You Should Get the Mazda CX-5 Over the BMW X1
The 2020 Mazda CX-5 is one of the most talked-about SUVs of the year for a variety of reasons. It offers a dynamic driving experience, fuel efficiency, and boasts one of the most luxurious car cabins in its class. In fact, the CX-5 is so good on luxury that Consumer Reports recommends buying it over real luxury models like the 2020 BMW X1.
What’s wrong with the 2020 BMW X1?
CR considers the BMW X1 another luxury letdown. This SUV comes with a standard 228-horsepower, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that’s linked to an eight-speed automatic. The X1 offers reasonable power and actually stands out in its class due to its above-average fuel economy. However, it doesn’t provide the same refined performance that BMW is known for. CR compares the X1’s driving experience to the Ford Escape.
According to CR’s member survey results, only 46 percent of X1 owners said they would repurchase this crossover SUV. The low owner satisfaction is mostly due to the X1’s basic cabin and lack of value. The most luxurious aspect of the X1 is its attractive exterior.
Why the 2020 Mazda CX-5 is the better option
Mazda’s CX-5 delivers on luxury both inside and out. Its striking exterior is matched with a handsome interior filled with high-quality materials. Each CX-5 trim level offers a luxurious feel, but CR specifically recommends the Grand Tour Reserve, which comes with leather-trimmed seats, a power sliding moonroof, and rear-privacy glass.
A quiet engine complements the CX-5’s peaceful cabin. Upper-level trims like the Grand Tour Reserve and the Signature come with a turbocharged four-cylinder that produces a 227 hp (and 250 hp on premium fuel). This peppy option helps the CX-5 to accelerate with ease. The lower level trims feature a 187 four-cylinder that’s also smooth and responsive. It’s obviously not as potent as the turbocharged option, though.
The CX-5’s in-car electronics
The Grand Tour Reserve comes with Mazda’s Connect infotainment system. This infotainment system is easy to use but slightly outdated. On the Grand Tour Reserve trim, you get an 8-inch touchscreen display, a 10-speaker Bose audio system, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.
Many advanced safety features also come standard on the CX-5. Standard features include forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and pedestrian detection. Other available features include automatic park assist and adaptive headlights. The CX-5’s safety equipment helped it earn a five-star safety rating from the National Highway Transportation Administration. The SUV was also named as a Top Safety Pick+ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
Savvy savings
By choosing the CX-5 Grand Tour Reserve trim over the X1, you can save $6,960. The CX-5 also has a higher predicted reliability rating than the X1. Furthermore, current CX-5 owners love their SUV, and most would be willing to repurchase it.
With that being said, there aren’t many downsides to the CX-5. It’s just that its trunk space is below the class average and it’s fuel economy rating is just OK. Other than that, the CX-5 is a worthy contender on your SUV shopping list.
