DecodedCars2020 BMW X1
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2020 models.
- Class
- Large Cars
- Body styles
- Xdrive28i 4dr SUV
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
- Horsepower
- 228 hp
- Transmission
- 8-speed automatic
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 5
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 27 combined · 24 city / 33 hwy
- Length
- 174.8 in
- Curb weight
- 3,660 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 27 MPG combined — 16% better than the average 2020 large car (23.3 MPG).
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
- Modest powerUp to 228 hp, versus about 311 hp for similar 2020 models.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 17 similar 2020 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2020 BMW X1 is a large car offered with a 2.0L 4-cyl turbo engine and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 175 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 105-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,660 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 27 MPG combined (24 city / 33 highway), 16% better than the 2020 large car average of 23.3 MPG, for an estimated $3,050 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 13 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.
What changed for 2020
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2019 X1 — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2019; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2019 X1 →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Regensburg, Germany · Born, Netherlands
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 3 2020 X1 configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xdrive28i 4dr SUV | 174.8 in | 71.7 in | 63.4 in | 105.1 in | 61.4 / 61.4 in | 3,660 lb | 57/43 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| X1 sDrive28i | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 33 / 27 | +16% | $3,050 | 327 |
| X1 xDrive28i | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 23 / 31 / 26 | +12% | $3,150 | 342 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2020 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2020 BMW X1.
Similar 2020 large cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 BMW X1 (this car) | 27 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2020 Lexus IS | 24 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Tesla Model 3 | 330 mi | ★★★★★ | 21 |
| 2020 Audi A3 | 30 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2020 Audi A5 | 27 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2020 Audi TTS | 25 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Mercedes-Benz A-Class | 28 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (1)
Air Bags › Side/Window › Curtain · May 20, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V283000 · 76 vehicles
- Problem
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 X1 xDrive28i, X1 sDrive28i, X2 xDrive28i and X2 sDrive28i, 2020 MINI Clubman Cooper S All4, 2021 MINI Hardtop 2 Door (Cooper, Cooper S, John Cooper Works and Cooper S E) and MINI Hardtop 4 Door (Cooper and Cooper S) vehicles. Due to a problem with the rollover sensor within the air bag control unit, in the event of a rollover crash, the head air bag, seat belt pretensioners and other safety systems, may not activate.
- Risk
- If the safety systems do not deploy as intended in a roll over crash, it may increase the risk of injury.
- Fix
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag control unit, free of charge. The recall began July 17, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or MINI customer service at 1-866-825-1525.
Not every 2020 BMW X1 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2020 BMW X1 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Power Train — 4 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Engine — 3 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Seat Belts — 2 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 67,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2020 BMW X1. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other X1 years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 X1 | 28 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 X1 | 28 | 177.2 in | Not rated | 2 | 1 |
| 2025 X1 | 28 | 177.2 in | Not rated | 3 | 17 |
| 2024 X1 | 28 | 177.2 in | Not rated | 3 | 30 |
| 2023 X1 | 28 | 177.2 in | Not rated | 6 | 70 |
| 2022 X1 | 27 | 174.8 in | Not rated | 2 | 1 |
| 2021 X1 | 27 | 174.8 in | Not rated | 1 | 10 |
| 2019 X1 | 26 | 174.8 in | Not rated | 3 | 13 |
| 2018 X1 | 26 | 174.8 in | Not rated | 4 | 60 |
| 2017 X1 | 26 | 174.8 in | Not rated | 4 | 164 |
| 2016 X1 | 25 | 174.8 in | Not rated | 4 | 163 |
| 2015 X1 | 26 | 175.2 in | Not rated | 4 | 94 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or BMW. How we calculate this →