2025 BMW X1 vs 2026 Mazda CX-90
Comparison Overview
Deciding between compact luxury and expansive capability often boils down to size versus brand prestige, and that’s exactly the dilemma facing buyers looking at the 2025 BMW X1 and the 2026 Mazda CX-90. The BMW X1, starting at an MSRP of $41,350, offers a more efficient 28 MPG combined, which is notably better than the CX-90's 25 MPG combined. However, the larger Mazda, priced lower at $38,800, packs a substantial 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque, easily outpacing the X1's 241 hp. While the Mazda dwarfs the X1 in exterior dimensions (200.8 inches long vs. 177.2 inches), the X1 provides a respectable 25.7 cu ft of cargo space, contrasting sharply with the CX-90's 14.9 cu ft. Ultimately, the choice hinges on prioritizing premium brand efficiency or maximizing raw power and space, balancing the 39 hp deficit in the X1 against its better fuel economy.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 BMW X1
The BMW X1 is the better choice for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy of 28 MPG.
2026 Mazda CX-90
The significantly larger dimensions of the Mazda CX-90, being 200.8 inches long, suggest more passenger comfort despite its smaller listed cargo capacity of 14.9 cu ft.
2026 Mazda CX-90
The Mazda CX-90 clearly wins for enthusiasts by offering 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque, significantly more power than the X1's 241 hp.
2026 Mazda CX-90
The Mazda CX-90 offers a much higher power output for a lower initial cost, starting at $38,800 compared to the X1's $41,350 MSRP.
Choose the BMW X1 if...
- You need the better fuel efficiency, returning 33 MPG on the highway.
- You prefer a smaller, more maneuverable vehicle, as the X1 is only 177.2 inches long.
- You want the efficiency benefit of using recommended premium unleaded fuel for its 241 hp output.
Choose the Mazda CX-90 if...
- You prioritize raw performance, benefiting from 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque.
- You need lower running costs associated with using regular unleaded gasoline.
- You prefer the robust feel and space of a larger crossover, evident in its 200.8-inch length.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | BMW X1 | Mazda CX-90 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 177.2" | 200.8" |
| Width | 72.6" | 78.5" |
| Height | 64.6" | 68.3" |
| Wheelbase | 106.0" | 122.8" |
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 | — | ✓ |
| Third Row Head Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | BMW | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 3.3 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 6 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | mild hybrid |
| Horsepower | 241 hp @ 4500 rpm | 280 hp @ 5000 rpm |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm | 332 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 24 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | BMW | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 7-speed automated manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | Limited Slip |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | BMW | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (recommended) | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 24/33 MPG | 23/28 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 28 MPG | 25 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 343.2/471.9 mi. | 425.5/518.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.3 gal. | 18.5 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry | — | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
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 | — |
| Android Auto (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Memory Card Slot | — | ✓ |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | — | ✓ |
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. | 39.7 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 40.4 in. | 41.7 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.1 in. | 59.2 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 | — | 56.2 in. |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | — | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | BMW | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.3 in. | 39.3 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 37.0 in. | 39.4 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.1 in. | 58.1 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Hip Room | — | 55.5 in. |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | BMW | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | 19 x 8.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 225/55R18 | 265/55R19 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
Suspension
| Feature | BMW | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| 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 2026 Mazda CX-90.
Which vehicle is easier to park in tight city spots?
The BMW X1 should be easier to maneuver in tight spaces because it is significantly shorter at 177.2 inches compared to the 200.8-inch length of the Mazda CX-90. Its smaller footprint generally translates to easier street parking and garage navigation.
Do I have to pay more for fuel with the BMW X1?
Yes, the BMW X1 recommends premium unleaded fuel, which typically costs more per gallon than the regular unleaded used by the Mazda CX-90. However, the X1 does offer better overall fuel economy at 28 MPG combined.
How much more cargo room does the X1 have over the CX-90?
The BMW X1 boasts 25.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity, which is substantially more than the Mazda CX-90's 14.9 cubic feet. This suggests the X1 is better suited for hauling bulkier items.
Which crossover provides a quicker driving experience?
The 2026 Mazda CX-90 is quicker thanks to its higher power figures, producing 280 hp versus the X1's 241 hp, giving it a 39 hp advantage.
How do the transmissions differ between these two models?
The X1 uses a 7-speed automated manual transmission, whereas the CX-90 features a traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission. This difference affects the feel and responsiveness during acceleration.
Is the CX-90's higher power worth the lower MPG?
That depends on your priorities; the CX-90 gains 39 horsepower but sacrifices 3 combined MPG (25 MPG vs. the X1's 28 MPG). If long-term fuel savings are key, the X1 wins, but for outright performance, the CX-90 is superior.
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