Toyota bZ4X vs BMW X1
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.
Price Breakdown
The Toyota bZ4X starts from $59,990 before on-road costs, while the BMW X1 opens at $61,800. That makes the Toyota bZ4X the more affordable entry point by $1,810.
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 $65,989 and $67,980 respectively.
The Toyota bZ4X qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The BMW X1, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Safety Rundown
Both the Toyota bZ4X and BMW X1 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 88% for the Toyota bZ4X and 86% for the BMW X1.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Toyota bZ4X packs more ADAS features with 5 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 4 in the BMW X1.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Toyota bZ4X and 6 in the BMW X1.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Toyota bZ4X stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto that you will not find on the BMW X1. The BMW X1 counters with Apple CarPlay, head-up display, heated front seats and Harman Kardon audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Toyota bZ4X uses a Electric producing 150kW and 266Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.5 seconds.
The BMW X1 responds with a Petrol making 115kW and 230Nm, paired to a auto driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.1 seconds.
The Toyota bZ4X has the clear power advantage at 150kW vs 115kW. In the real-world sprint, the BMW X1 is 0.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Toyota bZ4X measures 4,690mm long on a 2,850mm wheelbase, 190mm longer than the BMW X1 at 4,500mm (2,692mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Toyota bZ4X generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 500L in the Toyota bZ4X and 410L in the BMW X1, giving the Toyota bZ4X a 90L advantage.
For towing, the BMW X1 leads with a 1,500kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 0kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.2m to 11.3m
Based on 11.2m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.3m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Toyota bZ4X) vs 5 years / 999,999km (BMW X1). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Toyota bZ4X if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Toyota's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the BMW X1 if: You or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Toyota bZ4X takes 3 of 4 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. If boot space matters, the Toyota bZ4X has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Toyota bZ4X and BMW X1?
The Toyota bZ4X is the cheapest at $59,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the BMW X1 by $1,810.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The BMW X1 uses the least fuel at 6.5L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Toyota bZ4X and BMW X1 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Toyota bZ4X has the largest boot at 500L.
Which can tow the most?
The Toyota bZ4X has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Toyota bZ4X makes the most power at 150kW. The BMW X1 is quickest to 100km/h in 7.1s.
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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