Comparison · family SUVs

Toyota RAV4 vs BMW X1: which is more reliable?

The Toyota RAV4 and BMW X1 are very close at the MOT: scores of 108 and 108. Pick on the condition and history of the actual car. Based on 226,838 real MOT tests in 2024.

Toyota RAV4

108Well above average
MOT tests127,775

BMW X1

108Above average
MOT tests99,063

By age

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

Age at testToyota RAV4BMW X1
3–5 years
106Above average
104Above average
6–9 years
107Above average
108Well above average
10–14 years
115Well above average
111Well above average
15+ years
107Above average
–

Year by year

Share that passed first time, same registration year.

YearToyota RAV4BMW X1
202192.1%89.1%
202091.3%90.7%
201990.9%89.7%
201885.8%87.0%
201784.3%86.0%
201684.3%85.7%
201581.4%79.8%
201479.6%73.5%
201378.3%74.0%
201274.9%69.7%
201169.7%70.5%
201068.8%69.6%
200965.8%68.6%

Problem areas

Failure items per 100 tests.

AreaToyota RAV4BMW X1
Lights & electrics11.05.1
Suspension9.64.0
Brakes8.53.8
Tyres4.37.0
Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)4.42.8
Emissions & leaks3.81.0
Body & chassis3.30.9
Seat belts & airbags1.20.2

Toyota RAV4: top failures

  1. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.2%
  2. Position lamp: not working2.1%
  3. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick1.5%
  4. Linkage ball joint dust cover: ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt1.1%
  5. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn1.0%
  6. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.0%

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 Toyota RAV4 or the BMW X1?

The Toyota RAV4 and BMW X1 are very close at the MOT: scores of 108 and 108. Pick on the condition and history of the actual car.

Which years of the Toyota RAV4 and BMW X1 can be compared?

Both were tested for 13 registration years (2009–2021). The Toyota RAV4 had the higher pass rate in 7 of them and the BMW X1 in 6.

What fails most on each?

Toyota RAV4: wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively; 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.