Compare the2024 Acura RDXVS 2023 BMW X1

For enhanced safety, the front seat shoulder belts of the Acura RDX are height-adjustable to accommodate a wide variety of driver and passenger heights. A better fit can prevent injuries and the increased comfort also encourages passengers to buckle up. The BMW X1 doesn’t offer height-adjustable seat belts.

Both the RDX and the X1 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, all wheel drive, 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 available around view monitors.

For its performance in IIHS driver-side and passenger-side small overlap frontal, moderate overlap frontal, updated side impact, headlight, daytime pedestrian crash prevention, and nighttime pedestrian crash prevention testing, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the RDX its highest rating: “Top Safety Pick Plus” for 2023, a rating granted to only 36 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The X1 has not been tested, yet.

Acura’s powertrain warranty covers the RDX 2 years and 20,000 miles longer than BMW covers the X1. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 6 years or 70,000 miles. Coverage on the X1 ends after only 4 years or 50,000 miles.

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the RDX’s reliability 12 points higher than the X1.

The RDX’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder produces 31 more horsepower (272 vs. 241) than the X1’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder.

As tested in Consumer Reports the Acura RDX is faster than the BMW X1:

The RDX has 2.8 gallons more fuel capacity than the X1 (17.1 vs. 14.3 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

The RDX has a standard cap-less fueling system. The fuel filler is automatically opened when the fuel nozzle is inserted and automatically closed when it’s removed. This eliminates the need to unscrew and replace the cap and it reduces fuel evaporation, which causes pollution. The X1 doesn’t offer a cap-less fueling system.

A 10-speed automatic is standard on the Acura RDX, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only a seven-speed automatic is available for the X1.

The RDX stops shorter than the X1:

For better traction, the RDX has larger standard tires than the X1 (235/55R19 vs. 225/55R18). The RDX A-Spec’s tires are larger than the largest tires available on the X1 (255/45R20 vs. 245/45R19).

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the RDX has standard 19-inch wheels. Smaller 18-inch wheels are standard on the X1.

The RDX has a standard easy tire fill system. When inflating the tires, the vehicle’s integrated tire pressure sensors keep track of the pressure as the tires fill and tell the driver when the tires are inflated to the proper pressure. The X1 doesn’t offer vehicle monitored tire inflation.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the RDX’s wheelbase is 2.3 inches longer than on the X1 (108.3 inches vs. 106 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the RDX is 1.9 inches wider in the front and 2.4 inches wider in the rear than on the X1.

For greater off-road capability the RDX has a greater minimum ground clearance than the X1 (8.2 vs. 8.1 inches), allowing the RDX to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

The RDX uses computer-generated active noise cancellation to help remove annoying noise and vibration from the passenger compartment, especially at low frequencies. The X1 doesn’t offer active noise cancellation.

The RDX has 1.2 inches more front legroom, 3.6 inches more front shoulder room, 1.4 inches more rear legroom and 1.5 inches more rear shoulder room than the X1.

The RDX has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat up than the X1 with its rear seat up (31.1 vs. 25.7 cubic feet). The RDX has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the X1 with its rear seat folded (79.8 vs. 57.2 cubic feet).

Pulling a handle automatically lowers the RDX’s rear seats, to make changing between passengers and cargo easier. The X1 doesn’t offer automatic folding seats.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Acura service is better than BMW. J.D. Power ranks Acura 6th in service department satisfaction (above the industry average). With a 5% lower rating, BMW is ranked 7th.

The RDX’s standard easy entry system glides the driver’s seat back, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The X1 doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The RDX’s front and rear power windows all 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 X1’s rear power window switches have to be held the entire time to open or close them fully.

To improve rear visibility by keeping the rear window clear, the RDX has a standard rear fixed intermittent wiper with a full on position. The rear wiper standard on the X1 only has an intermittent setting, so in a hard rain visibility isn’t as good.

The RDX’s standard side window demisters help clear frost or condensation from the side windows in the winter. The X1 doesn’t even offer side window demisters, so the driver may have to wipe the windows from the outside to gain side vision.

The RDX has standard heated front seats. Heated front seats cost extra on the X1. The RDX Advance also has standard heated rear seats to keep those passengers extremely comfortable in the winter. Heated rear seats aren’t available in the X1.

Standard air-conditioned seats in the RDX A-Spec/Advance keep the driver and front passenger comfortable and take the sting out of hot seats in Summer. The X1 doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats.

On extremely cold winter days, the RDX’s optional heated steering wheel provides comfort, allowing the driver to steer safely and comfortably before the vehicle heater warms up. The X1 doesn’t offer a heated steering wheel.

Insurance will cost less for the RDX owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the RDX will cost $1300 to $1610 less than the X1 over a five-year period.

The RDX will cost the buyer less in the long run because of its superior resale value. The IntelliChoice estimates that the RDX will retain 53.7% to 55% of its original price after five years, while the X1 only retains 53.35%.

The Acura RDX has won recognition from these important consumer publications:

The Acura RDX outsold the BMW X1 by over three to one during 2022.