Comparison · family SUVs

Ford Kuga vs BMW X1: which is more reliable?

The BMW X1 does better at the MOT, with a score of 108 against 103 for the Ford Kuga, comparing each with cars of the same age. Based on 384,836 real MOT tests in 2024.

Ford Kuga

103Above average
MOT tests285,773

BMW X1

108Above average
MOT tests99,063

By age

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

Age at testFord KugaBMW X1
3–5 years
102About average
104Above average
6–9 years
104Above average
108Well above average
10–14 years
103Above average
111Well above average
15+ years
102Above average
–

Year by year

Share that passed first time, same registration year.

YearFord KugaBMW X1
202190.3%89.1%
202089.7%90.7%
201985.3%89.7%
201884.6%87.0%
201783.9%86.0%
201680.2%85.7%
201576.7%79.8%
201473.2%73.5%
201371.8%74.0%
201264.1%69.7%
201161.4%70.5%
201059.2%69.6%
200959.7%68.6%

Problem areas

Failure items per 100 tests.

AreaFord KugaBMW X1
Lights & electrics9.35.1
Tyres6.37.0
Brakes6.23.8
Suspension3.24.0
Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)4.22.8
Emissions & leaks2.01.0
Body & chassis1.70.9
Steering0.90.2

Ford Kuga: top failures

  1. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick2.7%
  2. Position lamp: not working2.7%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.2%
  4. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively1.5%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.1%
  6. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed1.1%

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%

Questions

Which is more reliable, the Ford Kuga or the BMW X1?

The BMW X1 does better at the MOT, with a score of 108 against 103 for the Ford Kuga, comparing each with cars of the same age.

Which years of the Ford Kuga and BMW X1 can be compared?

Both were tested for 13 registration years (2009–2021). The Ford Kuga had the higher pass rate in 1 of them and the BMW X1 in 12.

What fails most on each?

Ford Kuga: brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick; position lamp: not working. 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.