2020 BMW X1 vs Lexus NX
What's the difference?

BMW X1

$18,990 - $37,888

2020 price

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Lexus NX

$29,990 - $51,990

2020 price

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Summary

2020 BMW X1

2020 Lexus NX

By Tom White

By Tung Nguyen

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 4, 2.0L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

6.6L/100km (combined)

7.9L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Potent engine
Nice handling
Massive interior

Styling
Frugal engine
Classy interior appointments

Dislikes

Ride way too firm
Missing essential active safety
Some awkward trim bits

Dated multimedia system
Narcoleptic driving dynamics
Old-gen tech

2020 BMW X1 Summary

I like it when a car subverts expectations.

You see, I wasn’t expecting to like the X1 much. A BMW small SUV on a Mini Cooper platform? Sounds sketchy.

It sounds like BMW is just playing a dangerous game of badge-swappery. Yet, after a week behind the wheel, I had to admit there’s more to the X1 than the numbers and specs might suggest. It admittedly won me over.

How, exactly, did this little SUV manage to charm this doubting critic? Read on to find out.

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2020 Lexus NX Summary

Having been on the market since 2014, the NX mid-size SUV quickly shot up the Lexus sales charts to become the brand’s most-popular model.

The SUV-hungry Australian market ate up the premium crossover, which also had the distinction of offering a hybrid powertrain.

In 2020 though, with SUVs popping up left, right and centre from premium and mainstream brands, can the NX still hold its own as an inner-city cruiser?

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Interested in a Lexus NX?

Deep dive comparison

2020 BMW X1 2020 Lexus NX

Verdict

BMW’s X1 won me over mainly because of its raucous engine, signature handling, and suspension characteristics.

It is perhaps a little harsh for some family drivers though, and still has some notable spec omissions this far into its lifecycle. So, keep these factors in mind when considering it against its premium competition, particularly given there are some serious rivals arriving in the coming months.

Verdict

The Lexus NX 300h F Sport is both a comfortable and luxurious family hauler that is held back by just a few things.

Of course, gripes like the underwhelming dynamics might not be an issue for all, but the less-than-stellar fuel economy (for a hybrid, at least), disappointing practicality and fiddly multimedia will affect all potential buyers.

However, this is balanced out by loads of equipment and premium appointments for a reasonable price, which should put the Lexus NX on your shopping list if you are keen for an inner-city premium SUV cruiser.

2020 BMW X1 vs Lexus NX What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

2020 BMW X1 vs Lexus NX
What's the difference?