BMW X1 vs Subaru Forester

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP lists the BMW X1 at 5 stars (2022) and the Subaru Forester at 5 stars (2024). ANCAP tested these in different years (2022 vs 2024). Its criteria get stricter about every three years, so the stars are not like for like. Adult occupant protection scored 86% for the BMW X1 and 83% for the Subaru Forester, under different test years.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 7 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Subaru Forester, 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 9 in the Subaru Forester.

Recalls on our record

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 Subaru Forester gets a 11.6-inch display and 4.2-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The BMW X1 stands out with Apple CarPlay, head-up display, power tailgate and Harman Kardon audio — features our data doesn't list for the Subaru Forester. The Subaru Forester counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and wireless charging. 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 Subaru Forester offers cloth.

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 Subaru Forester responds with a Petrol making 136kW and 247Nm, paired to a cvt driving all four wheels.

The Subaru Forester has the clear power advantage at 136kW vs 115kW. 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, 155mm shorter than the Subaru Forester at 4,655mm (2,670mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BMW X1 generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 540L in the BMW X1 and 496L in the Subaru Forester, giving the BMW X1 a 44L advantage.

For towing, the Subaru Forester leads with a 1,800kg braked capacity vs 1,700kg. That 100kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Neither U-turns in one sweep on a 7 m local street (both need a three-point turn); the Subaru Forester's turning circle is 0.5 m tighter, 10.8 m against 11.3 m kerb to kerb. The street estimate is indicative, worked from the published turning circles.

Cost to own

At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the BMW X1 costs about $1,853 a year (6.5 L/100km) and fuel for the Subaru Forester about $2,252 a year (7.9 L/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh.

Warranty: 5 years / Unlimited (BMW X1) and 5 years / Unlimited (Subaru Forester). Capped-price servicing: no data (BMW X1), 5 years (Subaru Forester).

Where each one leads

The BMW X1: the bigger boot with the seats up (540L against 496L).

The Subaru Forester: the lower starting price ($45,990 against $61,800), more power (136kW against 115kW) and the higher braked towing limit (1,800kg against 1,700kg).

The Verdict

Subaru Forester scores higher, 76 vs 75

The Subaru Forester scores 76 to the BMW X1's 75 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 3 of the 4 spec rows that separate them, at the lower price. The biggest gaps: safety (Subaru Forester ahead by 6 points), reliability (Subaru Forester ahead by 6 points). Boot space with the seats up: 540L in the BMW X1, 496L in the Subaru Forester.

Common questions