X1 vs XT4
Two brands, one target. The X1 from BMW and the XT4 from Cadillac compete head to head for subcompact luxury suv shoppers. Of the 4 areas we compared, the X1 wins 3. If one area explains the result, it’s space & practicality.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance X1 wins
- Fuel Economy & Range X1 wins
- Space & Practicality X1 wins
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance7.5
- Fuel Economy & Range5.3
- Space & Practicality10.0
- Engine & Performance5.9
- Fuel Economy & Range4.3
- Space & Practicality3.7
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
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The X1 has 17% more maximum cargo space
Not a close call. The X1 lists 57.2 cu ft and the XT4 lists 48.9 cu ft. That’s a substantial gap. The X1 can swallow more with the seats down, which makes it more versatile for occasional big loads.
-
The X1 has 14% more cargo space
The difference is minor (25.7 cu ft against 22.5 cu ft), but if you’re splitting hairs, the X1 wins it. Cargo figures are measured in different ways by different makers, so small gaps may not show in practice.
-
The X1 has better fuel economy
The XT4 comes close with 26 mpg; the X1 does slightly better with 28 mpg. The X1 uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot.
-
The X1 has 37 lb-ft more torque
Think of it as a tiebreaker rather than a deal-breaker: 295 lb-ft for the X1, 258 lb-ft for the XT4. Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
-
The X1 has better highway fuel economy
On paper, the X1 is a touch ahead here, listing 33 mpg against 29 mpg. Highway fuel economy matters if you cover long distances at steady speeds.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | X1 | XT4 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 181.1 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 109.4 in |
Engine & Performance
X1 leads
In the engine & performance category, the X1 is a step ahead rather than a leap ahead. The X1 wins here with 37 lb-ft more torque. More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades. In short, the X1 is the better-equipped car for engine & performance.
Torque
X1: 295 lb-ft XT4: 258 lb-ft The X1’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
Fuel Economy & Range
X1 leads
In this area the X1 has a lead the XT4 can’t close. Point to the X1 for better fuel economy. Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold. That makes the X1 the natural choice for buyers focused on fuel economy & range.
Fuel economy (combined)
X1: 28 mpg XT4: 26 mpg Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership.
Fuel economy (highway)
X1: 33 mpg XT4: 29 mpg The X1 uses less fuel on the highway, a real saving on road trips and long commutes.
Space & Practicality
X1 leads
No contest in space & practicality: the X1 is the stronger of the two. The X1 stands out with 17% more maximum cargo space. Check the shape of the load floor too: a flat floor can matter as much as the number. Anyone shopping mainly on space & practicality should start with the X1.
Cargo (seats folded)
X1: 57.2 cu ft XT4: 48.9 cu ft Maximum cargo space with the seats folded matters when you move furniture, bikes or bulky gear.
Cargo (behind rear seats)
X1: 25.7 cu ft XT4: 22.5 cu ft The X1’s larger cargo area makes family trips and big shopping runs easier.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
This area ends level; whatever separates these two, it isn’t off-road & towing. For off-road & towing, pick whichever you prefer for other reasons.
Safety & Tech
There isn’t a number to compare on safety & tech, just names. Look at the rows below to see how the X1 and the XT4 differ.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | X1 | XT4 |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 2.0L turbo I4 | 2.0L turbo I4 |
| Total system output | 241 hp | 235 hp |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft (winner) | 258 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 7-speed dual-clutch | 9-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD (xDrive) | FWD (AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | X1 | XT4 |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 28 mpg (winner) | 26 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 24 mpg | 24 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 33 mpg (winner) | 29 mpg |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | X1 | XT4 |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 25.7 cu ft (winner) Biggest cargo area | 22.5 cu ft |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 57.2 cu ft (winner) Most room, seats folded | 48.9 cu ft Least room, seats folded |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | X1 | XT4 |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | X1 | XT4 |
|---|---|---|
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | X1 | XT4 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 181.1 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 109.4 in |
Price
| Spec | X1 | XT4 |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | N/A (not specified) | $40,795 Priciest in class |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the X1 if…
- you move bulky items now and then (57.2 cu ft vs 48.9 cu ft maximum cargo)
- you haul strollers, luggage or sports gear every week (25.7 cu ft vs 22.5 cu ft)
- you drive a lot and want lower running costs (28 mpg vs 26 mpg combined)
- you want more pulling power from low speeds (295 lb-ft vs 258 lb-ft of torque)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the X1 or the XT4?
On the specs compared here, the X1 makes more sense for most buyers; the XT4 doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Executive Summary
Here’s my take on BMW’s X1 versus Cadillac’s XT4. What tips it for me is that the X1 has 17% more maximum cargo space. And if that weren’t enough, the X1 has better fuel economy.
I think of the X1 as the one for engine & performance and the XT4 as the one for the things a spec sheet can’t capture.
My pick: the X1.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.