BMW X1 vs Lexus NX
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Data checked: specs 28 Aug 2026, price 25 Jun 2026
Driver assistance, as the manufacturer lists it
Swipe across. Tap a feature to see what it does and each car's source.
StandardOptional: printed price, +pack or NCO (no-cost)No, not offeredNo dataCounts beside each car use the same colours; ? is no option data.
From each manufacturer's Australian equipment list. No data means that car's document does not say. The drawings are our own illustrations of how each kind of system works.
$61,800RRP
- no option data for this car
$71,700RRP
- with the BMW X1's standard kit: $71,700 (nothing to add)
Printed option prices only. A pack is counted once and makes the figure a floor when it carries no printed price. Nothing is inferred from the other car.
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Price Breakdown
The BMW X1 starts from $61,800 before on-road costs, while the Lexus NX opens at $71,700. That makes the BMW X1 the more affordable entry point by $9,900.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $67,980 and $78,870 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Lexus NX by roughly $2,140 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the BMW X1 and Lexus NX hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 86% for the BMW X1 and 91% for the Lexus NX.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 6 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Lexus NX, against 5 on the BMW X1.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the BMW X1 and 8 in the Lexus NX.
Recalls on our record
BMW X1
- REC-006553 · published 4 Mar 2026Due to a manufacturing defect, the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) cooler may develop an internal coolant leak.Year range on the notice: 2010 - 2022
- REC-006090 · published 2 Oct 2024Due to a manufacturing defect, a component of the brake booster system may have been incorrectly welded and could break.Year range on the notice: 2022 - 2024
- REC-006063 · published 30 Aug 2024Due to a manufacturing defect, liquid may enter the electrical water pump connectors.Year range on the notice: 2011 - 2018
- 5 more on the model page.
Lexus NX
- REC-006214 · published 13 Dec 2024Due to a programming issue, the Adaptive High Beam System (AHS) LED units (high beam) and AHS ECUs (Electronic Control Unit) may incorrectly detect the signals for switching from low beam to high beam.Year range on the notice: 2023
- REC-005731 · published 20 Jul 2023Due to a manufacturing defect, the DC-DC converter that supports charging the 12V battery may short circuit and overheat resulting in a vehicle fire.Year range on the notice: 2021 - 2022
- REC-005525 · published 12 Sep 2022Due to a software issue, the Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) may not operate as intended.Year range on the notice: 2021 - 2022
- 7 more on the model page.
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Feature Showdown
The BMW X1 features a 10.7-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the Lexus NX gets a 9.8-inch display and 8-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The BMW X1 stands out with Apple CarPlay and Harman Kardon audio — features our data doesn't list for the Lexus NX. The Lexus NX counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, Mark Levinson audio and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the BMW X1 gets sensatec synthetic leather upholstery while the Lexus NX offers synthetic leather.
Drivetrain
The BMW X1 uses a Petrol producing 115kW and 230Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9 seconds.
The Lexus NX responds with a Hybrid making 179kW and 239Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.7 seconds.
The Lexus NX has the clear power advantage at 179kW vs 115kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Lexus NX is 1.3s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The BMW X1 measures 4,500mm long on a 2,692mm wheelbase, 160mm shorter than the Lexus NX at 4,660mm (2,690mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BMW X1 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 540L in the BMW X1 and 520L in the Lexus NX, giving the BMW X1 a 20L advantage.
For towing, the BMW X1 leads with a 1,700kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 200kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.3m to 11.4m
Based on 11.3m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,853/year for the BMW X1 and $1,425/year for the Lexus NX. That is a $428 annual difference in favour of the Lexus NX.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (BMW X1) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Lexus NX). Both match on warranty length. Capped-price servicing: —4yr (Lexus NX).
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BMW X1 if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Lexus NX if: You prioritise performance, want lower running costs, or prefer Lexus's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
Lexus NX: Top CarSorted Score, 79 vs 75, but the BMW X1 is $9,900 cheaper
The Lexus NX comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (79 vs 75), taking 2 of 5 key spec rows below. The deciding gaps: fuel economy (Lexus NX ahead by 14), performance (Lexus NX ahead by 8), reliability (Lexus NX ahead by 8). The Lexus NX will save you roughly $428 a year in fuel. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, BMW X1 and Lexus NX?
The BMW X1 is the cheapest at $61,800 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Lexus NX by $9,900.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Lexus NX uses the least fuel at 5L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched on crash rating: BMW X1 and Lexus NX all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The BMW X1 has the largest boot at 540L with the seats up.
Which can tow the most?
The BMW X1 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,700kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Lexus NX makes the most power at 179kW. The Lexus NX is quickest to 100km/h in 7.7s.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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