Compare the2025 BMW X1VS 2025 Lexus NX

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 NX 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 NX 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.

To provide maximum traction and stability on all roads, All-Wheel Drive is standard on the X1. But it costs extra on the NX.

Both the X1 and the NX 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, driver alert monitors and available around view monitors.

Side impacts caused 23% of all road fatalities in 2018, down from 29% in 2003, when the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety introduced its side barrier test. In order to continue improving vehicle safety, the IIHS has started using a more severe side impact test: 37 MPH (up from 31 MPH), with a 4180-pound barrier (up from 3300 pounds). The results of this newly developed test demonstrates that the BMW X1 is safer than the NX:

The X1’s corrosion warranty is 6 years longer than the NX’s (12 vs. 6 years).

BMW pays for scheduled maintenance on the X1 for 2 years and 26000 miles longer than Lexus pays for maintenance for the NX (3/36,000 vs. 1/10,000).

There are over 43 percent more BMW dealers than there are Lexus dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the X1’s warranty.

The X1 has more powerful engines than the NX:

As tested in Motor Trend the BMW X1 is faster than the Lexus NX:

On the EPA test cycle the X1 gets better mileage than the NX running its gasoline engine:

Regardless of its engine, regenerative brakes improve the X1’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. Lexus only offers a regenerative brake system on the NX 350h/450h.

Both the X1 and the NX have a standard automatic start/stop engine feature to stop unnecessary fuel waste and pollution at stoplights and heavy traffic. All X1s have a standard disable switch for the system, so a driver can keep the engine from shutting off when the vehicle stops temporarily. The NX 350h/450h+ doesn’t offer a way to disable start/stop.

The X1 offers a standard sequential manual gearbox (SMG). With no clutch pedal to worry about and a fully automatic mode, an SMG is much more efficient than a conventional automatic but just as easy to drive. The NX doesn’t offer an SMG or a conventional manual transmission.

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 NX doesn’t offer launch control.

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

The X1 stops much shorter than the NX:

For better traction, the X1’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the NX (245/45R19 vs. 235/60R18).

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 NX’s standard 60 series tires. The X1’s optional tires have a lower 40 series profile than the NX’s optional 50 series tires.

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 NX; 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 M35i xDrive handles at .88 G’s, while the NX 350 AWD pulls only .81 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The X1 M35i xDrive executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 2.5 seconds quicker than the NX 450h+ AWD (25.9 seconds @ .69 average G’s vs. 28.4 seconds @ .57 average G’s).

For greater off-road capability the X1 has a greater minimum ground clearance than the NX 350 F Sport Handling AWD (8.1 vs. 7.7 inches), allowing the X1 to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

The X1 xDrive28i is 6.3 inches shorter than the NX, making the X1 easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The design of the BMW X1 amounts to more than styling. The X1 has an aerodynamic coefficient of drag of .27 Cd. That is significantly lower than the NX (.35) and many sports cars. A more efficient exterior helps keep the interior quieter and helps the X1 get better fuel mileage.

The front grille of the X1 uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The NX doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

The X1 has 3.8 inches more front headroom, .8 inches more rear headroom, .9 inches more rear legroom and 1.1 inches more rear shoulder room than the NX.

The X1 has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat up than the NX with its rear seat up (25.7 vs. 22.7 cubic feet). The X1 has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the NX with its rear seat folded (57.2 vs. 46.9 cubic feet).

The X1’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the NX’s (3500 vs. 0 pounds).

The power windows standard on both the X1 and the NX 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 NX prevents the driver from operating the other windows just as it does the other passengers.

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 NX can only close the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

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 NX doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

Consumer Reports rated the X1’s headlight performance “Good,” a higher rating than the NX’s headlights, which were rated “Fair.”

Consumer Reports® recommends both the BMW X1 and the Lexus NX, 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 NX isn’t in the top three in its category.