Only 1 Small SUV Is the Most Reliable, and It’s a BMW, Says U.S. News
One of the essential aspects of buying a new car is analyzing how reliable it will be. In ranking small SUVs, U.S. News placed the BMW X4 at the very top. With an 89-out-of-100 J.D. Power score, there’s not much more BMW could give regarding reliability. But first, let’s see what you get for a starting price of $51,800.
2022 BMW X4 interior
With a light refresh for 2022, the X4’s interior showcases a sharper, modernized dashboard flanked with stylish trimmings. The X4 also boasts an upgraded iDrive infotainment system with a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen, 12 or 16-speaker stereos, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The unit responds to touch inputs, a knob, a touchpad on the center console, buttons on the dashboard, or voice commands. These redundant controls make BMW’s iDrive system one of the most reliable and straightforward setups.
Aside from tech, the X4 features comfortable and supportive front seats that are heated and ventilated in higher-priced trim levels. The X4’s M variant gets special M Sport front seats with larger side bolsters. Plentiful headroom, legroom, and a myriad of steering wheel adjustments make the cockpit perfect for taller occupants. However, six-footers won’t be happy in the back with the X4’s low, coupe-like roof, which subsequently limits rear visibility, too.
Regarding safety features, last year, the previously-optional blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane departure warning became standard. Base models now include adaptive headlights, automatic emergency braking, driver attention monitoring, forward collision warning with pedestrian and cyclist detection, and parking sensors.
The upper trim levels come with even more safety tech, like adaptive cruise control with low-speed traffic jam assist. Moreover, a forward-facing dashcam, hands-free park assist, head-up display, lane-keep assist, and a surround-view camera are available.
2022 BMW X4 small SUV performance is not so small
Each of the X4’s trim levels comes with increasingly aggressive power outputs. The base xDrive30i has a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 248 hp and 259 lb-ft of torque. With all-wheel-drive (AWD) and an eight-speed paddle-shift automatic, fuel economy is estimated at 23 city and 29 highway, per the EPA.
BMW also adds driver-select modes in sport, comfort, and eco-pro variations. Alternating between them will improve throttle response, enhance steering sensitivity, and augment transmission shift points.
The mid-range M40i combines a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system to give 382 hp and 368 lb-ft torque. With AWD and launch control, it’ll hit 60 mph from a standstill in 4.4 seconds. The EPA estimates the M40i will achieve 21 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.
Adding another turbocharger into the same powerplant, the X4 M will provide drivers with 473 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque. If that isn’t enough for your sports activity coupe, a trim-exclusive Competition Package is available. The extra $7,000 gets you gloss black exterior accents, Competition Package Badges, 21-inch wheels, 503 hp, and 479 lb-ft of torque. BMW says the package will propel the X4 from 0-60 mph in 3.7 seconds—almost as quick as the M3.
2022 BMW X4 reliability
Although U.S. News lauds the X4 for its reliability, it isn’t all peaches and cream for the sports activity coupe. Weirdly, Consumer Reports hasn’t delved much into the X4 in years. Yet, they have documented nearly two dozen recalls over the last four model years. Consumer Reports counted seven for the 2019 model year, nine for 2020, four for 2021, and three for the 2022 model. The recalls range from airbags to brakes, engine leaks, and the rearview camera.
However, CarComplaints.com doesn’t show many consumer grievances. In fact, there have only been two since 2015, albeit the X4 isn’t the most popular car. CarFigures.com says 10,620 were sold in 2021, and only 6,632 were bought up until November of this year.
To mitigate unforeseen breakdowns, the X4’s four-year, 50,000-mile warranty is great when compared with the coverage offered by less expensive mainstream models. However, Car and Driver says it’s “merely average” when viewed next to its rivals in the luxury segment. A three-year, 36,000-mile complimentary scheduled maintenance plan is provided, though, which not all models in the segment offer.
Is the 2022 BMW X4 small SUV a good pick?
The 2022 X4 isn’t faultless, but an SUV that can be trusted. The base xDrive30i is one of the most expensive models in the segment, however. With a bit more power and genuine leather on the seats, the M40i calls for over $63,000, Edmunds says. But if money is no object, shoppers might as well consider the X4 M for $73,600. Add in the Competition Package, and the MSRP will be over the $80,000 mark. While that may seem like a lot, owners will have sportscar handling and power with SUV practicality.
