2025 BMW X1 vs 2026 Toyota Highlander

$41,350 · Crossover

$45,270 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The primary quantifiable divergence between the 2025 BMW X1 and the 2026 Toyota Highlander is their physical size disparity, with the Highlander measuring 17.7 inches longer at 194.9 inches compared to the X1's 177.2 inches. This size difference, however, correlates with lower efficiency for the Toyota, as the X1 achieves a 28 MPG combined rating versus the Highlander's 24 MPG combined. The Highlander counters with higher output, boasting 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, exceeding the X1's 241 hp and 295 lb-ft. Priced at $41,350, the X1 undercuts the Highlander's MSRP of $45,270 by $3,920. Furthermore, the X1 uses recommended premium fuel while the Highlander accepts regular unleaded. Finally, the X1 offers superior utility volume with 25.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity against the Highlander's 16.0 cubic feet.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 BMW X1

The BMW X1 offers superior fuel economy, achieving 28 MPG combined compared to the Highlander's 24 MPG combined.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Toyota Highlander

The Toyota Highlander provides significantly more physical length (194.9 inches vs. 177.2 inches) and potentially more passenger space for family needs.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Toyota Highlander

The 2026 Toyota Highlander provides more peak performance with 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, surpassing the X1’s output.

💰 Best Value

2025 BMW X1

The BMW X1 costs $3,920 less and provides a better miles-per-gallon rating at 28 MPG combined.

Choose the BMW X1 if...

Your primary concern is maximizing fuel efficiency, achieving 28 MPG combined.
You prioritize a lower initial cost, with an MSRP of $41,350.
You prefer a more maneuverable footprint, as the X1 is 17.7 inches shorter than the Highlander.

Choose the Toyota Highlander if...

You require maximum power, utilizing the Highlander's 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque.
You need higher utility capacity, as the X1's 16.0 cu ft is restrictive compared to typical larger crossovers.
You prefer to use regular unleaded fuel instead of the X1's recommended premium.

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	2
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	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	✓	✓

Fuel

Feature	BMW	Toyota
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	24/33 MPG	21/28 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	28 MPG	24 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	343.2/471.9 mi.	375.9/501.2 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	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	—	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓

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	✓	✓
Moonroof Type	—	1st Row Power Glass
Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	BMW	Toyota
Front Head Room	42.1 in.	39.6 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	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Front Hip Room	—	57.2 in.
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-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.	58.4 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	✓	—
Rear Hip Room	—	57.0 in.
Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	BMW	Toyota
Wheel Finish	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 Material	—	Alloy
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 2026 Toyota Highlander.

What is the core difference in powertrain between the 2025 BMW X1 and the 2026 Toyota Highlander?

The 2026 Highlander is the more powerful option, generating 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, while the 2025 X1 produces 241 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. Additionally, the X1 uses a 7-speed automated manual transmission, whereas the Highlander utilizes an 8-speed shiftable automatic.

How do the fuel costs compare between these two crossovers?

The BMW X1 is significantly more fuel-efficient, rated at 28 MPG combined versus the Highlander's 24 MPG combined. However, the X1 recommends premium unleaded fuel, while the Highlander accepts less expensive regular unleaded.

Is the Toyota Highlander much larger than the BMW X1?

Yes, the Highlander is substantially larger; it is 194.9 inches long compared to the X1's 177.2 inches, representing an almost 18-inch length differential. The Highlander is also wider (76.0 inches vs. 72.6 inches) and taller (68.1 inches vs. 64.6 inches).

Which vehicle offers more usable cargo space?

The 2025 BMW X1 provides superior maximum cargo capacity at 25.7 cubic feet. In contrast, the 2026 Toyota Highlander offers a notably smaller 16.0 cubic feet of storage space based on the provided specifications.

Which crossover presents a better immediate financial value based on MSRP?

The 2025 BMW X1 presents better value upon purchase, with an MSRP of $41,350, undercutting the 2026 Toyota Highlander's price tag of $45,270 by $3,920.