VS
At a Glance
Power
160kW@4000
122kW@5800
Torque
450Nm@1500
220Nm@4200
Fuel
6
9.5
Towing
2000
1500
0-100 km/h
7
11.1
Engine
1995
2354
Choosing between the BMW X1 and the HONDA CR-V is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The BMW X1 delivers 160kW@4000 while the HONDA CR-V produces 122kW@5800. On fuel, the X1 returns 6 while the CR-V uses 9.5 — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R523 065 for the X1 and R440 500 for the CR-V. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
160kW@4000
122kW@5800
Torque
450Nm@1500
220Nm@4200
0-100 kph
7
11.1
Top Speed
228
190
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1995
2354
Engine Layout
LONGITUDINAL INLINE 4
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
DIESEL
UNLEADED
Transmission
AUTOMATIC
AUTOMATIC
Number of Gears
8
5
Drive Wheels
ALL
ALL
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Low Range
✗
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6
9.5
Fuel Consumption Urban
6
13.1
Fuel Consumption Highway
5
7.4
Fuel Tank Capacity
63
58
CO2 Emissions
145
225
Dimensions
Length
4477
4570
Width
-1798
-1820
Height
1545
1675
Wheelbase
2760
2630
Ground Clearance
179
185
Kerb Weight
1670
1589
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2000
1500
Load Capacity
1350
955
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
DSC
VSA
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
6
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✗
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
Optional
✗
Satellite Navigation
Optional
✗
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
Optional
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✗
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
Optional
BOTH FRONT
Electric Seat Adjustment
Optional
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✗
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
24
36
Warranty Distance
—
100000
Service Plan
M
S
Service Intervals
30000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
BMW X1
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Tied
Fuel Economy
X1
Value
CR-V
Practicality
X1
Pros & Cons
BMW X1
Better fuel economy (6)
Higher towing capacity (2000)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (7s)
Higher starting price
HONDA CR-V
Lower starting price (R440 500)
Higher fuel consumption (9.5)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the X1 or CR-V?
The X1 uses 6 and the CR-V uses 9.5 on the combined cycle. The X1 is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the X1 or CR-V?
The X1 produces 160kW@4000 and 450Nm@1500 of torque while the CR-V delivers 122kW@5800 and 220Nm@4200 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the X1 and CR-V?
The X1 starts from R523 065 and the CR-V from R440 500. The CR-V is cheaper by R82 565 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the X1 or CR-V?
The X1 has a braked towing capacity of 2000 and the CR-V can tow 1500. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the X1 or the CR-V?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.