Finding a used SUV can seem like an overwhelming adventure, but BMW actually has some great options right off the bat. One of the best used luxury SUVs on the market is the X1, which is even budget-friendly in some forms. The compact BMW X1 stands out as a good choice for those seeking a premium entry-level SUV, offering a balanced blend of performance, comfort, and style.

Who makes the best used luxury SUVs?

The list of the best used SUVs under $30,000 has many options from BMW, most of which are from the X1. Of that pool of exceptional SUVs from U.S. News, the 2016 BMW X1 scored the highest. It offers excellent handling and a fun ride that can only come from BMW.

This version of the used luxury SUV has a turbo four-cylinder engine that provides 228 horsepower. That’s enough to power the X1 from zero to 60 mpg in only 6.3 seconds. Not bad for a family SUV that also gets 22 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. The X1 even earned an exceptional predicted reliability rating of 4.5 out of five from J.D. Power.

To become one of the best used luxury SUVs, safety is essential. The 2016 X1 earned the Top Safety Pick Plus award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. It scored high on all main crashworthiness tests except for the headlights. If possible, try to find one with the Premium and Driver Assistance Plus packages for better LED projector headlights.

What is one of the best used luxury SUVs under $30,000?

These days, finding some of the best used SUVs quickly exceeds the $30,000 limit. If you can find one under budget, the 2018 BMW X1 is near the top of the rankings. BMW equipped it with agile handling and an upgraded suspension. Inside, the 2018 X1 is well-equipped and luxurious. Even though it only has room for five passengers, there is plenty of space throughout.

BMW uses a turbo four-cylinder engine again, with 228 horsepower. Front-wheel drive versions get 23 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway, while all-wheel drive models are 22/31 mpg. The 2018 SUV even earned an exceptional predicted reliability rating of 4.5 out of five from J.D. Power.

Thanks to the long list of standard safety features, the 2018 X1 also earned high safety scores. From the IIHS, the luxury SUV earned high marks on all the main crashworthiness tests. It also earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. People like the BMW X1 for many reasons, but it really is the total package and comes in under budget.

What’s the best and cheapest used SUV?

Finally, the 2013 BMW X1 is one of the cheapest options in the lineup on the list. That doesn’t mean the 2013 SUV isn’t still a great SUV. It has the same upgraded handling that the other years have and a strong turbo engine. BMW revamped the X1 this year and improved the fuel economy.

The 2013 BMW X1 sDrive28i gets 240 horsepower when paired with front-wheel drive. This version gets 24 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. There is an all-wheel drive xDrive28i that also receives a turbo-six cylinder with 300 horsepower. Even though that slightly drops the fuel economy, it is still good enough for an SUV from 10 years ago. J.D. Power gave the 2013 SUV an above-average reliability rating of 3.5 out of five.

No matter which year you go with, the X1’s handling and engine options provide a dynamic driving experience that’s characteristic of the BMW brand. For under $30,000, these years are a good place to start.