The F48 is the best BMW X1 generation overall, and the 2021 X1 (F48) is the best model year: NHTSA lists 9 complaints and 1 recall campaign, KBB owners rate its reliability 4.3 out of 5, and KBB Fair Purchase Prices run from $18,500 to $18,600. The 2020 is the best cheaper pick, from $15,850 with 13 complaints. The E84 years are the cheapest, from $6,475, and the U11 is the newest, from $27,500.
Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $8,300 for the X1 sDrive28i (originally $35,845), $8,325 for the xDrive28i (originally $38,145) and $8,550 for the xDrive35i (originally $44,945)
Buyers who want an X1 with the 300 hp xDrive35i from $8,550
Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $6,475 for the X1 sDrive28i (originally $35,995), $7,725 for the xDrive28i (originally $38,195) and $8,200 for the xDrive35i (originally $43,495)
Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $6,850 for the X1 sDrive28i (originally $38,045), $7,925 for the xDrive28i (originally $38,000) and $8,525 for the xDrive35i (originally $44,900)
Buyers who want the cheapest sDrive28i here, from $6,850
Pick by what you want
Best overall
2021 BMW X1 (F48)
Best value
2020 BMW X1 (F48)
Newest generation
2024 BMW X1 (U11)
Cheapest X1
2013 BMW X1 (E84)
The ranking
1
2021 BMW X1 (F48)
Photo: Benespit / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe fewest complaints we can rely on.
Used price: Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $18,600 for the X1 sDrive28i (originally $38,645) and $18,500 for the xDrive28i (originally $41,195)NHTSA recalls: 1 recall campaign listed by NHTSA for the 2021 BMW X1 (unique campaign numbers across the NHTSA model names X1; the NHTSA recall lookup can miss campaigns, so check any car by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls)NHTSA complaints: 9 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2021 BMW X1 (unique complaints across the NHTSA model names X1)Owner reliability: KBB owners rate the 2021 BMW X1 4.3 out of 5 for reliabilityPower and economy: 228 hp and 26-27 combined mpg (KBB)
The 2021 X1 is a facelifted F48 with the cleanest record on the list: NHTSA lists 9 complaints and 1 recall campaign. KBB Fair Purchase Prices are $18,600 for the sDrive28i and $18,500 for the xDrive28i, with 228 hp and 26-27 combined mpg, and owners rate reliability 4.3 out of 5.
Go ifBuyers who want the cleanest record: 9 NHTSA complaints and 1 listed recall campaign
Skip ifYou want the newer U11 design or more than 228 hp
Why #1 over #2: It lists 9 complaints versus 13 for the 2020, though the 2020 starts lower, at $15,850 versus $18,500.
2
2020 BMW X1 (F48)
Photo: Vauxford / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictA cheaper F48 with a similar record.
Used price: Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $15,850 for the X1 sDrive28i (originally $38,745) and $16,850 for the xDrive28i (originally $41,295)NHTSA recalls: 1 recall campaign listed by NHTSA for the 2020 BMW X1 (unique campaign numbers across the NHTSA model names X1; the NHTSA recall lookup can miss campaigns, so check any car by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls)NHTSA complaints: 13 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2020 BMW X1 (unique complaints across the NHTSA model names X1)Owner reliability: KBB owners rate the 2020 BMW X1 4.3 out of 5 for reliabilityPower and economy: 228 hp and 26-27 combined mpg (KBB)
The 2020 X1 is the best value F48: $15,850 for the sDrive28i and $16,850 for the xDrive28i. NHTSA lists 13 complaints and 1 recall campaign, owners rate reliability 4.3 out of 5, and KBB gives 228 hp and 26-27 combined mpg.
Go ifBuyers who want a facelifted F48 from $15,850 with 13 NHTSA complaints
Skip ifYou want a model with 9 or fewer complaints
Why #2 over #3: It lists 13 complaints and 1 recall versus 13 and 3 for the 2019, though the 2019 starts lower, at $14,750 versus $15,850.
3
2019 BMW X1 (F48)
Photo: Vauxford / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe same complaints as the 2020, from $14,750.
Used price: Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $14,750 for the X1 sDrive28i (originally $38,445) and $15,350 for the xDrive28i (originally $40,995)NHTSA recalls: 3 recall campaigns listed by NHTSA for the 2019 BMW X1 (unique campaign numbers across the NHTSA model names X1; the NHTSA recall lookup can miss campaigns, so check any car by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls)NHTSA complaints: 13 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2019 BMW X1 (unique complaints across the NHTSA model names X1)Owner reliability: KBB owners rate the 2019 BMW X1 4.3 out of 5 for reliabilityPower and economy: 228 hp and 25-26 combined mpg (KBB)
The 2019 X1 is an F48 from $14,750 for the sDrive28i and $15,350 for the xDrive28i. NHTSA lists 13 complaints and 3 recall campaigns, owners rate reliability 4.3 out of 5, and KBB gives 228 hp and 25-26 combined mpg.
Go ifBuyers who want 13 NHTSA complaints from $14,750
Skip ifYou want only 1 recall campaign
Why #3 over #4: It lists 13 complaints versus 30 for the 2024, and starts at $14,750 versus $30,400.
4
2024 BMW X1 (U11)
Photo: Tokumeigakarinoaoshima / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe best U11, but it has had only a short time to collect complaints.
Used price: Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $30,400 for the X1 xDrive28i (originally $41,495) and $35,100 for the M35i (originally $50,895)NHTSA recalls: 3 recall campaigns listed by NHTSA for the 2024 BMW X1 (unique campaign numbers across the NHTSA model names X1; the NHTSA recall lookup can miss campaigns, so check any car by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls)NHTSA complaints: 30 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2024 BMW X1 (unique complaints across the NHTSA model names X1)Owner reliability: KBB owners rate the 2024 BMW X1 3.7 out of 5 for reliabilityPower and economy: 241-313 hp and 26-28 combined mpg (KBB)
The 2024 X1 is the best of the newest U11 generation: NHTSA lists 30 complaints and 3 recall campaigns. KBB Fair Purchase Prices are $30,400 for the xDrive28i and $35,100 for the M35i, with 241-313 hp and 26-28 combined mpg. Owners rate reliability 3.7 out of 5, lower than the F48, and a low complaint count partly reflects less time on the road.
Go ifBuyers who want the newest U11 here, with the M35i from $35,100
Skip ifYou want to spend under $20,000
Why #4 over #5: It lists 30 complaints versus 60 for the 2018 and 70 for the 2023, though the 2018 starts at $13,200 versus $30,400.
5
2022 BMW X1 (F48)
Photo: Vauxford / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe last F48; its 1 complaint could not be fully confirmed.
Used price: Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $22,800 for the X1 sDrive28i (originally $36,395) and $23,700 for the xDrive28i (originally $38,395)NHTSA recalls: 2 recall campaigns listed by NHTSA for the 2022 BMW X1 (unique campaign numbers across the NHTSA model names X1; the NHTSA recall lookup can miss campaigns, so check any car by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls)NHTSA complaints: 1 complaint filed with NHTSA for the 2022 BMW X1 (unique complaints across the NHTSA model names X1); this count is far below neighbouring years and could not be fully confirmedOwner reliability: KBB owners rate the 2022 BMW X1 4.3 out of 5 for reliabilityPower and economy: 228 hp and 26-27 combined mpg (KBB)
The 2022 X1 is the last F48, at $22,800 for the sDrive28i and $23,700 for the xDrive28i. NHTSA lists 1 complaint, which is far below the neighbouring years and could not be fully confirmed, so we do not rank it higher on that count. It lists 2 recall campaigns, owners rate reliability 4.3 out of 5, and KBB gives 228 hp and 26-27 combined mpg.
Go ifBuyers who want the last F48, though its complaint count could not be fully confirmed
Skip ifYou want a complaint count you can fully rely on
Why #5 over #6: It ranks above the 2018 because it shares the F48 record, but its complaint count could not be fully confirmed; the 2018 lists 60 complaints from $13,200.
6
2018 BMW X1 (F48)
Photo: Kevauto / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe cheapest F48 here.
Used price: Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $13,200 for the X1 sDrive28i (originally $37,395) and $13,800 for the xDrive28i (originally $39,945)NHTSA recalls: 4 recall campaigns listed by NHTSA for the 2018 BMW X1 (unique campaign numbers across the NHTSA model names X1; the NHTSA recall lookup can miss campaigns, so check any car by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls)NHTSA complaints: 60 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2018 BMW X1 (unique complaints across the NHTSA model names X1)Owner reliability: KBB owners rate the 2018 BMW X1 4.3 out of 5 for reliabilityPower and economy: 228 hp and 25-26 combined mpg (KBB)
The 2018 X1 is an F48 from $13,200 for the sDrive28i and $13,800 for the xDrive28i. NHTSA lists 60 complaints and 4 recall campaigns, owners rate reliability 4.3 out of 5, and KBB gives 228 hp and 25-26 combined mpg.
Go ifBuyers who want an F48 from $13,200
Skip ifYou want fewer than 60 complaints or 4 recall campaigns
Why #6 over #7: It lists 60 complaints versus 70 for the 2023, and starts at $13,200 versus $27,500.
7
2023 BMW X1 (U11)
Photo: Charles from Port Chester, New York / CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe first U11, with 6 recall campaigns.
Used price: Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $27,500 for the X1 xDrive28i (originally $39,595)NHTSA recalls: 6 recall campaigns listed by NHTSA for the 2023 BMW X1 (unique campaign numbers across the NHTSA model names X1; the NHTSA recall lookup can miss campaigns, so check any car by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls)NHTSA complaints: 70 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2023 BMW X1 (unique complaints across the NHTSA model names X1)Owner reliability: KBB owners rate the 2023 BMW X1 3.7 out of 5 for reliabilityPower and economy: 241 hp and 28 combined mpg (KBB)
The 2023 X1 is the first U11, with standard all-wheel drive: $27,500 for the xDrive28i. NHTSA lists 70 complaints and 6 recall campaigns, the most recalls here; owners rate reliability 3.7 out of 5, and KBB gives 241 hp and 28 combined mpg.
Go ifBuyers who want the first U11 with standard all-wheel drive
Skip ifYou want fewer than 6 recall campaigns
Why #7 over #8: It lists 70 complaints versus 94 for the 2015, though the 2015 starts at $8,300 versus $27,500.
8
2015 BMW X1 (E84)
Photo: DestinationFearFan / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe best E84 here, from $8,300.
Used price: Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $8,300 for the X1 sDrive28i (originally $35,845), $8,325 for the xDrive28i (originally $38,145) and $8,550 for the xDrive35i (originally $44,945)NHTSA recalls: 2 recall campaigns listed by NHTSA for the 2015 BMW X1 (unique campaign numbers across the NHTSA model names X1 SDRIVE28I, X1 XDRIVE28I and X1 XDRIVE35I; the NHTSA recall lookup can miss campaigns, so check any car by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls)NHTSA complaints: 94 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2015 BMW X1 (unique complaints across the NHTSA model names X1 SDRIVE28I, X1 XDRIVE28I and X1 XDRIVE35I)Owner reliability: KBB owners rate the 2015 BMW X1 4.4 out of 5 for reliabilityPower and economy: 240-300 hp and 21-27 combined mpg (KBB)
The 2015 X1 is the best E84 here: $8,300 for the sDrive28i, $8,325 for the xDrive28i and $8,550 for the xDrive35i. NHTSA lists 94 complaints and 2 recall campaigns, owners rate reliability 4.4 out of 5, and KBB gives 240-300 hp and 21-27 combined mpg.
Go ifBuyers who want an X1 with the 300 hp xDrive35i from $8,550
Skip ifYou want modern safety features
Why #8 over #9: It lists 94 complaints versus 102 for the 2013, and starts at $8,300 versus $6,475.
9
2013 BMW X1 (E84)
Photo: DestinationFearFan / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe first US X1, from $6,475.
Used price: Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $6,475 for the X1 sDrive28i (originally $35,995), $7,725 for the xDrive28i (originally $38,195) and $8,200 for the xDrive35i (originally $43,495)NHTSA recalls: 2 recall campaigns listed by NHTSA for the 2013 BMW X1 (unique campaign numbers across the NHTSA model names X1 SDRIVE28I, X1 XDRIVE28I and X1 XDRIVE35I; the NHTSA recall lookup can miss campaigns, so check any car by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls)NHTSA complaints: 102 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2013 BMW X1 (unique complaints across the NHTSA model names X1 SDRIVE28I, X1 XDRIVE28I and X1 XDRIVE35I)Owner reliability: KBB owners rate the 2013 BMW X1 4.4 out of 5 for reliabilityPower and economy: 241-300 hp and 21-28 combined mpg (KBB)
The 2013 X1 is the first US X1 and the cheapest here: $6,475 for the sDrive28i, $7,725 for the xDrive28i and $8,200 for the xDrive35i. NHTSA lists 102 complaints and 2 recall campaigns, owners rate reliability 4.4 out of 5, and KBB gives 241-300 hp and 21-28 combined mpg.
Go ifBuyers who want the first US X1, from $6,475
Skip ifYou want fewer than 102 complaints
Why #9 over #10: It lists 102 complaints versus 114 for the 2014, and starts at $6,475 versus $6,850.
10
2014 BMW X1 (E84)
Photo: Ghostofakina / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe E84 with the most complaints here.
Used price: Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $6,850 for the X1 sDrive28i (originally $38,045), $7,925 for the xDrive28i (originally $38,000) and $8,525 for the xDrive35i (originally $44,900)NHTSA recalls: 2 recall campaigns listed by NHTSA for the 2014 BMW X1 (unique campaign numbers across the NHTSA model names X1 SDRIVE28I, X1 XDRIVE28I and X1 XDRIVE35I; the NHTSA recall lookup can miss campaigns, so check any car by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls)NHTSA complaints: 114 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2014 BMW X1 (unique complaints across the NHTSA model names X1 SDRIVE28I, X1 XDRIVE28I and X1 XDRIVE35I)Owner reliability: KBB owners rate the 2014 BMW X1 4.4 out of 5 for reliabilityPower and economy: 240-300 hp and 21-27 combined mpg (KBB)
The 2014 X1 is an E84 from $6,850 for the sDrive28i, $7,925 for the xDrive28i and $8,525 for the xDrive35i. NHTSA lists 114 complaints, the most on the list, and 2 recall campaigns; owners rate reliability 4.4 out of 5, and KBB gives 240-300 hp and 21-27 combined mpg.
Go ifBuyers who want the cheapest sDrive28i here, from $6,850
Skip ifYou want fewer than 114 complaints
How we ranked these
The BMW X1 has had three US generations: the E84 (KBB lists the 2013, 2014 and 2015 model years), the F48 (redesigned for 2016, through 2022) and the U11 (redesigned for 2023). We ranked ten of the thirteen model years sold since the 2013 launch. The two years with the most NHTSA complaints of any X1 year, both from the first F48 run, are left out, and so is the newest model year, because KBB shows only new-car prices for it. Ranking is by NHTSA owner complaint counts first, then recall campaigns, then Kelley Blue Book owner reliability ratings, with used prices from KBB. Counts were read from the NHTSA API and prices from KBB when we checked, and prices change weekly. NHTSA files the E84 under X1 SDRIVE28I, X1 XDRIVE28I and X1 XDRIVE35I and the later years under X1, so counts are unique complaints and unique recall campaign numbers across those names. The NHTSA recall lookup can return fewer campaigns than exist, so check any car by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. KBB shows one owner reliability rating for the 2016-2022 years, 4.3 out of 5, so reliability does not separate them. The 2022 lists only 1 complaint, far below its neighbours, so we could not fully confirm that count and did not rank it on it. Newer years have had less time to collect complaints, and mileage matters as much as year. Best generation overall: the F48, with the 2021 at the top; best value: the 2020. For more BMWs see our Best BMW X5 Model Years at /cars/best-bmw-x5-model-years-2027/ and our Best BMW 3 Series Model Years at /cars/best-bmw-3-series-model-years-2027/. Facts are taken from each maker's own published information; check the official site before you buy.
Questions people ask
What are the BMW X1 generations?
The X1 has had three generations in the US: the E84 (KBB lists the 2013, 2014 and 2015 model years), the F48 (redesigned for 2016, through 2022) and the U11 (redesigned for 2023). KBB owners rate reliability 4.4 out of 5 for the 2013-2015 years, 4.3 for the 2016-2022 years and 3.7 for the 2023 and 2024.
Which X1 generation is best?
The F48 is the best overall: the 2021 has 9 NHTSA complaints and 1 listed recall campaign, the 2020 has 13 complaints and 1 recall campaign, and KBB owners rate the generation 4.3 out of 5 for reliability, with used prices from $13,200. The U11 is the newest, with the 2024 at 30 complaints from $30,400, but KBB owners rate it 3.7 out of 5. The E84 is the cheapest, from $6,475, with 94 to 114 complaints.
What is the best BMW X1 model year to buy used?
The 2021 X1 (F48), with 9 NHTSA complaints, 1 listed recall campaign, a 4.3 out of 5 KBB owner reliability rating and KBB Fair Purchase Prices of $18,600 for the sDrive28i and $18,500 for the xDrive28i. The 2020 is the best cheaper pick, from $15,850 with 13 complaints.
What is the cheapest X1 model year here?
The 2013 X1 (E84) with a KBB Fair Purchase Price from $6,475 for the sDrive28i, with 102 NHTSA complaints. The 2014 sDrive28i is $6,850 with 114 complaints.
Lowest used price on the cited KBB page (USD) at a glance
2013 BMW X1 (E84)$6,475
2014 BMW X1 (E84)$6,850
2015 BMW X1 (E84)$8,300
2018 BMW X1 (F48)$13,200
2019 BMW X1 (F48)$14,750
2020 BMW X1 (F48)$15,850
2021 BMW X1 (F48)$18,500
2022 BMW X1 (F48)$22,800
2023 BMW X1 (U11)$27,500
2024 BMW X1 (U11)$30,400
Lowest used price on the cited KBB page (USD), as published by each maker. Picks without a published figure are left off.
