2025 BMW X1 vs 2025 Toyota Highlander

$41,350 · Crossover

$40,320 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the nimble 2025 BMW X1 and the spacious 2025 Toyota Highlander boils down to prioritizing city efficiency versus overall size. If your main concern is navigating tight urban streets and saving slightly on fuel, the X1 makes a compelling case; its combined 28 MPG outpaces the Highlander’s 25 MPG, despite the X1 needing premium fuel while the Highlander runs on regular. Furthermore, the X1 offers a smaller footprint at 177.2 inches long, making parking easier than the substantial 194.9-inch Highlander. However, if sheer capacity matters, the Highlander offers superior power with 265 hp versus the X1’s 241 hp, and it starts $1,030 cheaper at an MSRP of $40,320 versus $41,350. The smaller X1 has only 25.7 cu ft of cargo space, significantly less than what one might expect given the Highlander's larger exterior dimensions.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 BMW X1

The BMW X1 wins for commuters due to its significantly better combined fuel economy rating of 28 MPG versus the Highlander's 25 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Toyota Highlander

The Toyota Highlander is better suited for families due to its substantially larger exterior dimensions, which implies greater interior room, despite having less advertised cargo space (16 cu ft vs 25.7 cu ft).

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Toyota Highlander

The Highlander edges out the X1 for enthusiasts with superior peak output, delivering 265 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque compared to the X1's 241 hp and 295 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2025 Toyota Highlander

The Highlander offers better initial value by having a lower starting MSRP of $40,320 while also utilizing less expensive regular unleaded fuel.

Choose the BMW X1 if...

You prioritize fuel efficiency, as the X1 achieves 28 MPG combined.
You frequently deal with parallel parking, thanks to its shorter length of 177.2 inches.
You prefer the slick engagement of an all-wheel-drive setup paired with a 7-speed automated manual transmission.

Choose the Toyota Highlander if...

You need more raw power, provided by its 265 hp engine.
You want to save money on fuel costs by using regular unleaded instead of premium.
Your budget demands a lower initial investment, starting at $40,320 compared to $41,350.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	BMW X1	Toyota Highlander
Length	177.2"	194.9"
Width	72.6"	76.0"
Height	64.6"	68.1"
Wheelbase	106.0"	112.2"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	BMW	Toyota
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	✓	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓

Engine

Feature	BMW	Toyota
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.4 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	241 hp @ 4500 rpm	265 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	295 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm	310 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	BMW	Toyota
Transmission Type	7-speed automated manual	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	front wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	—
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	BMW	Toyota
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	24/33 MPG	22/29 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	28 MPG	25 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	343.2/471.9 mi.	393.8/519.1 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	14.3 gal.	17.9 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	BMW	Toyota
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	—	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	BMW	Toyota
Infotainment Display	10.7 in	8.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	7	6
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	12 months	3 months

Power Feature

Feature	BMW	Toyota
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	BMW	Toyota
Front Head Room	42.1 in.	41.2 in.
Front Leg Room	40.4 in.	42.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	56.1 in.	59.0 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	—	57.2 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	—	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	4-way

Rearseats

Feature	BMW	Toyota
Rear Head Room	39.3 in.	39.4 in.
Rear Leg Room	37.0 in.	38.7 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.1 in.	58.7 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Rear Hip Room	—	57.0 in.
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	BMW	Toyota
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	225/55R18	P235/65R V
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Underbody Mounted
Wheel Diameter	—	18 in

Suspension

Feature	BMW	Toyota
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	BMW	Toyota
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.	2 yr./ unlimited mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	2 yr./ 25000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 BMW X1 and 2025 Toyota Highlander.

Does the difference in horsepower (265 hp vs 241 hp) make the Highlander noticeably faster than the X1?

While the Highlander has 24 more horsepower and slightly more torque (310 lb-ft vs 295 lb-ft), the X1 uses a 7-speed automated manual transmission while the Highlander uses an 8-speed automatic, meaning real-world acceleration feel will be complex, but the Highlander has the edge on paper.

Which vehicle is better for long road trips regarding fuel costs?

The BMW X1 gets better mileage at 28 MPG combined, but it requires premium unleaded fuel. The Highlander, despite its lower 25 MPG, runs on regular unleaded, which might lead to overall lower refueling costs depending on local gas prices.

Is the BMW X1 significantly smaller for city driving than the Toyota Highlander?

Yes, the difference is substantial; the X1 is 177.2 inches long, while the Highlander stretches out to 194.9 inches, making the X1 much more maneuverable in tight parking lots.

How does the listed cargo capacity compare between the two crossovers?

The BMW X1 offers 25.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, which is notably larger than the 16 cubic feet listed for the Toyota Highlander in this configuration.