X1 vs UX 300h
The X1 and the UX 300h sit in the same subcompact luxury suv class, but BMW and Lexus don’t always agree on what matters most. By our tally, the X1 leads 2 of 4 areas. The engine & performance section is where it pulls furthest ahead of the UX 300h.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance X1 wins
- Fuel Economy & Range UX 300h wins
- Space & Practicality X1 wins
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Fuel Economy & Range5.3
- Fuel Economy & Range10.0
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
-
The UX 300h has better fuel economy
Of all the specs we compared, this is one where the UX 300h makes its strongest case: 43 mpg against 28 mpg. Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership.
-
The X1 has 49% more cargo space
The X1 clearly leads on cargo (behind rear seats), and 25.7 cu ft versus 17.2 cu ft is a difference that reaches well beyond the spec sheet. Cargo figures are measured in different ways by different makers, so small gaps may not show in practice.
-
The X1 has 45 hp more power
On total system output, the X1 posts 241 hp against 196 hp for the UX 300h, a gap big enough to feel in everyday use. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
-
The UX 300h has better city fuel economy
This is one of the widest gaps in the whole comparison: 45 mpg for the UX 300h versus 24 mpg for the X1. Hybrids often shine in the city, and the UX 300h has the better rating here.
-
The UX 300h has better highway fuel economy
The X1 lists 33 mpg; the UX 300h comes in at 41 mpg. That’s not a rounding error. The UX 300h uses less fuel on the highway, a real saving on road trips and long commutes.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | X1 | UX 300h |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 177 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 72.4 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 60.6 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 103.9 in |
Engine & Performance
X1 leads
If engine & performance is high on your list, the X1 makes the stronger case by a wide margin. Here the X1 offers 45 hp more power. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board. That makes the X1 the natural choice for buyers focused on engine & performance.
Total system output
X1: 241 hp UX 300h: 196 hp The X1’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
Fuel Economy & Range
UX 300h leads
The X1 is outclassed on fuel economy & range; the UX 300h leads by a clear margin. On its side, the UX 300h has better fuel economy. Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold. For fuel economy & range, the UX 300h is the one to beat.
Fuel economy (combined)
X1: 28 mpg UX 300h: 43 mpg The UX 300h uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot.
Fuel economy (city)
X1: 24 mpg UX 300h: 45 mpg City fuel economy matters most if your driving is mostly short trips, traffic and stop-and-go commutes.
Space & Practicality
X1 leads
When it comes to space & practicality, the X1 is comfortably ahead. Point to the X1 for 49% more cargo space. Cargo space behind the rear seats is what you use every day for groceries, strollers and luggage. So if space & practicality tops your list, lean toward the X1.
Cargo (behind rear seats)
X1: 25.7 cu ft UX 300h: 17.2 cu ft The X1’s larger cargo area makes family trips and big shopping runs easier.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
The differences on off-road & towing are small enough to ignore in daily use. The takeaway: off-road & towing is not where these two differ.
Safety & Tech
The safety & tech data here comes as names and types, not scores. Check the table to see what each one uses.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | X1 | UX 300h |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Hybrid |
| Engine | 2.0L turbo I4 | 2.0L I4 hybrid |
| Total system output | 241 hp (winner) | 196 hp |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft | N/A (not specified) |
| Transmission | 7-speed dual-clutch | eCVT |
| Drivetrain | AWD (xDrive) | FWD (AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | X1 | UX 300h |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 28 mpg | 43 mpg (winner) Most efficient in class |
| Fuel economy (city) | 24 mpg | 45 mpg (winner) Best city economy |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 33 mpg | 41 mpg (winner) Best highway economy |
| Fuel tank | N/A (not specified) | 10.6 gal |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | X1 | UX 300h |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 25.7 cu ft (winner) Biggest cargo area | 17.2 cu ft Smallest cargo area |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 57.2 cu ft Most room, seats folded | N/A (not specified) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | X1 | UX 300h |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | X1 | UX 300h |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | N/A (not specified) | 12.3 in |
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | X1 | UX 300h |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 177 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 72.4 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 60.6 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 103.9 in |
Price
| Spec | X1 | UX 300h |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | N/A (not specified) | $37,455 |
“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 haul strollers, luggage or sports gear every week (25.7 cu ft vs 17.2 cu ft)
- you want more power (241 hp vs 196 hp)
- you’re comfortable with how BMW does things
Choose the UX 300h if…
- you drive a lot and want lower running costs (43 mpg vs 28 mpg combined)
- you mostly drive in town (45 mpg vs 24 mpg in the city)
- you cover long highway distances (41 mpg vs 33 mpg on the highway)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the X1 or the UX 300h?
For most people, the X1 is the stronger choice, unless you specifically want better fuel economy, where the UX 300h has the edge.
Executive Summary
Here’s my take on BMW’s X1 versus Lexus’s UX 300h. If I had to name one reason, it’s that the X1 brings 49% more cargo space. Beyond that, 45 hp more power gives the X1 another edge. In fairness to the UX 300h, better fuel economy is a genuine strength.
A quick self-test: do you care more about engine & performance or fuel economy & range? The first answer means the X1, the second means the UX 300h.
My pick: the X1. The UX 300h only comes out ahead if you value better fuel economy above everything else.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.