Pleasant to drive and built to a price, the 2017 BMW X1 is a mainstream subcompact crossover that is pleasant to drive but lacks the brand's "ultimate driving machine" performance. The 2017 BMW X1 sits apart from other BMWs. With its front-wheel-drive, Mini-sourced platform, is the brand's entry-level subcompact crossover and a more mainstream, less passionate vehicle than you would expect from BMW. It is offered as the front-drive sDrive28i and the all-wheel-drive xDrive28i, the former added for 2017.
Pros Crossover utility Gutsy turbo 4-cylinder Good rear-seat space Fairly thrifty fuel economy Competitive price of entry
Cons Prices climb quickly with options Some cost-cutting in interior trim Driver assists cost extra Poor front seats
The BMW X1 offers shoppers in the compact luxury crossover category an intriguing blend of performance, comfort and utility. If you're looking for something that cleverly blurs the line between a low-slung sedan and a high-riding SUV, the X1 is worth a test drive. The 2017 X1 is BMW's smallest and most affordable utility vehicle, yet it offers a surprising amount of passenger and cargo space. It delivers trademark BMW quality inside and out, and despite having less power than earlier versions, the X1 still accelerates and handles better than most in its class.
Pros Strong performance from its turbocharged engine One of the best-handling compact luxury crossovers you're going to find More rear passenger and cargo room than most other competitors High-level interior fit, finish and materials
Cons Standard sport suspension can be jarring on rough roads Steering feels less precise than some of BMW's sport sedans.
The 2017 BMW X1 ranks 1 out of 5 Luxury Subcompact SUVs. The 2017 BMW X1 finishes near the top of our luxury subcompact rankings because of its good performance, upscale and spacious interior, and outstanding cargo space for the class.
Pros Quick acceleration Athletic handling Roomy back seat Outstanding cargo capacity
Cons No standard driver assistance features
The 2017 Lexus GX ranks 22 out of 22 Luxury Midsize SUVs. The 2017 Lexus GX ranks near the bottom of the luxury midsize SUV class. If you want a luxury SUV with off-road capabilities (and standard four-wheel drive), then the GX is one of the few midsize choices that will meet your criteria. It also comes standard with seating for seven. In most other respects, however, you’re better off looking at most other vehicles in the class.
Pros Excellent off-road abilities Intuitive technology features
Cons Low fuel economy estimates Timid acceleration Unremarkable cabin materials
For an old-school SUV, the Lexus GX acquits itself quite well.Underneath its sharply-styled body and high-end interior, the Lexus GX 460 hides a utilitarian frame and a suspension shared with the foreign-market Toyota Land Cruiser Prado. Why's that important? The Prado, which is unrelated to the Land Cruiser sold at Toyota dealers in the United States, is a serious work truck designed for farmers in Australia and peacekeepers in Somalia. That helps explain some of its compromises—but despite its high step-in and quirky tailgate, the Lexus GX 460 does a lot of things very well.
Pros Truck-based solidity Smooth and strong V-8 engine Plush ride quality Comfortable interior Off-road ability
Cons Side-opening hatch opens away from the curb Too-light steering Poor gas mileage Spongy brake pedal feel Compromised cargo area
Lexus has added the Sport Design package to the 2017 GX 460, which includes some different wheels, a different front grille and additional exterior chrome trim pieces. Second-row captain's chairs are a new feature for the GX 460.
Pros Capable off-road performance requires little effort from the driver Plenty of luxury features and cabin amenities.
Cons Poor acceleration and fuel economy from the V8 engine Uncomfortable standard second-row bench seats Inconvenient side-swinging rear cargo door Relatively ponderous handling around turns.
