Since its release in 2012, the BMW X1 has offered a combination of performance and utility to luxury crossover drivers looking for something with a smaller footprint. While that combination proved quite successful early on, the X1 had a rough year last year, with sales down almost 37 percent from the year prior.

After redesigning the car for 2016, BMW returns the X1 for 2017 largely unchanged, despite last year's tough sales. The most notable difference between the 2015 and 2016 models was the car's switch from a rear-wheel drivetrain to front-wheel drive (FWD). BMW has seen just how popular FWD crossovers have become in the United States and hopes the front-drive X1 will be able to make serious inroads in that market.

While the 2017 X1 will be based on a FWD platform, an all-wheel-drive (AWD) version will be available, making the crossover more appealing to those who live in places with lots of snow or rain, as well as those who enjoy light off-roading. Powering both versions will be a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine pumping out 228 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. Both engines will be linked to the wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission.

While the X1 will officially offer two trims—the sDrive28i and the xDrive28i—the pair will be almost identical, except for the fact the sDrive28i will be FWD and the xDrive28i AWD. Expect the sDrive28i to return fuel-economy numbers of approximately 23 mpg city/33 highway/27 combined, while the xDrive28i should get about 22/32/26. Not bad for a car that seats 5 and offers 27.1 cubic feet of cargo space (58.8 with the rear seats down).

Both versions come well equipped, which one would expect given the sDrive28i should start just above $34,000 (including destination and handling charges), while the xDrive28i should again top $36,000.

On the inside, the X1 will come with SensaTec seating standard. Other standard features include automatic start/stop (to save fuel), a brake energy regeneration system, hill-descent control, halogen headlights, 8-way power-adjustable front seats, push-button start, rain-sensing windshield wipers, a power liftgate, BMW’s iDrive infotainment system with a 6.5-inch color display, USB and Bluetooth connectivity, dynamic cruise control, and BMW’s Advanced Vehicle & Key Memory, which remembers temperature, mirror, audio, and lighting preferences.

BMW will offer a multitude of optional equipment on the X1, including the Cold Weather Package, Driver Assistance Package (park assist), Luxury Package (leather seats and upgraded trim), Premium Package (an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, panoramic moonroof, and LED headlights), Driver Assistance Plus (active driving assist), M Sport Package (aerodynamic kit, M sport suspension, and M wheels), and Technology Package (a head-up display, BMW Apps, navigation, and smartphone integration). Standalone options will include navigation, sport seats, smartphone integration, a panoramic moonroof, and a Harman Kardon Surround Sound system.

BMW will also load the X1 with safety equipment, including 4-wheel antilock brakes, dynamic stability control, front and rear anti-roll bars, front-seat-mounted side-impact airbags, a front and rear head-protection system, and knee airbags. To better protect your investment, you’ll also get a 4-year/50,000-mile limited warranty and 4 years of unlimited mileage roadside assistance.

The BMW X1 is the first of the new front-drive BMWs to reach the United States. While the first model year of the new version saw tough sales numbers, BMW is betting the redesigned X1 will catch on for 2017. If you're interested in a small luxury crossover with decent cargo space and aren’t worried about BMW’s break from its rear-drive past, you might want to add the X1 to your car-shopping list.