2025 Honda Pilot vs 2026 BMW X1
Comparison Overview
Choosing between the spacious, powerful 2025 Honda Pilot and the efficient, premium 2026 BMW X1 presents a classic dilemma: do you prioritize sheer size and muscle or compact efficiency? The Pilot starts slightly cheaper at $40,200 and delivers significantly more immediate power with 285 hp compared to the X1's 241 hp, despite the Pilot's FWD configuration. However, the smaller BMW, priced at $42,800, dominates efficiency, achieving 28 MPG combined versus the Pilot's 22 MPG, and requires premium fuel. Furthermore, the Pilot is a much larger vehicle at 199.9 inches long, making the X1’s 25.7 cu ft of cargo space (compared to the Pilot's 18.6 cu ft) a surprising win for the smaller footprint. Ultimately, buyers must weigh the Pilot's 63 extra horsepower against the X1's superior fuel economy and tighter dimensions for city driving.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 BMW X1
The 2026 BMW X1 is the better commuter due to its superior combined 28 MPG fuel economy.
2025 Honda Pilot
The 2025 Honda Pilot is better for families because it offers a larger exterior footprint and more cabin space overall, despite having slightly less measurable cargo volume.
2025 Honda Pilot
The 2025 Honda Pilot is the enthusiast choice because it boasts 285 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque, significantly outweighing the X1's power figures.
2025 Honda Pilot
The 2025 Honda Pilot offers substantially more horsepower for a slightly lower starting MSRP of $40,200.
Choose the Honda Pilot if...
- You need maximum brute force, as the Pilot puts out 285 hp.
- Your budget requires starting under $41,000, given the Pilot's $40,200 MSRP.
- You prefer the predictable handling of a traditional 10-speed automatic transmission.
Choose the BMW X1 if...
- Fuel savings are paramount; the X1 achieves 6 MPG more combined (28 MPG vs 22 MPG).
- You prefer the assured traction provided by the standard All-Wheel Drive system.
- You need practical storage, as the X1 offers a competitive 25.7 cu ft of cargo capacity in a smaller shell.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Honda Pilot | BMW X1 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 199.9" | 177.2" |
| Width | 78.5" | 72.6" |
| Height | 71.0" | 64.6" |
| Wheelbase | 113.8" | 106.0" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Honda | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | — |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Third Row 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 |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | — |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | ✓ | — |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Drying | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
| Cornering Lights | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Honda | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 3.5 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | V6 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 285 hp @ 6100 rpm | 241 hp @ 4500 rpm |
| Torque | 262 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm | 295 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 24 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cylinder Deactivation | ✓ | — |
Drive Train
| Feature | Honda | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 10-speed shiftable automatic | 7-speed automated manual |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Center Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
Fuel
| Feature | Honda | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | premium unleaded (recommended) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 19/27 MPG | 24/33 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 22 MPG | 28 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 351.5/499.5 mi. | 343.2/471.9 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 18.5 gal. | 14.3 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Honda | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | ✓ | — |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | — |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Power Rear Seat Easy Entry | ✓ | — |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Vanity Mirror | ✓ | — |
| Front Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Automatic Parking Assist | — | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating | — | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Honda | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 7.0 in | 10.7 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stereo Power | 240W | — |
| Speaker System | 7 | 7 |
| Subwoofer Count | 1 | — |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | — |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 12 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Honda | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Honda | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.5 in. | 42.1 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.0 in. | 40.4 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 61.9 in. | 56.1 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 58.4 in. | — |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 4-way | — |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | — | 2 |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Honda | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 40.2 in. | 39.3 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 40.8 in. | 37.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 61.7 in. | 55.1 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 57.4 in. | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | — |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Honda | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 20 x 8.0 in | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 255/50R | 225/55R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Underbody Mounted | — |
Suspension
| Feature | Honda | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Honda | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 12 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 4 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 2 yr./ 24000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Honda Pilot and 2026 BMW X1.
Is the 2025 Honda Pilot expensive to run compared to the 2026 BMW X1?
Yes, the Pilot will likely cost more at the pump; it achieves only 22 MPG combined and requires regular unleaded fuel. In contrast, the X1 gets 28 MPG combined, offering better efficiency, though it recommends premium fuel.
Which vehicle is physically larger for interior space?
The 2025 Honda Pilot is substantially larger, measuring 199.9 inches long compared to the X1's 177.2 inches. Although the Pilot has less dedicated cargo volume (18.6 cu ft), its longer wheelbase usually translates to superior passenger room.
For performance driving, which car is quicker off the line?
The Honda Pilot has the advantage in raw horsepower, providing 285 hp versus the X1’s 241 hp. However, the X1 compensates slightly with more low-end grunt, producing 295 lb-ft of torque compared to the Pilot’s 262 lb-ft.
How does the base MSRP compare between the two crossovers?
The 2025 Honda Pilot has a slightly lower starting price at $40,200. The 2026 BMW X1 is priced higher, beginning at $42,800 for the base trim.
Do I get All-Wheel Drive standard on either model?
No, the 2025 Honda Pilot comes standard with Front Wheel Drive. The 2026 BMW X1 includes All-Wheel Drive as standard equipment, which may appeal to drivers facing slippery conditions.
What kind of transmissions do these two crossovers use?
The Pilot uses a traditional 10-speed shiftable automatic transmission designed for smooth, conventional shifting. The X1 utilizes a more modern 7-speed automated manual transmission.
More Mid-Range SUVs ($30k-$50k)
View allVehicle Details
Compare More Vehicles
Use our interactive comparison tool to compare up to 4 vehicles at once
Open Comparison Tool