2023 BMW X1 vs 2023 Toyota RAV4

The 2023 BMW X1 appeared more like an evolution rather than a revolution from the second generation, maintaining its distinctive X1 identity but with enhancements to its strength and refinement. The larger, squarer kidney grille wasn’t as startling as the one on the BMW 4 Series, yet it signaled that the new X1’s front fascia was more robust. The flush door handles and standard LED headlights and taillights added to its refined look. The L-shaped taillights also received a fresh take.

The color palette for the 2023 X1 was more dynamic compared to its predecessor, including thirteen exterior color choices with five new options such as Blue Bay Lagoon, Cape York Green, Utah Orange, Space Silver, and BMW Individual Frozen Pure Grey. Portimao Blue, an extra-cost color, stood out, though only Alpine White and Jet Black were available gratis.

The X1 retained its 18-inch wheels and offered upgrades to 19-inch and 20-inch wheels wrapped in performance tires. The xLine design featured silver accents, high-gloss body cladding, and black fender arches, while the M Sport Package added body-colored elements and the black Shadowline exterior package.

Inside, the cabin felt distinctly premium without being overly luxurious. The BMW Curved Display dominated the dash with its large glass panel and long, narrow vents. Physical controls were cleanly clustered at the front of the armrest. The SensaTec 2.0 seat coverings in four color options felt upscale, and the M Sport Package provided stitched SensaTec dashboard, sport seats, and an M leather steering wheel. The Premium Package included a panoramic moonroof, creating an airy feel. The center armrest, though slim, offered handy storage with an aluminum finish enhancing the rear cabin design.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 offered six trim levels, ranging from the sub-$30K RAV4 LE to the RAV4 Limited with ventilated seats, including two off-road trims. The Adventure and TRD Off-Road trims retained the two-part face introduced in 2019, with the Adventure moving the badge closer to the center of the aggressive grille, blacked-out wheels, and a faux skid plate.

The Adventure’s interior popped with orange accents on the seats, contrast stitching, and orange plastic borders on an otherwise basic console. A frameless rearview mirror added a premium touch. The LE and XLE trims had fabric seats, while SofTex upholstery was part of the XLE Premium. Higher trims came with heated and ventilated power-adjustable seats and dual-zone climate control standard on all but the base trim.

The 2023 BMW X1 had more than just visual strength; it boasted a power boost. Its 2.0-liter twin-turbo four-cylinder, with a new dual injection system and revised combustion chamber geometry, generated 241 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, an increase of 13 horsepower and 37 lb-ft from the previous year. This upsurge enabled the X1 to achieve a zero to 60 time of 6.2 seconds and a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. The new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) outperformed the previous eight-speed automatic transmission, making for engaging drives, especially with the M Sport Package’s paddle shifters.

BMW touted upgraded Adaptive M Suspension and damping systems for better comfort and stability, minimizing body roll and delivering a ride that felt more like a hatchback. The narrow rear window design surprisingly did not hamper visibility, thanks to large windows and narrow pillars.

Fuel economy was another strength, with the EPA rating the 2023 X1 at 25 mpg city, 34 highway, and 28 combined, albeit with a recommendation for Premium fuel.

Meanwhile, the 2023 Toyota RAV4's performance came with a singular engine choice: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder producing 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. This engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. While not as peppy as a dual-clutch system, this setup was still preferable to a CVT. However, acceleration leaned towards “unobjectionable” rather than “exciting,” and the engine was notably audible.

The RAV4 Adventure trim, which came standard with all-wheel drive, sported 19-inch wheels and the same MacPherson front and multi-link rear suspension as the rest of the lineup. The TRD Off-Road, however, had 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires and a TRD-tuned suspension.

Given its larger dimensions, the 2023 BMW X1 was noticeably spacious, particularly excelling in headroom with 42.1 inches in the front and 39.3 in the rear. It outperformed rivals like the Audi Q3, Lexus UX, Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class, and Volvo XC40. Even with the optional sunroof, it felt roomy. The legroom measured at 40.4 inches in the front and 37 inches in the rear. Cargo space was a significant strength, offering 25.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and a generous 57.2 cubic feet with seats folded.

However, some features like heated seats were optional, costing $550, a minor surprise for a BMW. Thankfully, they could be added standalone rather than bundled in a pricey package. The Premium Package feature, like the wireless charging pad, was well-designed to keep devices secure.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 seated five comfortably and also offered impressive interior dimensions; however, it lagged slightly behind competitors in some areas. Headroom measured 37.7 inches in the front row with the moonroof and 39.5 inches in the rear, providing less headroom for the driver and front passenger compared to the Honda CR-V and Subaru Forester, yet more for rear passengers. Legroom stood at 41 inches in the front and 37.8 inches in the second row, just shy of the CR-V and Forester in the rear but comparable in the front.

The RAV4 excelled in storage, with cargo capacity measuring 37.5 cubic feet behind the second row and expanding to 69.8 cubic feet with seats folded, fairly competitive within its class but slightly trailing the CR-V.

The 2023 BMW X1 showcased advanced tech features, highlighted by the BMW Curved Display with iDrive 8. This seamless integration combined a 10.7-inch infotainment screen and a 10.25-inch driver information display. The system was user-friendly, responsive, and the apps integration made it comprehensive if somewhat cluttered. Voice commands performed well, barring a few hiccups with navigation inputs. Seamless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were part of its robust capabilities.

Standard features included BMW’s Live Cockpit Plus with maps and Bluetooth. The Premium Package brought Live Cockpit Professional, a full-color head-up display, and augmented reality navigation. Four USB-C ports ensured device connectivity, while the optional Harman Kardon sound system elevated the audio experience. The practical center console interface offered intuitive start/stop button operation and a new gear toggle.

Toyota stepped up its game in the 2023 RAV4 with a revamped infotainment system. An 8.0-inch touchscreen was standard, with a 10.5-inch version on Limited and TRD Off-Road trims. OTA updates, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto reflected modern expectations. The Adventure trim, with an upgraded multimedia system including a 10.5-inch screen and an 11-speaker JBL audio system, provided an enhanced tech experience. A 7-inch driver-information display came standard, while the Limited trim offered a 12.3-inch version, also available on TRD Off-Road.

Safety features in the 2023 BMW X1 were robust, with active blind-spot detection, exit warning, and front-collision warning systems included. BMW’s Active Driving Assistant Professional suite added adaptive cruise control, speed limit assist, traffic-jam assistant, and lane departure warning. The vehicle boasted a 360-degree camera system as part of the Premium Package, while Active Park Distance Control and Back-Up Assistant added layers of safety and convenience for maneuvering.

Toyota’s 2023 RAV4 came with a comprehensive safety suite, including lane-departure warning with steering assist, automatic emergency braking, automatic high-beam LED headlights, and pre-collision pedestrian detection. Adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring were standard on higher trims. The updated TSS 2.5 suite offered enhancements like Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. The 2023 RAV4 had strong safety credentials, earning a 2023 Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, signifying top performance in crash tests.