VS
At a Glance
Power
241hp @ 4500
285hp @ 6100
Torque
295lb-ft @ 1500
262lb-ft @ 5000
Fuel
30 mpg est.
23 mpg est.
Towing
—
3500lbs
Engine
2.0 L/122ci
3.5 L/212ci
Choosing between the BMW X1 and the Honda Pilot is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The BMW X1 delivers 241hp @ 4500 while the Honda Pilot produces 285hp @ 6100. On fuel, the X1 returns 30 mpg est. while the Pilot uses 23 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $43,200 for the X1 and $44,495 for the Pilot. 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.
Specification
BMW X1xDrive28i Sports Activity Vehicle 2026 - From $43,200
Honda PilotEX-L 2WD 2026 - From $44,495
Performance
Power Output (hp)
241hp @ 4500
285hp @ 6100
Torque (lb-ft)
295lb-ft @ 1500
262lb-ft @ 5000
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.0 L/122ci
3.5 L/212ci
Engine Layout
—
V
Cylinders
4
6
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
—
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
7
—
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
Front Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
30 mpg est.
23 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
25mpg
19 (Est)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
34mpg
27 (Est)mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
14.3gal
18.5gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
177.2in
200.1in
Width (in)
72.6in
78.5in
Height (in)
64.6in
70.9in
Wheelbase (in)
106in
113.8in
Curb Weight (lbs)
3750lbs
4334lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
—
3500lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
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
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
—
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Pilot
Fuel Economy
X1
Value
X1
Practicality
Pilot
Pros & Cons
BMW X1
Better fuel economy (30 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($43,200)
Few notable weaknesses
Honda Pilot
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (23 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the X1 or Pilot?
The X1 gets 30 mpg est. and the Pilot gets 23 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The X1 is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the X1 or Pilot?
The X1 produces 241hp @ 4500 and 295lb-ft @ 1500 of torque while the Pilot delivers 285hp @ 6100 and 262lb-ft @ 5000 of torque. The Pilot is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the X1 and Pilot?
The X1 starts from $43,200 and the Pilot from $44,495. The X1 is cheaper by $1,295 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the X1 or Pilot?
The X1 has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the Pilot can tow 3500lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the X1 or the Pilot?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - 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.