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 Cadillac XT5 ranks 16 out of 21 Luxury Midsize SUVs. The new-for-2017 Cadillac XT5 has a well-built cabin and spacious rear seats. It also has a long list of features, including several driver assistance options. However, many class rivals have more impressive engines, and the XT5's handling ability draws mixed reviews.
Pros First-rate cabin materials Spacious rear seats Excellent safety ratings
Cons Uninspiring engine
The new 2017 Cadillac XT5 combines a large interior with a pleasing ride, plentiful outward visibility and a striking design. If you're shopping in the competitive compact luxury SUV segment, the XT5 is worth a look.
Pros Pleasing ride and handling Generous interior space Excellent forward visibility.
Cons Only one engine choice Tech interface can frustrate All-wheel drive not available in base trim.
The 2017 Cadillac XT5 is an evolutionary improvement over the SRX in most ways, but it’s part of a larger leap for Cadillac. The 2017 Cadillac XT5 is the successor to the GM luxury brand's smallest SUV, the SRX. New this model year, it's a design that lays some heavy bets on lighter-weight construction, a library-themed interior, and other upscale cues that Cadillac hopes will lure away buyers from the likes of the Audi Q5 and Benz GLC.
Pros Fine details everywhere inside Suite of fuel-efficiency and safety tech Easy drivability, perky powertrain Softer, less chiseled look than SRX
Cons Rear seat still a bit tight across Lacks the sport-sedan pedigree of some rivals No hybrid in the lineup CarPlay outshines Cadillac's own CUE
