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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | SUV |
| Base Price | $51,142–$67,461 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
With an overall Carivo score of 7.5/10, the 2021 BMW X4 earns a Recommended rating among the suvs we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 8.4/10, while Reliability at 6.5/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We rate reliability at 6.5/10 — below the segment average in our scoring. Budget for potentially higher maintenance costs and check the recall record below before buying. On safety it earns 8.4/10: respectable, if not class-leading — several competitors bundle more driver-assist tech as standard. Check your trim's official ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance lands mid-pack at 7.9/10: enough power and composure for everyday needs, without the dynamics that distinguish the segment's driver-focused options. Technology scores 8.3/10 — one of the stronger tech packages in the segment. Expect a responsive infotainment system, broad smartphone integration, and a solid suite of driver-assistance features.
Priced from $51,142–$67,461, 22 MPG, seating 5, the BMW X4 sits in the premium tier of the suv category. The value score of 6.9/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 5 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.
Bottom line: Think of the 2021 BMW X4 as the dependable pick rather than the exciting one. Its softer scores in value and reliability are the only real asterisks. Shoppers who value predictability over headlines will be well served.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2021 BMW X4 ranks #947 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 61% of the segment. Its 7.5/10 overall score is 0.1 points above the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $51,142 starting price is about 42% above the segment's median of $36,079.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking →
Smart-money pick: the 2018 BMW X4 scores 7.4/10 — within striking distance of the 2021's 7.5 — and starts roughly $5,000 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 7.7/10 | $57,886 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 7.6/10 | $56,200 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 7.6/10 | $54,514 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.6/10 | $52,828 | Read review → |
| 2021 (this review) | 7.5/10 | $51,142 | |
| 2020 | 7.5/10 | $49,456 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.5/10 | $47,770 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 7.4/10 | $46,084 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 7.4/10 | $44,398 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 7.3/10 | $42,712 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 7.3/10 | $41,026 | Read review → |
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
| Back over prevention / sensing system / camera 30/09/2020 · 20V598000 | BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 X3 sDrive 30i, X3 xDrive 30i, X3M 40i, X3 xDrive 30e, X4 xDrive 30i, X4M 40i, 530i, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 550e, 550e xDrive, and 550e iPerformance vehicles. A small portion of… |
|---|---|
| Back over prevention / sensing system / camera 19/02/2021 · 21V096000 | BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2021 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, X3M, X4 xDrive30i, X4 M40i, M550i, X4M, X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 xDrive50i, X5M, X5 M50i, X7 xDrive40i, X7 xDrive50i, X7 M50i, Alpina XB7, 330i, 330i… |
| Fuel system, gasoline / Storage / Tank assembly 24/03/2021 · 21V199000 | BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, X3M, and X4, and 2021 X4 xDrive30i vehicles. The inlet check valve weld may fail, allowing the filling pipe to separate from the fuel tank. |
| Engine 02/08/2021 · 21V598000 | BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 M340i, M340i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, X3 M40i, 2020-2021 X4 M40i, 745Le xDrive, 2019-2021 Z4 M40i, and 2020-2021 Toyota Supra vehicles. During engine start, the engine management software may… |
| Seats 29/03/2023 · 23V211000 | BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2021 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i xDrive, 2020-2021 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, X3M, 2021 X3 xDrive30e, X4 xDrive30i, and X4M vehicles. The seat frame may not have been welded properly to the… |
Showing 5 of 7 campaigns — see the full list on NHTSA's site.
We rate the 2021 BMW X4's reliability 6.5/10 — below the segment average, so budget for higher maintenance. It has 7 NHTSA recall campaigns on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).
7 NHTSA recall campaigns matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
It scores 7.5/10 overall, ranking #947 of 2454 suvs in our database (better than 61% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.
The 2021 BMW X4 starts at $51,142 and ranges up to $67,461 across trims (MSRP when new). At 22 MPG, expect roughly $2,386/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Explore the full lineup of BMW models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.