2025 BMW X1 vs 2025 Mazda CX-50
Comparison Overview
Deciding between premium badge luxury and serious budget savings often boils down to two compelling crossovers: the 2025 BMW X1 and the 2025 Mazda CX-50. The most significant hurdle is the massive $10,850 difference in MSRP, with the X1 starting at $41,350 versus the CX-50's $30,500. While both achieve an identical 28 MPG combined, the X1 delivers a noticeable performance edge, boasting 241 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque compared to the CX-50's 187 hp. However, the Mazda is physically larger and more practical, offering 31.4 cubic feet of cargo space, significantly more than the X1's 25.7 cubic feet. If your priority is horsepower and luxury cachet, the X1 dominates; but for everyday hauling and stretching your dollar, the CX-50 presents a far more sensible proposition for the average driver.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Mazda CX-50
The Mazda CX-50 offers slightly better city fuel economy (25 MPG vs. 24 MPG) and uses regular unleaded fuel, saving money on daily drives.
2025 Mazda CX-50
The CX-50 provides 31.4 cu ft of cargo capacity, substantially beating the X1's 25.7 cu ft for strollers and gear.
2025 BMW X1
The BMW X1 is the clear performance leader, generating 241 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, easily eclipsing the CX-50's output.
2025 Mazda CX-50
With an MSRP that is $10,850 lower and compatibility with cheaper regular unleaded fuel, the CX-50 delivers significantly better value.
Choose the BMW X1 if...
- You prioritize engine output and want 241 horsepower for quicker acceleration.
- You prefer the driving dynamics associated with the premium AWD system and 7-speed automated manual transmission.
- Brand prestige and a higher-end cabin feel justify the $41,350 entry price.
Choose the Mazda CX-50 if...
- You need maximum utility, as the CX-50 offers 31.4 cubic feet of cargo space.
- Saving nearly $11,000 on the initial purchase price (MSRP of $30,500) is a primary concern.
- You want to save ongoing fuel costs by using regular unleaded instead of premium.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | BMW X1 | Mazda CX-50 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 177.2" | 185.8" |
| Width | 72.6" | 75.6" |
| Height | 64.6" | 63.5" |
| Wheelbase | 106.0" | 110.8" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | BMW | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Brake Drying | ✓ | — |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Brake Preparation System | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cornering Lights | ✓ | — |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | — |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | BMW | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 241 hp @ 4500 rpm | 187 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm | 185 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cylinder Deactivation | — | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | BMW | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 7-speed automated manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | — |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | — |
Fuel
| Feature | BMW | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (recommended) | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 24/33 MPG | 25/31 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 28 MPG | 28 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 343.2/471.9 mi. | 397.5/492.9 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.3 gal. | 15.9 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | BMW | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | ✓ | — |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | — |
| Automatic Parking Assist | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | BMW | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.7 in | 10.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 7 | 8 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | — |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 12 months | — |
Power Feature
| Feature | BMW | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | BMW | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 42.1 in. | 39.1 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 40.4 in. | 41.7 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.1 in. | 55.9 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | 2 | — |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Front Hip Room | — | 53.6 in. |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | BMW | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.3 in. | 38.6 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 37.0 in. | 39.8 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.1 in. | 53.6 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Hip Room | — | 52.1 in. |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | BMW | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | 17 x 7.0 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 225/55R18 | P225/65R17 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | BMW | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | — |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Front Suspension Type | — | Independent |
| Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | BMW | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 12 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 yr./ unlimited mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 BMW X1 and 2025 Mazda CX-50.
Which car is more practical for hauling groceries and luggage?
The 2025 Mazda CX-50 is more practical, offering 31.4 cubic feet of cargo space. This is nearly 6 cubic feet more than the 2025 BMW X1's 25.7 cubic feet capacity.
Does the higher price of the BMW X1 translate to better fuel economy?
No, both vehicles are surprisingly evenly matched on efficiency, achieving a combined 28 MPG. However, the X1 recommends premium fuel while the CX-50 takes regular, which makes the CX-50 cheaper to run.
How significant is the performance gap between the two models?
The BMW X1 offers a substantial advantage with 241 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, compared to the CX-50's 187 hp and 185 lb-ft of torque.
Are these vehicles similarly sized for parking?
The BMW X1 is slightly smaller overall, measuring 177.2 inches long, while the CX-50 is 185.8 inches long. However, the X1 is wider at 72.6 inches compared to the CX-50's 75.6 inches.
What is the main trade-off when buying the less expensive Mazda CX-50?
The main trade-off is power and transmission type; you lose 54 horsepower compared to the X1 and you get a 6-speed automatic instead of the X1's 7-speed automated manual.
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