Compare the2025 BMW X1VS 2025 Kia Niro

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Transmission
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Chassis
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Towing
Ergonomics
Recommendations

Safety

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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 BMW X1 achieved a “Top Safety Pick” rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for the 2024 model year. This recognition was based on its impressive performance in the small overlap frontal crash test, updated side impact crash test, headlight evaluations, and pedestrian crash prevention testing. The Niro has not yet been evaluated by the IIHS for 2024.

Warranty

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, tire rotations, air filter replacements, cabin filter replacement, brake fluid replacement, inspections, and any other required maintenance. Kia doesn’t pay scheduled maintenance for the Niro.

Reliability

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2024 Auto Issue reports that BMW vehicles are more reliable than Kia vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks BMW 1 place higher in reliability than Kia.

Engine

The X1 xDrive28i’s standard 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. The X1 M35i xDrive’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder produces 174 more horsepower (313 vs. 139) and 100 lbs.-ft. more torque (295 vs. 195) than the Niro’s 1.6 DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid.

As tested in Motor Trend the BMW X1 is faster than the Kia Niro:

	X1 xDrive28i	X1 M35i xDrive	Niro
Zero to 60 MPH	5.6 sec	4.8 sec	9.1 sec
Quarter Mile	14.3 sec	13.4 sec	16.9 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	97.8 MPH	104.1 MPH	81.9 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

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.

Transmission

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.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the X1’s brake rotors are larger than those on the Niro:

	X1 xDrive28i	X1 M35i xDrive	Niro
Front Rotors	13.2 inches	15.2 inches	11 inches
Rear Rotors	11.8 inches	13 inches	10.3 inches

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.

The X1 stops shorter than the Niro:

	X1	Niro
60 to 0 MPH	124 feet	133 feet	Consumer Reports
60 to 0 MPH (Wet)	136 feet	144 feet	Consumer Reports

Tires and Wheels

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 xDrive28i has a standard space-saver spare (not available on M35i) 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.

Suspension and Handling

The X1 offers an available 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’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.

The X1 M35i xDrive handles at .86 G’s, while the Niro SX pulls only .84 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The X1 M35i xDrive executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 2 seconds quicker than the Niro SX (25.9 seconds @ .69 average G’s vs. 27.9 seconds @ .59 average G’s).

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.

Chassis

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.

Passenger Space

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

Cargo Capacity

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.

Towing

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.

Ergonomics

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 has standard Comfort Go that allows you to start the engine without removing the key from the pocket or purse. Only the Niro EX/SX offers a Smart Key.

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.

Heated windshield washer nozzles are standard on the X1 to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. The Niro doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

The X1’s LED headlights produce a whiter, brighter light (up to 3x) using five times less power than the Niro’s standard projector halogen headlights and light instantly. LED lights also last over twenty times longer than halogen.

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.

The BMW X1 has power folding mirrors that offer unparalleled convenience while maneuvering in tight places or parked. With the mirrors folded it’s easier to walk past and help prevent parking damage. The mirrors can be quickly unfolded when the driver is ready to leave. Power folding mirrors are only offered on the Niro EX Touring/SX/SX Touring.

The X1’s Automatic Parking Assistant can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, with the driver only controlling the transmission and speed with the brake pedal. With its available fully controlled system, the driver just activates it and it parks autonomously, starting, stopping and changing direction automatically. The Niro doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

Recommendations

Consumer Reports® recommends both the BMW X1 and the Kia Niro, based on reliability, safety and performance.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the X1 second among small premium suvs in owner reported satisfaction. This includes how well the vehicle performs and satisfies its owner’s expectations. The Niro isn’t in the top three.