BMW X2 F39 vs Renault Kadjar KAD
BMW X2
F39 · 2017 – 2023
The first-generation X2 (F39), on the UKL2 platform shared with the X1 and MINI Countryman.
Renault Kadjar
KAD · 2015 – 2022
The Kadjar (KAD), a compact SUV on the CMF-CD platform.
BMW X2
Pick the F39 if you want coupé style and sporty driving in a compact crossover — accepting a smaller boot and tighter rear headroom than the X1.
Renault Kadjar
Pick the Kadjar for a roomy, comfortable compact SUV with an affordable used supply.
Performance
sDrive20i · Petrol vs 1.3 TCe 140 · Petrol
| BMW X2 | Renault Kadjar | |
|---|---|---|
| Power |
192 hp
Winner
|
140 hp
|
| Torque |
280 Nm
Winner
|
240 Nm
|
| 0–100 km/h |
7,4 s
Winner
|
9,6 s
|
| Top speed |
227 km/h
Winner
|
205 km/h
|
| Power-to-weight |
118,9 hp/t
Winner
|
100,0 hp/t
|
| CO₂ emissions (WLTP) |
146 g/km
|
125 g/km
Winner
|
| Consumption (WLTP) |
6,4 L/100km
|
5,6 L/100km
Winner
|
Dimensions & space
| BMW X2 | Renault Kadjar | |
|---|---|---|
| Boot |
470 L
|
472 L
Winner
|
| Boot (seats folded) |
1.355 L
|
1.478 L
Winner
|
| Wheelbase |
2,67 m
Winner
|
2,65 m
|
| Length |
4,36 m
|
4,45 m
|
| Ground clearance |
18,2 cm
|
—
|
| Turning circle |
11,3 m
|
10,9 m
Winner
|
| Towing capacity (braked) |
1.800 kg
Winner
|
1.500 kg
|
Powertrain & tech
| BMW X2 | Renault Kadjar | |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | UKL2 (front-wheel-drive base) | CMF-CD |
| Drive | Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive | Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive |
| Engine family | B38 1.5 · B48 2.0 petrol · B37/B47 diesel | 1.2 TCe · 1.3 TCe · 1.6 TCe · 1.5 dCi/Blue dCi · 1.6 dCi · 1.7 Blue dCi |
| Transmission | 7-speed DCT · 8-speed automatic | 6-speed manual · EDC7 |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Euro standard | Euro 6d | Euro 6d |
| LEZ access | Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation) | Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation) |
Reliability & watch-outs
Known issues
- B48 oil-filter housing gasket leaks and possible coolant-oil mixing
- B47 EGR cooler: fire-risk recall (verify completed)
- Plastic coolant lines and expansion tank
- 1.2 TCe: timing chain and oil consumption
- EDC/X-tronic: juddery at low speed
- Electrical gremlins and R-Link freezes
Pros
- B48 20i (192 hp) is refined, responsive and the sweet spot
- M35i (306 hp) delivers hot-hatch pace in a crossover
- Quick, direct steering — drives like a raised hot hatch
- Roomy boot and comfortable ride
- Affordable and plentiful used
- Efficient 1.5 dCi diesel
Cons
- Wind noise around A-pillars and mirrors at speed
- Boot and rear headroom smaller than the X1
- 1.2 TCe (early years) carries chain risk
- Interior less modern than newer rivals
Driving experience
BMW X2
The F39 is more engaging than a conventional compact SUV. Steering is quick and direct, body control is good, and the car feels agile and planted on twisty roads, especially with M Sport suspension and larger wheels. Ride is firm — acceptable on smooth roads but it can feel busy and thumpy over Belgian cobbles, patched asphalt or motorway expansion joints. The B48 20i is the sweet spot: refined, responsive and willing without being harsh. The 18i is adequate but coarser; the M35i is properly quick and sounds more purposeful. Diesels are strong and refined for the class. Noise levels are good at speed, though wind noise can be noticeable around the A-pillars and mirrors. Overall it drives more like a raised hot hatch than a soft family crossover.
Renault Kadjar
A relaxed long-distance cruiser rather than a dynamic driver's car. Steering is light and accurate enough for daily use, ride quality is generally compliant on smaller wheels and becomes firmer on 19-inch alloys, and body control is adequate. The 1.3 TCe feels responsive once moving, while the diesels are refined and strong for motorway use. The EDC dual-clutch is smooth at higher speeds but can show low-speed hesitation or judder, especially on early cars and in town. AWD versions add a modest amount of traction in slippery conditions.
Belgian taxes & LEZ
