Comparison · family SUVs

Honda CR-V vs BMW X1: which is more reliable?

The Honda CR-V and BMW X1 are very close at the MOT: scores of 109 and 108. Pick on the condition and history of the actual car. Based on 293,872 real MOT tests in 2024.

Honda CR-V

109Well above average
MOT tests194,809

BMW X1

108Above average
MOT tests99,063

By age

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

Age at testHonda CR-VBMW X1
3–5 years
107Above average
104Above average
6–9 years
112Well above average
108Well above average
10–14 years
119Well above average
111Well above average
15+ years
100About average
–

Year by year

Share that passed first time, same registration year.

YearHonda CR-VBMW X1
202192.4%89.1%
202092.6%90.7%
201991.6%89.7%
201888.9%87.0%
201786.6%86.0%
201686.3%85.7%
201585.0%79.8%
201482.3%73.5%
201381.0%74.0%
201275.3%69.7%
201172.2%70.5%
201071.1%69.6%
200967.0%68.6%

Problem areas

Failure items per 100 tests.

AreaHonda CR-VBMW X1
Lights & electrics15.75.1
Suspension11.44.0
Tyres5.47.0
Brakes6.83.8
Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)4.62.8
Emissions & leaks3.41.0
Body & chassis2.90.9
Steering2.60.2

Honda CR-V: top failures

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.1%
  2. Position lamp: not working1.8%
  3. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick1.8%
  4. Stop lamp: not working1.7%
  5. Linkage ball joints: ball joint excessively worn1.5%
  6. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively1.4%

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 Honda CR-V or the BMW X1?

The Honda CR-V and BMW X1 are very close at the MOT: scores of 109 and 108. Pick on the condition and history of the actual car.

Which years of the Honda CR-V and BMW X1 can be compared?

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

What fails most on each?

Honda CR-V: tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm; 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.