Comparison · family SUVs

BMW X1 vs Mazda CX-5: which is more reliable?

The BMW X1 does better at the MOT, with a score of 108 against 103 for the Mazda CX-5, comparing each with cars of the same age. Based on 164,343 real MOT tests in 2024.

BMW X1

108Above average
MOT tests99,063

Mazda CX-5

103Above average
MOT tests65,280

By age

MOT Rank score for each age group (100 = an average car that age).

Age at testBMW X1Mazda CX-5
3–5 years
104Above average
102About average
6–9 years
108Well above average
104Above average
10–14 years
111Well above average
102Above average
15+ years––

Year by year

Share that passed first time, same registration year.

YearBMW X1Mazda CX-5
202189.1%89.2%
202090.7%88.2%
201989.7%86.7%
201887.0%85.9%
201786.0%84.5%
201685.7%79.3%
201579.8%76.4%
201473.5%72.8%
201374.0%66.3%
201269.7%67.2%

Problem areas

Failure items per 100 tests.

AreaBMW X1Mazda CX-5
Tyres7.04.4
Suspension4.06.0
Brakes3.85.2
Lights & electrics5.13.6
Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)2.83.3
Emissions & leaks1.01.9
Steering0.22.6
Body & chassis0.90.2

BMW X1: top failures

  1. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords2.2%
  2. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn1.9%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.7%
  4. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed1.4%
  5. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick1.1%
  6. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid0.8%

Mazda CX-5: top failures

  1. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick2.6%
  2. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.0%
  3. Track rod end: ball joint has excessive play1.8%
  4. Coil spring: fractured or broken1.5%
  5. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.4%
  6. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.2%

Questions

Which is more reliable, the BMW X1 or the Mazda CX-5?

The BMW X1 does better at the MOT, with a score of 108 against 103 for the Mazda CX-5, comparing each with cars of the same age.

Which years of the BMW X1 and Mazda CX-5 can be compared?

Both were tested for 10 registration years (2012–2021). The BMW X1 had the higher pass rate in 9 of them and the Mazda CX-5 in 1.

What fails most on each?

BMW X1: tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords; suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn. Mazda CX-5: brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick; wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively.