10 Cars Similar to the BMW X1

The BMW X1 was the first BMW SUV to use a front-wheel-drive platform instead of the usual rear-wheel-drive, which showed that a compact crossover could feelboth premium and practical. Its interior offers more space than many larger competitors, which can be surprising. Comfort and great handling provide asmooth drive on the road.

The X1 is one option for a small luxury SUV, but other models may feel more fitting depending on your preferences.

1. Audi Q3

The Audi Q3 is a family SUV that makes sense as a used buy. The interior is well-built, with plenty of space up front and adjustable rear seats that helptaller passengers sit comfortably. The boot is large and includes a 40:20:40 split-folding rear bench.

Engine options range from a 148bhp 1.5 TFSI petrol to a 187bhp 2.0 TFSI petrol, plus 148-187bhp diesels. Lower-powered models offer a manual orautomatic gearbox, and the stronger engines come with automatic and Quattro all-wheel drive.

On the road, the Q3 handles predictably, though the ride feels firm, especially on S-line models. Trim levels add features like climate control,18-inch wheels, and an electric tailgate.

2. Volvo XC40

The Volvo XC40 delivers a calm, composed ride and a quiet interior. The cabin feels refined, with soft-touch surfaces, clear digital instruments, and acomfortable driving position. Front passengers have plenty of room, and those in the rear get enough leg and headroom. The boot is wide, deep, and easyto access, with a useful underfloor storage area.

The XC40 feels quiet and refined inside, with low wind and road noise, and most engines deliver more than enough effortless power.

Trims range from Momentum to R-Design and Inscription, adding climate control, LED lights, heated seats, an electric tailgate, and ambient interiorlighting. Also, the R-Design sports suspension feels firmer and more controlled.

3. Mercedes-Benz GLA

The Mercedes-Benz GLA offers a striking design and a comfortable ride. Performance ranges from the brisk GLA 250 with 221bhp to the rapid GLA 35 and 45, and theplug-in hybrid 250e offers similar pace and around 37 miles of electric range. Diesel options pull smoothly and pair well with the automaticgearbox.

Ride and handling suit a compact SUV, with body lean noticeable in corners but still controlled.

Front seats offer plenty of space, but rear headroom is limited on panoramic-roof models. Sport trims are well-equipped, and higher-spec AMG Line orExecutive Package models add larger screens, smartphone mirroring, and wireless charging.

4. Lexus UX

The Lexus UX offers a high-quality interior and strong reliability, though it falls short on practicality compared to its rivals. The front seats providecomfort and a good driving position, but rear passengers face cramped space.

The model handles corners confidently and keeps most road vibrations under control. The handling leans toward business-like rather than sporty.

Trim levels allow buyers to add leather seats, heated features, larger alloys, and premium infotainment. F-Sport and Takumi trims focus on sportinessor luxury. The hybrid UX delivers excellent fuel economy, and the E4 four-wheel-drive version adds extra traction.

5. Mazda CX-5

The Mazda CX-5 makes life simple with a roomy, thoughtfully designed cabin. Front passengers have plenty of space, and the rear seats offer enough legroom formost adults. The dashboard and controls are straightforward, and the infotainment system, while not flashy, covers everything you need, includingsmartphone mirroring and navigation.

You can pick from petrol or diesel engines, and even though performance is never thrilling, the 2.5-litre petrol comes closest to keeping pace with theclass.

On the road, the CX-5 is steady through corners, though the ride is firm over rough surfaces. Early SE-L Nav models provide strong equipment levels,and later trims add more safety tech.

6. Hyundai Tucson

The Hyundai Tucson feels like a sensible choice for families who need space and practicality. Four tall adults fit comfortably, and the boot has room for plenty ofluggage. The interior feels solid and well thought out, with a clear and responsive infotainment system.

Engine options include efficient petrols and diesels, a full hybrid, and a plug-in hybrid capable of 38 miles on electricity alone.

The ride can be fidgety over rougher roads, and the steering lacks confidence when pushed, so it won’t thrill keen drivers. Despite that, theTucson offers strong reliability, good equipment, and generous space, all at prices that undercut many rivals on the used market.

7. Kia Sportage

The Kia Sportage seats two adults comfortably in the rear, and three adults can be accommodated for short trips. Front passengers enjoy adjustable seating,dual-zone climate control, and good visibility.

Engine options include a 128bhp 1.6-litre petrol, and a 174bhp turbocharged petrol, and diesels range from 114bhp to 182bhp, with 48V mild-hybridtechnology on later ones. The ride remains stable on 16- and 17-inch wheels, but 19-inch alloys transmit more road shocks.

Trim levels range from SE with basic infotainment and air conditioning to GT-Line with 8-inch or 10.3-inch screens, leather seats, a panoramic sunroof,and advanced driver-assist systems.

8. Volkswagen T-Roc

The Volkswagen T-Roc offers a comfortable ride with light but progressively weighted steering and stable handling in corners. Boot capacity measures 445 litres onfront-wheel-drive models, with slightly less space on four-wheel-drive variants.

Engine options include a 114bhp 1.0-litre petrol, a 148bhp 1.5-litre petrol, 2.0-litre diesels from 113bhp to 148bhp, and the 296bhp T-Roc R for sportyperformance.

Early interiors relied heavily on hard plastics, but post-2022 models feature soft-touch materials and improved trim. Standard equipment includes an8-inch touchscreen, dual-zone climate control, lane-keep assist, and automatic emergency braking. Higher trims add sat-nav, digital dials, largerinfotainment screens, sports seats, and ambient lighting.

9. Ford Kuga

The Ford Kuga offers generous space. Tall adults can sit comfortably in the back, and even a third passenger in the middle seat has reasonable head and legroom. Boot capacity fits six carry-on cases under the cover, with a low loading lip and square floor making it easy to use.

Engine options include 118bhp and 148bhp petrols, 120bhp, 150bhp, and 187bhp diesels, and the 222bhp 2.5-litre plug-in hybrid, which accelerates from 0to 62mph in 8.6 seconds. Ride quality is comfortable on softer Zetec, Titanium, and Vignale trims, with ST-Line slightly firmer. All models have atleast an 8-inch touchscreen, newer ones come with a 13-inch infotainment system, but interior plastics feel harder than rivals.

10. Toyota RAV4

The Toyota RAV4 is easy on fuel and maintenance, and owners can expect it to be very reliable.

Engine choices include a 2.5-litre hybrid with 215bhp front-wheel drive or 219bhp four-wheel drive, and a 302bhp plug-in hybrid capable of over 30miles on electric power alone. The ride is firm over potholes, and the weight of the hybrid battery makes handling less agile than rivals.

Standard equipment includes LED headlights, dual-zone climate control, adaptive cruise control, an 8-inch infotainment screen, and a reversingcamera.

Verdict

These compact SUVs have a variety of strengths, from extra space to advanced tech or a sportier feel. Each model can meet different needs, and any ofthem can be a smart, satisfying choice depending on what matters most to you.

If you want to get behind the wheel in a more manageable, financially friendly way, explore financing options and take the next step. Enjoy theride!