Compare the2022 BMW X1VS 2022 Infiniti QX55

The X1’s optional driver alert monitor detects an inattentive driver then sounds a warning and suggests a break. According to the NHTSA, drivers who fall asleep cause about 100,000 crashes and 1500 deaths a year. The QX55 doesn’t offer a driver alert monitor.

Both the X1 and the QX55 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, plastic fuel tanks, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras and available all wheel drive.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the BMW X1 is safer than the Infiniti QX55:

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

For its top level performance in IIHS driver-side small overlap frontal, moderate overlap frontal, side impact, rear impact and roof-crush tests, its standard front crash prevention system, its “Good” rating in the new passenger-side small overlap crash test, and its headlight’s “Acceptable” rating, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the X1 the rating of “Top Pick” for 2019, a rating granted to only 175 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The QX55 has not been tested, yet.

The X1’s corrosion warranty is 5 years longer than the QX55’s (12 vs. 7 years).

BMW pays for scheduled maintenance on the X1 for 3 years and 36,000 miles. BMW will pay for oil changes, lubrication and any other required maintenance. Infiniti doesn’t pay scheduled maintenance for the QX55.

There are over 71 percent more BMW dealers than there are Infiniti dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the X1’s warranty.

To reliably power the ignition and other systems and to recharge the battery, the X1 has a standard 150-amp alternator. The QX55’s 130-amp alternator isn’t as powerful.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2021 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that BMW vehicles are better in initial quality than Infiniti vehicles. J.D. Power ranks BMW 20th in initial quality. With 4 more problems per 100 vehicles, Infiniti is ranked 21st.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2021 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that BMW vehicles are more reliable than Infiniti vehicles. J.D. Power ranks BMW 10th in reliability, above the industry average. With 29 more problems per 100 vehicles, Infiniti is ranked 23rd.

On the EPA test cycle the X1 gets better mileage than the QX55:

Regenerative brakes improve the X1’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The QX55 doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

In heavy traffic or at stop lights the X1’s engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. The engine is automatically restarted when the driver gets ready to move again. If the conditions warrant or the driver wishes, the system can be manually disabled at any time for the duration of a trip. The QX55 doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the BMW X1 higher (7 out of 10) than the Infiniti QX55 (6). This means the X1 produces up to 1.1 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the QX55 every 15,000 miles.

The X1’s launch control uses engine electronics to hold engine RPM’s precisely in order to provide the most stable and rapid acceleration possible, using all of the available traction. The QX55 doesn’t offer launch control.

The X1 offers an optional space-saver spare tire so you can replace a flat tire and drive to have the flat repaired or replaced. A spare tire isn’t available on the QX55; it requires you to depend on its run-flat tires, which limits mileage and speed before they are repaired. If a run-flat is damaged beyond repair by a road hazard your vehicle will have to be towed.

The X1 has standard front and rear gas-charged shocks for better control over choppy roads. The QX55’s suspension doesn’t offer gas-charged shocks.

The BMW X1 may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 350 to 500 pounds less than the Infiniti QX55.

The X1 is 10.8 inches shorter than the QX55, making the X1 easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The X1 has 2 inches more front headroom, .8 inches more front legroom and 2.5 inches more rear headroom than the QX55.

The X1 has a larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the QX55 with its rear seat folded (58.7 vs. 54.1 cubic feet).

A low lift-over cargo hatch design makes loading and unloading the X1 easier. The X1’s cargo hatch lift-over height is 28.5 inches, while the QX55’s liftover is 29.9 inches.

The power windows standard on both the X1 and the QX55 have locks to prevent small children from operating them. When the lock on the X1 is engaged the driver can still operate all of the windows, for instance to close one opened by a child. The QX55 prevents the driver from operating the other windows just as it does the other passengers.

The X1’s rain-sensitive wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically based on the amount of rainfall on the windshield. This allows the driver to concentrate on driving without constantly adjusting the wipers. The QX55’s standard intermittent wipers change speed with vehicle speed, but can’t turn on and off or change speed based on changing rainfall.

The X1’s standard outside mirrors include heating elements to clear off the mirrors for better visibility. Infiniti only offers heated mirrors on the QX55 Essential/Sensory.

The X1’s optional rear and side view mirrors have an automatic dimming feature. These mirrors can be set to automatically darken quickly when headlights shine on them, keeping following vehicles from blinding or distracting the driver. The QX55 has an automatic rear view mirror, but its side mirrors don’t dim.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the BMW X1 offers an optional wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. The QX55 doesn’t offer wireless personal charging.

The X1’s optional Parking Assistant can parallel park by itself, with the driver only controlling speed with the brake pedal. The QX55 doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

The X1 is available in both front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive configurations. The QX55 doesn’t offer a two-wheel drive configuration.

The X1 was chosen as one of Car and Driver’s “Top Five/10Best Trucks” for 3 of the last 5 years. The QX55 has never been a Car and Driver “Top Five/10Best Truck” pick.