Compare the2023 BMW X1VS 2023 Kia Niro

The BMW X1 has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags helps prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The Niro doesn’t offer a front passenger side knee airbag.

The X1 has a standard PostCrash iBrake, which automatically applies the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The Niro doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

The X1 has all-wheel drive to maximize traction under poor conditions, especially in ice and snow. The Niro doesn’t offer all-wheel drive.

The X1 offers an optional Surround View to allow the driver to see objects all around the vehicle on a screen. The Niro only offers a rear monitor and front and rear parking sensors that beep or flash a light. That doesn’t help with obstacles to the sides.

Both the X1 and the Niro have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning and driver alert monitors.

The BMW X1 weighs 503 to 679 pounds more than the Kia Niro. The NHTSA advises that heavier vehicles are much safer in collisions than their significantly lighter counterparts.

The X1’s corrosion warranty is 7 years and unlimited miles longer than the Niro’s (12/unlimited vs. 5/100,000).

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. Kia doesn’t pay scheduled maintenance for the Niro.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2021 Auto Issue reports that BMW vehicles are more reliable than Kia vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks BMW 3 places higher in reliability than Kia.

The X1’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder produces 102 more horsepower (241 vs. 139) and 100 lbs.-ft. more torque (295 vs. 195) than the Niro’s 1.6 DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid.

Both the X1 and Niro have a standard automatic start/stop engine feature to stop unnecessary fuel waste and pollution at stoplights and heavy traffic. The X1 has a standard disable switch for the system, so a driver can keep the engine from shutting off when the vehicle stops temporarily.

The X1 has 3.2 gallons more fuel capacity than the Niro (14.3 vs. 11.1 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

A seven-speed automatic (SMG) is standard on the BMW X1, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only a six-speed automatic is available for the Niro.

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 Niro doesn’t offer launch control.

The X1’s standard front and rear disc brakes are vented to help dissipate heat for shorter stops with less fading. The rear discs on the Niro are solid, not vented.

For better traction, the X1 has larger standard tires than the Niro (225/55R18 vs. 205/60R16). The X1’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the Niro (245/45R19 vs. 225/45R18).

The X1’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 55 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Niro’s standard 60 series tires. The X1’s optional tires have a lower 40 series profile than the Niro Touring’s 45 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the X1 has standard 18-inch wheels. Smaller 16-inch wheels are standard on the Niro. The X1’s optional 20-inch wheels are larger than the 18-inch wheels on the Niro Touring.

The X1 has a standard 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 Niro; it requires you to depend on roadside assistance and your vehicle will have to be towed.

The X1 offers an optional driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads or off-road. The Niro’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

The X1 has vehicle speed sensitive variable-assist power steering, for low-effort parking, better control at highway speeds and during hard cornering, and a better feel of the road. The Niro doesn’t offer variable-assist power steering.

The X1’s front to rear weight distribution is more even (56.7% to 43.3%) than the Niro’s (61% to 39%). This gives the X1 more stable handling and braking.

For greater off-road capability the X1 has a 1.8 inches greater minimum ground clearance than the Niro (8.1 vs. 6.3 inches), allowing the X1 to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

The design of the BMW X1 amounts to more than styling. The X1 has an aerodynamic coefficient of drag of .27 Cd. That is lower than the Niro (.29) and many sports cars. A more efficient exterior helps keep the interior quieter and helps the X1 get better fuel mileage.

For enhanced passenger comfort on long trips the X1’s rear seats recline. The Niro’s rear seats don’t recline.

The X1 has a much larger cargo volume than the Niro with its rear seat up (25.7 vs. 22.8 cubic feet).

A standard locking glovebox (which can’t be accessed with the valet key) keeps your small valuables safer in the X1. The Niro doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

The X1 has a 3500 lbs. towing capacity. The Niro has no towing capacity.

Standard Trailer Stabilization Control on the X1 uses the Dynamic Stability Control sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. The Niro doesn’t offer electronic trailer sway control.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that BMW service is better than Kia. J.D. Power ranks BMW 7th in service department satisfaction (above the industry average). With a 32% lower rating, Kia is ranked 26th.

The X1’s front power windows open or close fully with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside the car. The Niro’s standard passenger windows don’t open or close automatically. The Niro SX’s rear windows don’t close automatically.

If the windows are left open on the X1 the driver can close them all at the outside door handle or from a distance using the remote. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows from a distance using the keyless remote. The driver of the Niro can only close the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

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 Niro’s standard manually variable intermittent wipers have to be constantly adjusted.

To help drivers avoid possible obstacles, the X1 has standard cornering lights to illuminate around corners when the turn signals are activated. The Niro doesn’t offer cornering lights.

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 Niro offers an automatic rear view mirror, but its side mirrors don’t dim.