2023 Lexus UX vs 2023 BMW X1

Is it possible to be both a luxury car and a value package? That’s really the question to ask in the compact luxury SUV class. And that’s how we’ll compare the 2023 BMW X1 and 2023 Lexus UX.

For the 2023 model year, the Lexus UX has become a hybrid only model. It has boosted its safety tech and completely overhauled its infotainment interface. The BMW X1 has entered a new generation, updating its interior and exterior.

1. Price

   The BMW X1 price is called out by US News and World Report as Above Average The Lexus UX price is considered Below Average. For X1 buyers, this means either higher monthly payments or a longer, more expensive loan duration. Logically a BMW X1 lease would be more expensive as well.

   Whether looking at the Lexus UX MSRP or the market price, there’s a difference of $3,000 to $4,000 when compared to the BMW X1 MSRP or market price. That’s an enormous difference, especially when shoppers consider that they will have to pay interest on the extra.

   When it comes time to trade, the Lexus UX owner would clear more of the proceeds. Looking at it from any angle, it seems that the price difference is a major reason to start with the 2023 Lexus UX rather than the 2023 BMW X1.

2. Brand Reputation

   Standing up to legacy brands such as BMW, Lexus has worked harder than ever to establish a positive reputation. It results in more luxuries at more reasonable prices in order to compete. This definitely has benefited shoppers and attracted many people to the brand.

   Most recently Lexus earned top marks in the recent JD Power Dependability study. This has made it the top Luxury Brand for Dependability in 2023. While the BMW brand had a reported 184 problems out of 1,000, Lexus had only 133.

   This sort of recognition is tied to residual values. After all, if a vehicle is more dependable, it will maintain a good reputation that helps it earn a good price at resale.

3. Fuel Economy

   The UX is a hybrid with remarkable gas mileage. It is rated 43 mpg in the city and 41 mpg on the highway. In contrast, the BMW X1 xDrive 28i is rated 25 mpg in the city. That’s an almost 20 mile difference. It is rated 34 mpg on the highway, indicating a 7 mile edge for the Lexus UX.

   Furthermore, the BMW X1 requires premium gasoline for its turbocharged four cylinder engine to achieve its top horsepower.. This means that the owner pays the top price for gas while also paying for more gas when compared to the UX.

   According to many sources, the difference in gas price is 40 to 70 cents more. In June 2022, for instance, a driver would find the price of premium was $4.01 while the regular was $3.26. Kelley Blue Book computed that it would cost an extra $11.25 for every 15 gallons of premium gasoline.

4. Cost to Own

   For starters, a lower purchase price will mean a lower cost to own. Significantly, the difference goes beyond that when looking at the Lexus UX 250H vs BMW X1 xDrive 28i. As discussed in the previous section, the 2023 Lexus UX provides the kind of fuel economy that saves the UX owner big money at the pump.

   

   According to the Fuel Economy calculator, provided by the US Department of Energy, the BMW owner would be spending an extra $1,050 each year. That’s quite a lot of money that could help pay off the cost of the luxury car loan itself.

   Additionally, Lexus provides a better powertrain warranty. It extends for up to 70,000 miles instead of the BMW’s 50,000-mile cap. It extends for 72 months instead of the BMW’s very short 48-month limit.

5. Performance

   The BMW X1 xDrive28i prides itself on a sporty engine with 240 horsepower. However, as we’ve seen, the higher horsepower comes with a very steep price tag due to fuel consumption and the need for premium unleaded.

   The 2023 Lexus UX handles road challenges just fine with its 181-horsepower hybrid powertrain. Helping to even the playing field, it weighs slightly less than the BMW. Demonstrating strength, it can handle about 67 pounds more in overall payload.

   Recognizing the Lexus driving dynamics, US News and World Report calls it “highly maneuverable”. Highpoints are a good steering feel, easy cornering, and smooth suspension response. It claims a best-in-class turning radius to add to its maneuverability. It is certainly fun to drive without any penalty at the gas pump.

6. Packaging

   No one will argue that the BMW isn’t well-equipped, but let’s look at the equipment in the much less expensive Lexus UX. Does it measure up? Is it a quality product?

   For 2023, the UX dash has a 7-inch color driver display as well as an infotainment touch screen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto are standards. A WiFi hotspot allows you to utilize Apple Music or Amazon Music via Integrated Streaming.

   All touchscreens have a new Lexus Interface which includes an Intelligent Assistant. This voice feature responds to Hey Lexus. And the newest touchscreen is a best-in-class 12.3 inches.

   Cabin quality is excellent, what you’d expect in this class, but surprising at the lower price point. The distinctive interior features Washi trim. Comfortable seats provide good support on both rows. A power driver’s chair and dual automatic climate controls are standard. A power rear door responds to a kick sensor.

   The Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 is a class leader, offering a longer list of standards than you’ll even find on the BMW. This includes blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alerts, road sign assist, lane departure, lane tracing, and pre-collision autobrake, including pedestrian detection.

   Pulling ahead of the BMW, the Lexus has ten airbags covering cabin occupants more completely. Furthermore, it comes with up to ten years of Safety Connect. This ensures that GPS can be used to locate your Lexus UX if you become incapacitated due to an accident.

7. Ventilated Seats

   The 2023 UX 250H Premium, which is priced less than the 2023 X1 base price, has ventilated seats. Significantly, the BMW X1 does not appear to have a ventilated seats option.

   In Phoenix AZ, it seems just as important to have ventilated seats as it does to have air conditioning. We face very hot summers, and Lexus air-cooled front seats really help.

Conclusion

With so much to recommend it and a lower price to acquire it, the 2023 Lexus UX definitely holds its own against any rival. You can spend much more on the BMW X1 and still not enjoy the level of luxury you get on the Lexus UX 250H or 250H Premium.

It’s clear that the best small SUV value lies with the Lexus UX. We encourage you to compare the price to other luxury compact SUVs, such as the Acura RDX, Alfa Romeo Stelvio, Mercedes Benz GLC, Jaguar F Pace, Audi Q5, or Volvo XC60.

Check out your choices in our inventory. Then seize the opportunity to take a test drive of the 2023 Lexus UX or its sibling the 2023 Lexus NX. There’s no commitment to buy, just a fun outing where you can discover if this luxury SUV is right for you.