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Don't get hung up on the 2022 BMW X1's bread-box shape. It's actually a small playful SUV that just happens to be practical and easy to live with. All models come with the same 228-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, and it's perky enough to haul the little X1 around town with alacrity. At the same time, it's fairly efficient and delivered 29 mpg highway in our testing. Handling is crisp and the ride is refined, exactly what we expect from the BMW brand. Not only does the X1 deliver on-road enjoyment, its large cargo area provides plenty of room for cargo and the rear seats are easy to fold flat to make room for bulkier items. BMW also sells the more stylish X2, which is admittedly even sportier to drive, but we think the X1 offers a better blend of driving fun and practicality.
BMW has made no notable changes to the X1 for 2022, and the brand's boxy subcompact SUV rolls right into the new model year sporting the same look.
We'd suggest you stick with the front-wheel-drive sDrive28i, since moving up to the all-wheel-drive xDrive model doesn't exactly improve the X1's chances of tackling the Rubicon Trail. It'll also save you $2000, which we'd put toward the M Sport package, not only because we like its sportier appearance but because we prefer that package's more sculpted sport seats.
There is only one engine and transmission pairing for the X1: a silky 228-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The turbo four provides plenty of pep as well as good fuel efficiency. In our all-wheel-drive test vehicle, we managed a 6.3-second 60-mph time, which makes it one of the quicker entries in this class. Front-wheel drive is standard. The optional all-wheel-drive system favors the front wheels, although up to 100 percent of the engine's output can, for brief moments in low-traction scenarios, flow to the rear.
The X1 boasts competitive fuel-economy ratings for its class, although the Mercedes-Benz GLA250 beats it in both city and highway EPA numbers. And the all-wheel-drive X1 we tested delivered just 29 mpg on the highway, 2 mpg short of its EPA rating. For more information about the X1's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.
The X1's interior is nicely appointed with mostly premium materials. But poke around and you'll find evidence of cost cutting. The glovebox door is as flimsy as a plastic lunchbox, and the bin hidden under the front seat, while useful, feels as if BMW bought it in bulk from a dollar-store fire sale. The cockpit has a driver-focused layout, reinforcing the X1's sporty personality. Facing the driver is a businesslike gauge cluster that looks elegant and is easy to read at a glance. The driving position is great, although the steering-wheel adjustments could use more range of motion in both angle and reach. The cargo area is carpeted, trimmed in chrome, and cavernous. We managed to fit seven carry-on cases behind the second row and 19 total with the rear seat folded.
The X1's standard infotainment system is intuitive and easy to operate while on the go but perhaps a little dated. The 8.8-inch iDrive system comes with in-dash navigation, Apple CarPlay capability (Android Auto is not offered), Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, SiriusXM satellite radio, a USB port, and a seven-speaker audio system. A 12-speaker Harman/Kardon sound system is optional. To control all these things, BMW provides a rotary knob on the center console that fits comfortably beneath the driver's right hand. The controller is surrounded by shortcut buttons for phone, nav, and other functions.
Basic driver-assistance features are provided at no cost, but more advanced technology will require adding option packages. For more information about the X1's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
BMW's limited warranty and powertrain protection are ordinary for the class, but the company sweetens the deal with three years of free scheduled maintenance. The Lexus NX and Lincoln MKC offer the same limited warranties, and they provide six-year or 70,000-mile powertrain coverage, but both come with shorter periods of complimentary scheduled maintenance.
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