By Kelly Foss | mycardata.com

BMW X1 | STARTING PRICE: $33,900

The X1 is a subcompact SUV from the German auto manufacturer BMW. Like the other major automotive companies, BMW has developed a full suite of SUVs. Though they are utilitarian vehicles as the class name would suggest, BMW is quick to point out that they still retain performance attributes expected by any buyer of a BMW vehicle.

The “X” line of BMW SUVs goes from X1 all the way thru X6. Ironically, the X2, which shares the same underpinnings as the X1, is more stylish yet decidedly smaller and more expensive. Normally, as the X number gets bigger, so do the vehicles.

One of the unique attributes of this small SUV is that it’s built on a shared platform with the Mini Countryman, a company BMW owns. That being the case the X1 is a very rare front-wheel drive/all-wheel drive vehicle, something unique in a totally rear- wheel drive BMW world. That being said, the packaging of a front drive system in a smaller vehicle like this makes perfect sense and in reality, most people would never know it was front-wheel drive unless I told them… which I just did.

The styling is pure BMW, the structure is solid and the interior design is a miniaturized version of its larger siblings. Compared with the competing Audi and Mercedes models, the X1 is a much better design and a more useful vehicle.

Notwithstanding its subcompact footprint, BMW manages to extract a surprising amount of useful space from the X1. With the hatch open and the second row of seats in place, the cargo area is a very-large-for-a-vehicle-of-this-size 27 cubic feet. With the seats folded flat, that number balloons to 58.7. Accessing all that space is quite simple with the convenient seatback release button by the rear hatch. The X1 can handle about 900 pounds of weight and the subcompact weighs in at a beefy 3,543 pounds empty.

Because of the relatively high roof, the cabin space is large for this class of vehicle. The second row provides ample room for full size adults. The ride is solid, smooth and the vehicle conveys a sense of reassurance and control.

The X1 is offered in two models: the X1 sDrive and the xDrive. The sDrive is a front-wheel drive vehicle and the xDrive has a very fine all-wheel drive layout. The only engine offered is a twin turbo 2.0 liter 4 cylinder engine that generates 228 horsepower and is connected to an 8-speed automatic transmission. That yields a 0-60 speed in 6.3 exciting seconds and an economy rating of 23/32, averaging 26 mpg.

Many of the modern safety systems are available in option packages yet systems like blind spot monitoring and lane keep assist are not offered. Should you end up in a collision, the X1 performs very well in crash tests.

This is a well-designed and built SUV. It delivers upscale features and an upscale ownership experience at an upscale price.

Toyota Highlander STARTING PRICE: $31,000

The Highlander is the poster child of the red-hot midsize SUV market, and is on track to sell a class-leading 250,000 units this year. All of this has not happened by accident.

The bedrock of the Highlander’s appeal is an outgrowth of Toyota’s basic philosophy, which is to build very high-quality vehicles with industry-leading reliability. That yields a double benefit to owners, who appreciate those attributes while they have the car, also knowing that pre-owned Toyotas are highly sought after and therefore command above average trade-in value.

Midsize SUVs are nearly all the same size, can carry seven or eight passengers depending on seating options, are large enough to have a very spacious cabin and have great visibility for the driver and passengers.

The Highlander is offered in LE, XLE, SE and Limited trim levels. The base LE has a starting price of $31,000. As you move up the ladder, more conveniences and luxuries are offered. A fully loaded Limited Platinum Hybrid AWD is about $50,000.

Buyers can get rear-seat entertainment, panoramic sunroof, luxurious interior, seating for eight, plus lots of cargo space and up to 5,000-pound towing capacity. Modern safety technology includes: backup camera, lane departure alert and steering assist to keep you in your lane, radar smart cruise control, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic headlight dimming, pre-collision braking and a 360-degree birds-eye camera. The new Entune multimedia bundle is impressive, plus five USB plugs.

This class of vehicle is designed to carry lots of things and people. Consequently, it’s not built for sporty driving so powertrain options provide sufficient propulsion while trying to deliver acceptable fuel economy. The base LE model offers a large 2.7 liter 4 cylinder with 185 horsepower and a 6-speed automatic. The other models come with either the excellent 3.5 V6 with 295 horsepower and an 8-speed automatic, or a Hybrid version of the 3.5 which has 306 system horsepower. All hybrids are equipped with all-wheel drive and it’s an $1,100 option on the V6 models.

Its popularity stems from the all-purposeness of the vehicle. It’s big enough to haul lots of people and stuff, yet it’s easy to drive, park and back up. The driver feels in control of the vehicle and has a commanding elevated seating position while retaining easy passenger entry and exit. It’s pretty quiet, comfortable, has many upscale features if you want them and lots of both active and passive safety technology. It’s a great match for many car-buying families today.