The luxury subcompact SUV market is flush with new entries, making it more and more difficult to zero in on the vehicle that makes the most sense. The 2025 BMW X1 and 2025 Audi Q3 rank as some of the best options in that cluster of vehicles.
Long known for producing the best of the best, BMW and Audi hit the mark with these two entries. Let’s look closer at the new BMW X1 and Audi Q3.
2025 BMW X1
2024 model shown
Not surprisingly, the 2025 BMW X1 offers an impressive synthesis of performance, looks, technology, and luxury. On the outside, the X1 looks the part of a BMW, starting with the impossible-to-miss kidney grille. It’s upright without looking stiff.
Like many luxury vehicles, it features a curved, dual-screen dash that makes everything crystal clear and easy to reach. While the technology-laden interior is a massive selling point, so too is the available space in the cabin. There is ample room for five passengers.
Powered by a 241-horsepower turbo 4-cylinder and standard all-wheel drive, X1 drivers can have as much or as little fun as they want behind the wheel. Also, an upgrade to a specially tuned version of the same engine nets you 313 hp in the form of M35i. Pricing begins at $42,125, including destination fees.
BMW X1 Highlights
Harman Kardon: This superb 12-speaker, 360-watt surround-sound system is part of the Premium package and includes several other desirable features.
Driver assist: Active Driving Assistant Pro includes assistance with changing lanes, emergency stops (if the driver has a medical crisis), and evasive steering.
Two choices: Putting out 241 horses, the standard engine on the X1 is a potent powerplant and will be better than satisfactory for most drivers. However, if you are not “most drivers,” you can upgrade to the lively 313-hp version found on the M35i.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the X1 models near you.
2025 Audi Q3
2024 model shown
The Q3 is Audi’s smallest SUV and its most affordable SUV. If you want to get a foothold in the German luxury brand, this may be the best way to do it. Well into its second generation, the Q3’s exterior styling fits right in with the rest of the Q lineup: clean and contemporary. It looks like an Audi.
That feeling carries over to the Q3’s interior space, which is simple, clean, and accented with a load of current safety and convenience technology. With nice, big screens, everyone can easily see the information they need.
The entry-level model is propelled by a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder that develops 184 hp. All-wheel drive (AWD) is standard on all four trim levels of the Q3. If you need a bit more power, buyers can upgrade to a more powerful version of the same 4-cylinder that develops 228 hp. Prices start at $41,095, including destination charges.
Audi Q3 Highlights
Driver assistance: Adaptive cruise control with lane guidance is now standard equipment, or technology in this case, across all Q3 trim levels. This feature is often a costly option on its competitors.
Technology package: This bundle comes with the Premium Plus trim and includes a larger 12.3-inch digital driver information display, a larger infotainment touchscreen (10.1-inches), wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, road sign recognition, navigation, satellite radio, and an upgraded sound system.
Safety first: The Q3 earned a 5-Star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and achieved “Good” ratings in most of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) tests.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Q3 models near you.
Similarities
The BMW X1 and Audi Q3 feature stylish exteriors and spacious interiors. Each SUV offers the latest convenience and safety technology.
Conclusion
This decision is not as difficult as it may seem on the surface. Pay the extra $2,500 to get the BMW X1 with a more powerful engine, greater fuel economy, more cabin space, and (we think) better exterior styling.
The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors.
The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for vehicles and vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership.
These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.
| 2025 BMW X1 | 2025 Audi Q3 | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder | 2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 241 hp @ 6,500 rpm | 184 hp @ 4,800 rpm |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft @ 4,500 rpm | 221 lb-ft @ 3,500 rpm |
| Transmission | 7-speed dual clutch/AWD | 8-speed Tiptronic quattro |
| Fuel Economy | 25 city/34 highway/28 combined | 22 city/29 highway/25 combined mpg |
| Also Available | Tuned 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder | 2.0-liter TFSI 4-cylinder |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 4 years/50,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 4 years/50,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | 4 stars | 5 stars |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 106.0 inches | 105.5 inches |
| Overall Length | 177.4 inches | 176.6 inches |
| Width | 72.6 inches | 72.8 inches |
| Height | 64.6 inches | 62.9 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 38.4 feet | 38.4 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 42.1 inches | 39.6 inches |
| Headroom, Rear | 39.3 inches | 37.6 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 40.4 inches | 40.0 inches |
| Legroom, Rear | 37.0 inches | 36.1 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 56.1 inches | 56.7 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Rear | 55.1 inches | 55.1 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 25.7 cubic feet | 23.7 cubic feet |