For those looking for a luxury subcompact SUV like the new BMW X1, you might find a plethora of choices on the market. From heavy-haulers to luxury sport utility vehicles, choosing the one that’s right for you can be a hard task to take on. 

Some websites, like MotorTrend, have helped narrow your choices down by offering up a list of the best SUVs in various different categories. One such list ranks luxury subcompact SUVs from the fifth-best to the first. You might find a few surprises there.

What vehicles do we find on their list?

MotorTrend ranked five luxury subcompact SUVs on their list. All of them are from some big-name automakers, too. One such luxury vehicle is the 2020 Audi Q3. It lands in the No. 4 spot for its spaciousness and for the large number of available tech features it offers. 

The No. 1 rated subcompact SUV for luxury is the 2020 Volvo XC40. This vehicle caters to the tech fans with its many features, and it also offers plenty of storage space, including clever cubby holes throughout. You’ll find it to be pretty stylish with a colorful interior and it comes at a base price of $35,000. 

Another well-known name on the list is the 2020 Lexus UX SUV, which takes the No. 3 spot. Its classy interior impressed reviewers, along with its fun handling and exceptional exterior styling. The fact that it’s too small for hauling any cargo caused it to fall behind the number two SUV on their list. 

How did the BMW X1 get second place on the list?

Coming in second is the BMW X1. Its clean styling, comfortable ride, great on-road handling, and 33 mpg highway fuel efficiency got it that spot. It has enough space for a moderate amount of cargo if you use the area behind the second row of seats. 

The X1 is BMW’s entry-level offering for the subcompact crossover SUV market. Its powertrain includes a 2.0-liter four-cylinder motor paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. You also get to choose from front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive options. The AWD aids this SUV to handle milder off-roading conditions, such as sand and silt. 

When it comes to safety, the BMW X1 performed well in crash tests done by IIHS. It earned a rating of Good in almost all areas of their evaluation. In front crash prevention, it received an advanced rating because of its standard offering of safety tech equipment. 

The base price runs about $34,700 and can go as high as $45,000 when choosing some of the extras. 

Is it really a good choice?

As with all others on the list, the X1 wasn’t without its drawbacks. One thing the reviewers didn’t care for was the unsupportive front seats. They didn’t feel as comfortable as they should have for the price you would ultimately pay for the car. 

Another shortcoming of this BMW SUV is the cheaper-looking interior materials. Again, when you pay a pretty penny for a vehicle, it should have prime quality elements to it. The X1 has too much cheap plastic used throughout the cabin, lowering its classy feel. 

Overall, though, it’s actually an excellent choice if you’re in the market for a luxury subcompact SUV. The 2020 BMW X1 proves to be a comfortable ride on long distances, despite the unsupportive seats, that some of the reviewers reported. 

The BMW X1 still earned its spot as the second-place winner on this list, only lagging behind the 2020 Volvo XC40 who took first place. The scores prove it’s an all-around decent vehicle to own.