The 2022 BMW X1 vs. the 2022 Volvo XC40: at first these two luxury SUVs may seem to have nothing in common. The BMW X1 is centered around style and sportiness, while the Volvo XC40 touts its brand’s reliable reputation and sleek silhouette. Yet if you’re looking for a small luxury SUV, you may be torn between the two. Here’s what you’ll get in both the X1 and the XC40, and which one is ultimately the better buy.

The 2022 BMW X1 vs. the 2022 Volvo XC40: which is cheaper?

Price is obviously a huge part of car shopping, so let’s take a look at how much each of these luxury compact SUVs will cost you. The 2022 BMW X1 price starts at $36,395 and you’re getting a lot in this small luxury package. The BMW X1 comes with a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that makes 228 hp. 

The 2022 Volvo XC40 is just slightly cheaper than the X1. The 2022 Volvo XC40 price starts at $35,195 for the base model T4 Momentum. The T4 Momentum comes standard with a turbocharged 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine that makes 187 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque, according to Edmunds. This is matched to an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. 

Both luxury midsize SUVs are loaded with features

The BMW X1 comes with roof rails, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and a power liftgate. The X1 also has simulated leather seats and power adjustable front seats. It also has an 8.8-inch touchscreen display that’s compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. 

On the other hand, the XC40 comes with 18-inch wheels, LED headlights, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and a digital instrument panel. It has a push-button ignition, an eight-speaker sound system, and is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. 

The XC40 is safer

The 2022 Volvo XC40 is safer than the 2022 BMW X1. The XC40 is an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick+ winner. The X1 didn’t win any safety awards from the IIHS. If safety is your priority, you’ll want to choose the XC40.

To win a Top Safety Pick award, a vehicle has to have good crash test ratings for the “driver-side small overlap front, passenger-side small overlap front, moderate overlap front, original side, roof strength and head restraint tests.” It also must have advanced or superior front crash prevention, and acceptable or good headlights available. To win a Top Safety Pick+, the vehicle must also have acceptable or good headlights standard on all vehicles.

If you’re torn between the 2022 BMW X1 vs. the 2022 Volvo XC40, it isn’t really a difficult decision. While both of these luxury SUVs are loaded with high-end features, the Volvo XC40 is slightly cheaper. As a Top Safety Pick+ winner, it’s also the safer choice.