X1 vs XC40
Different logos, same mission. The X1 and the XC40 both want to be your next car. You won’t find a dramatic mismatch here: the X1 and the XC40 are close on nearly every line that counts.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance X1 wins
- Fuel Economy & Range X1 wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance7.5
- Fuel Economy & Range5.3
- Engine & Performance6.8
- Fuel Economy & Range4.3
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 better fuel economy
The X1 wins this narrowly, 28 mpg against 26 mpg, which makes it more of a bonus than a reason to buy. The X1 uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot.
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The X1 has 37 lb-ft more torque
The X1 has a modest edge on torque: 295 lb-ft against 258 lb-ft for the XC40. Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
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The X1 has better highway fuel economy
It’s a small lead (33 mpg versus 30 mpg), but it’s real, and it goes to the X1. The X1 uses less fuel on the highway, a real saving on road trips and long commutes.
Design & Size
Engine & Performance
X1 leads
The XC40 keeps it close on engine & performance, yet the X1 holds a small lead. The X1 takes this one with 37 lb-ft more torque. The X1’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing. So if engine & performance tops your list, lean toward the X1.
Torque
X1: 295 lb-ft XC40: 258 lb-ft More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
Fuel Economy & Range
X1 leads
Few areas are as clear-cut as this one: the X1 leads the fuel economy & range section with room to spare. In its favor, the X1 has better fuel economy. Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold. Bottom line for fuel economy & range: the X1 has the edge.
Fuel economy (combined)
X1: 28 mpg XC40: 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 XC40: 30 mpg Speed, wind and load affect highway use a lot, but the official rating is a fair comparison point.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
On space & practicality, the X1 and the XC40 are effectively level. On space & practicality alone, you can’t go far wrong with either.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
The X1 and the XC40 match each other closely in this area. So off-road & towing is a non-factor here; move on to the areas where they actually differ.
Safety & Tech
On safety & tech, the useful details are the names in the table: what each one uses, not a figure we can rank.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | X1 | XC40 |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas (48V mild hybrid) |
| Engine | 2.0L turbo I4 | 2.0L turbo I4 |
| Total system output | 241 hp | 247 hp |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft (winner) | 258 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 7-speed dual-clutch | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD (xDrive) | AWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | X1 | XC40 |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 28 mpg (winner) | 26 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 24 mpg | 23 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 33 mpg (winner) | 30 mpg |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | X1 | XC40 |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 25.7 cu ft Biggest cargo area | N/A (not specified) |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 57.2 cu ft Most room, seats folded | N/A (not specified) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | X1 | XC40 |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | X1 | XC40 |
|---|---|---|
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
“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 want better combined fuel economy (28 mpg vs 26 mpg)
- you want more pulling power from low speeds (295 lb-ft vs 258 lb-ft of torque)
- you cover long highway distances (33 mpg vs 30 mpg on the highway)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the X1 or the XC40?
On the specs compared here, the X1 makes more sense for most buyers; the XC40 doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Executive Summary
If it were just about the brand, you wouldn’t be here. So let’s talk about the X1 and the XC40 on their merits. I’d put better fuel economy at the top of the list, and it belongs to the X1. Nor should you ignore that the X1 has 37 lb-ft more torque.
Choose by what you’d use most: engine & performance leads to the X1, the things a spec sheet can’t capture leads to the XC40.
My pick: the X1.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.