Both the 2022 BMW X1 and the 2022 Audi Q3 are among the best luxury compact SUVs out there. Yet if you’re looking for a new sport utility vehicle, you can only buy one. So which is the better choice, the 2022 BMW X1 vs. the 2022 Audi Q3? Let’s take a look at what each of these SUVs include, and what you’ll get for your money.

The 2022 BMW X1 vs. 2022 Audi Q3: 1 is less expensive

Price is obviously a huge part of car shopping, so let’s take a look at how much each of these luxury compact SUVs will cost you. The 2022 BMW X1 price starts at $36,395 and you’re getting a lot in this small luxury package. The BMW X1 comes with a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that makes 228 hp. 

On the other hand, the 2022 Audi Q3 is slightly more expensive. The 2022 Audi Q3 price starts at $37,595 for the base model Premium trim level. This comes with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that makes 184 hp. Obviously, this isn’t a huge price difference, so your choice will likely come down to other factors. Let’s take a look at those.

Both the BMW X1 and the Audi Q3 are loaded with features

After price, you might want to know what kinds of features your new luxury SUV will come with. The good news is, both the 2022 BMW X1 and the 2022 Audi Q3 are packed with lots of good things. The BMW X1 comes with roof rails, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and a power liftgate. The X1 also has simulated leather seats and power adjustable front seats. It also has an 8.8-inch touchscreen display that’s compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. 

The 2022 Audi Q3 is also loaded with great features. It has 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, and a panoramic sunroof, according to Edmunds. It also has a power liftgate, digital gauge cluster, and heated front seats  in addition, the Q3 has an 8.8-inch touchscreen that’s compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. 

Neither wins a safety award

If safety is your priority, you’ll want to know that neither the 2022 BMW X1 or the 2022 Audi Q3 wins a safety award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The IIHS hands out two safety awards: the Top Safety Pick+ and the Top Safety Pick. These awards are only given out to the safest SUVs.

To win a Top Safety Pick award, a vehicle has to have good crash test ratings for the “driver-side small overlap front, passenger-side small overlap front, moderate overlap front, original side, roof strength and head restraint tests.” It also must have advanced or superior front crash prevention, and acceptable or good headlights available. To win a Top Safety Pick+, the vehicle must also have acceptable or good headlights standard on all vehicles. Neither of these luxury SUVs win either of these awards.

If you’re in the market for a new luxury compact SUV, both the 2022 BMW X1 and the 2022 Audi Q3 are great options. And, since they’re both similarly stacked, it’s definitely hard to choose between them. Yet the BMW X1’s slightly lower price just may make it the better SUV for you.