Audi Q3, Mercedes-Benz GLA, Mini Countryman, Lexus NX, Volvo V40 Cross Country

BMW’s first transverse-engined SUV makes for a convincing on-brand experience, with very little within the vehicle giving away that it isn’t a rear-drive model like the flawed previous-generation X1. By tailoring a body on an architecture designed to be a crossover, it feels and pretty much drives like you’d expect of something from the Bavarian car maker. That also extends to the downsides, by the way, like a hard ride and expensive options. But the point is, even in base sDrive guise, the latest X1 is pure BMW. And that should be more than enough for most buyers.