Compare the2025 BMW X1VS 2025 Mazda CX-30

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Environmental Friendliness
Transmission
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Chassis
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Towing
Servicing Ease
Ergonomics
Recommendations

Safety

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The X1 has a standard PostCrash iBrake, which automatically applies the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The CX-30 doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

When descending a steep, off-road slope, the X1’s standard Hill Descent Control allows you to creep down safely. The CX-30 doesn’t offer Hill Descent Control.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the X1 has standard Cross Traffic Warning with braking function with automatic braking, systems which detect vehicles approaching from the sides and can automatically apply the brakes to prevent a collision. Only the CX-30 Turbo Premium Plus offers Smart Braking Support - Rear Crossing.

Both the X1 and the CX-30 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front and rear side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, all wheel drive, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, driver alert monitors and available around view monitors.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the BMW X1 is safer than the Mazda CX-30:

	X1	CX-30
	Passenger
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Chest Compression	.5 inches	.5 inches
Neck Injury Risk	31.9%	33.5%
Neck Stress	135 lbs.	172 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the BMW X1 is safer than the Mazda CX-30:

	X1	CX-30
	Front Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Chest Movement	.8 inches	.8 inches
Abdominal Force	142 lbs.	230 lbs.
	Rear Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	102	121
	Into Pole
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Hip Force	648 lbs.	685 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

Warranty

The X1 comes with a full 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty, which covers the entire truck and includes 24-hour roadside assistance. The CX-30’s 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty expires 1 year or 14,000 miles sooner.

The X1’s corrosion warranty is 7 years longer than the CX-30’s (12 vs. 5 years).

BMW pays for scheduled maintenance on the X1 for 3 years and 36,000 miles. BMW will pay for oil changes, tire rotations, air filter replacements, cabin filter replacement, brake fluid replacement, inspections, and any other required maintenance. Mazda doesn’t pay scheduled maintenance for the CX-30.

Reliability

To reliably power the ignition and other systems and to recharge the battery, the X1 has a standard 210-amp alternator. The CX-30’s standard 100-amp alternator and largest (Turbo) 150-amp alternator aren’t as powerful.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2024 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that BMW vehicles are better in initial quality than Mazda vehicles. With 26 fewer problems per 100 vehicles, JD Power ranks BMW higher than Mazda.

Engine

The X1 xDrive28i’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder produces 50 more horsepower (241 vs. 191) and 109 lbs.-ft. more torque (295 vs. 186) than the CX-30’s standard 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder. The X1 M35i xDrive’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder produces 63 more horsepower (313 vs. 250) than the CX-30’s optional 2.5 turbo 4-cylinder.

As tested in Motor Trend the BMW X1 is faster than the Mazda CX-30:

	X1 xDrive28i	X1 M35i xDrive	CX-30 4 cyl.	CX-30 turbo 4 cyl.
Zero to 60 MPH	5.6 sec	4.8 sec	8.3 sec	6.8 sec
Quarter Mile	14.3 sec	13.4 sec	16.3 sec	15.1 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	97.8 MPH	104.1 MPH	86.3 MPH	91.4 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

On the EPA test cycle the X1 gets better mileage than the CX-30:

			MPG
X1
	AWD	xDrive28i 2.0 turbo 4-cyl.	24 city/33 hwy
		M35i 2.0 turbo 4-cyl.	23 city/31 hwy
CX-30
	AWD	2.5 turbo 4-cyl.	22 city/30 hwy

Regenerative brakes improve the X1’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The CX-30 doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

In heavy traffic or at stoplights the X1’s engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. The engine is automatically restarted when the driver gets ready to move again. If the conditions warrant or the driver wishes, the system can be manually disabled at any time for the duration of a trip. The CX-30 doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

The X1 has 1.6 gallons more fuel capacity than the CX-30 (14.3 vs. 12.7 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

Environmental Friendliness

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the BMW X1 higher (5 to 7 out of 10) than the Mazda CX-30 (4 to 6). This means the X1 produces up to 13.2 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the CX-30 every 15,000 miles.

Transmission

A seven-speed automatic (SMG) is standard on the BMW X1, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only a six-speed automatic is available for the CX-30.

The X1 offers a standard sequential manual gearbox (SMG). With no clutch pedal to worry about and a fully automatic mode, an SMG is much more efficient than a conventional automatic but just as easy to drive. The CX-30 doesn’t offer an SMG or a conventional manual transmission.

The X1’s launch control uses engine electronics to hold engine RPM’s precisely in order to provide the most stable and rapid acceleration possible, using all of the available traction. The CX-30 doesn’t offer launch control.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the X1’s brake rotors are larger than those on the CX-30:

	X1 xDrive28i	X1 M35i xDrive	CX-30
Front Rotors	13.2 inches	15.2 inches	11.6 inches
Rear Rotors	11.8 inches	13 inches	10.4 inches
Opt Rear Rotors			11.9 inches

The X1’s standard front and rear disc brakes are vented to help dissipate heat for shorter stops with less fading. The rear discs on the CX-30 are solid, not vented.

The X1 stops much shorter than the CX-30:

	X1	CX-30
70 to 0 MPH	162 feet	177 feet	Car and Driver
60 to 0 MPH	115 feet	125 feet	Motor Trend
60 to 0 MPH (Wet)	136 feet	147 feet	Consumer Reports

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the X1 has larger standard tires than the CX-30 (225/55R18 vs. 215/65R16). The X1’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the CX-30 (245/45R19 vs. 215/65R16).

The X1’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 55 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the CX-30 2.5 S’ standard 65 series tires. The X1’s optional tires have a lower 40 series profile than the CX-30 Select/Preferred/Carbon/Premium’s 55 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the X1 has standard 18-inch wheels. Smaller 16-inch wheels are standard on the CX-30 2.5 S. The X1’s optional 20-inch wheels are larger than the 18-inch wheels on the CX-30 Select/Preferred/Carbon/Premium.

Suspension and Handling

For superior ride and handling, the BMW X1 has fully independent front and rear suspensions. An independent suspension allows the wheels to follow the road at the best angle for gripping the pavement, without compromising ride comfort. The Mazda CX-30 has a rear torsion beam axle, with a semi-independent rear suspension.

The X1 has standard front and rear gas-charged shocks for better control over choppy roads. The CX-30’s suspension doesn’t offer gas-charged shocks.

The X1 has standard front and rear stabilizer bars, which help keep the X1 flat and controlled during cornering. The CX-30’s suspension doesn’t offer a rear stabilizer bar.

The X1 offers an available driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads or off-road. The CX-30’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the X1’s wheelbase is 1.6 inches longer than on the CX-30 (106 inches vs. 104.4 inches).

The X1’s front to rear weight distribution is more even (56.7% to 43.3%) than the CX-30’s (62% to 38%). This gives the X1 more stable handling and braking.

The X1 M35i xDrive handles at .88 G’s, while the CX-30 2.5 S Premium pulls only .84 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The X1 M35i xDrive executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 2 seconds quicker than the CX-30 2.5 S Premium (25.9 seconds @ .69 average G’s vs. 27.9 seconds @ .6 average G’s).

For greater off-road capability the X1 has a greater minimum ground clearance than the CX-30 (8.1 vs. 8 inches), allowing the X1 to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

Chassis

The front grille of the X1 uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The CX-30 doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

Passenger Space

The X1 has 4 inches more front headroom, .5 inches more front shoulder room, 1 inch more rear headroom, .7 inches more rear legroom and 1.5 inches more rear shoulder room than the CX-30.

For enhanced passenger comfort on long trips the X1’s rear seats recline. The CX-30’s rear seats don’t recline.

Cargo Capacity

The X1 has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat up than the CX-30 with its rear seat up (25.7 vs. 20.2 cubic feet). The X1 has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the CX-30 with its rear seat folded (57.2 vs. 45.2 cubic feet).

A standard locking glovebox (which can’t be accessed with the valet key) keeps your small valuables safer in the X1. The CX-30 doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

To make loading groceries and cargo easier when your hands are full, the X1’s available liftgate can be opened and closed just by kicking your foot under the back bumper, leaving your hands completely free. The CX-30 doesn’t offer a hands-free gesture to open its liftgate, forcing you to put cargo down if your hands are full.

Towing

The X1 has a 3500 lbs. towing capacity. The CX-30 has no towing capacity.

Standard Trailer Stabilization Control on the X1 uses the Dynamic Stability Control sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. The CX-30 doesn’t offer electronic trailer sway control.

Servicing Ease

The X1 uses gas struts to support the hood for easier service access. The CX-30 uses a prop rod to support its heavy hood. It takes two hands to open the hood and set the prop rod, the prop rod gets in the way during maintenance and service, and the prop rod could be knocked out, causing the heavy hood to fall on the person maintaining or servicing the car.

Ergonomics

The power windows standard on both the X1 and the CX-30 have locks to prevent small children from operating them. When the lock on the X1 is engaged the driver can still operate all of the windows, for instance to close one opened by a child. The CX-30 prevents the driver from operating the other windows just as it does the other passengers.

If the windows are left open on the X1 the driver can close them all at the outside door handle or from a distance using the remote. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows from a distance using the keyless remote. The driver of the CX-30 can only operate the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The X1’s rain-sensitive wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically based on the amount of rainfall on the windshield. This allows the driver to concentrate on driving without constantly adjusting the wipers. The CX-30’s standard manually variable intermittent wipers have to be constantly adjusted.

Heated windshield washer nozzles are standard on the X1 to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. The CX-30 doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

The X1’s standard outside mirrors include heating elements to clear off the mirrors for better visibility. Mazda only offers heated mirrors on the CX-30 Select/Preferred/Carbon/Premium.

Both the BMW X1 and Mazda CX-30 offer exterior mirrors that can be folded to provide convenience. The X1 features standard power folding mirrors, which allow for easy, one-touch folding or unfolding at the driver’s discretion. This provides added convenience when maneuvering or parking, as well as when walking past the parked vehicle. In comparison, the CX-30’s foldable mirrors are manual, requiring the driver to get out and physically fold them once parked and unfold them before getting in.

The X1 has a standard dual zone air conditioning allows the driver and front passenger to choose two completely different temperatures so people with different temperature preferences won’t have to compromise. This makes both the driver and front passenger as comfortable as possible. Dual zone air conditioning is only available on the CX-30 Select/Preferred/Carbon/Turbo/Premium.

Compared to traditional radio, the BMW X1’s standard SiriusXM satellite radio provides an unmatched listening experience. Its extensive coverage guarantees consistent, crystal-clear reception across the continental U.S., and access to over 100 channels dedicated to a multitude of genres, including music, news, sports, talk shows, and comedy, many with only limited commercial breaks. Satellite radio is only offered on the CX-30 Premium.

The X1’s Automatic Parking Assistant can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, with the driver only controlling the transmission and speed with the brake pedal. With its available fully controlled system, the driver just activates it and it parks autonomously, starting, stopping and changing direction automatically. The CX-30 doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

Recommendations

Consumer Reports® recommends both the BMW X1 and the Mazda CX-30, based on reliability, safety and performance.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the X1 second among small premium suvs in owner reported satisfaction. This includes how well the vehicle performs and satisfies its owner’s expectations. The CX-30 isn’t in the top three.

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