nice-but-smallish cabin and generous standard features
Weak spot: Unimpressive engine and lethargic acceleration
The Lexus UX
delivers in lots of areas where others falter. For instance, the seats in front and back are comfortable — although the legroom and headroom aren’t impressive — and the armrests feature convenient multimedia controls. Although it’s not super powerful, the UX is available with a gas or hybrid powertrain, and you can pick between FWD and AWD. And its handling is more like that of a low-profile car than a chunky little compact SUV. The UX is also rich in standard features, like dual-zone climate control, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, forward-collision warning, automatic high beam headlights, and many other perks that you’d usually have to buy into with a package.
But a potential mood killer is the UX’s notorious infotainment system, which features a bamboozling touchpad control. That’s right, it’s a touchpad, not a touchscreen. Operating it is like using a laptop without a mouse, except somehow it’s even more awkward than that. While the modest price sure is appealing, it really might not be enough to get over the infotainment controls.
8. Cadillac XT4
Starting price: $36,940 to $43,040
Selling points: Great cargo and passenger space, standard wi-fi hotspot
Weak spot: Not notably athletic or responsive, interior falls short of expectations
Although it’s marketed as a sporty compact SUV, the 2022 Cadillac XT4
isn’t particularly spirited. However, it’s a capable and comfortable ute that just happens to be overshadowed by other models with faster acceleration and more responsive steering. Its 235-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine carries across all trim levels, and it’s matched to a nine-speed automatic transmission and your choice of AWD or FWD. Its braking is notably excellent, as is the infotainment system. Standard wi-fi hotspot on all trims is a huge bonus, too.
While Cadillac is known for its extensive autonomous driving and safety technology features, most of them are only available as options. Forward collision warning and automated emergency braking both do come standard on the XT4, though.
BMW X1 vs. the competition
For a more succinct guide, check out this table laying it all out:
| | | | | | Fuel economy (combined/city/highway) |
---|
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
How to compare car insurance quotes in under a minute
Comparing car models is a lot of work and takes quite a bit of time, but it’s an important step when you’re shopping for a new vehicle. You should do the same when you shop for your insurance policy. Seem like too much work? Make it easy with the Jerry
app! Jerry will comparison shop for the best car insurance
policies for you from its network of 55+ top-rated providers. You can switch over to your new policy right on your phone, without any paperwork, unwanted phone calls, or salespeople. And best of all, Jerry users save an average of $800+ a year on car insurance! “I heard about Jerry
through a podcast and decided to try it out. My 2008 Range Rover Sport was costing me $168/month before Jerry found me the exact same coverage for $84/month under Plymouth Rock. I’ll definitely keep shopping for insurance with Jerry.” —Eileen P.
RECOMMENDEDNo spam or unwanted phone calls · No long forms