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BMW X5 vs. Ford Explorer

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the BMW X5 and Ford Explorer contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the BMW X5 and the Ford Explorer.

In comparing the BMW X5's and the Ford Explorer's specifications and ratings, the BMW X5 has the advantage in the areas of reliability and base engine power. The Ford Explorer has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, resale value and overall quality score. Based on this comparison of the BMW X5's and the Ford Explorer's specifications and ratings, the Ford Explorer is a better car than the BMW X5.

Pricing: For a new model, the BMW X5's price is between $73,371 and $103,172, with the Ford Explorer priced between $42,737 and $63,305.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the BMW X5 loses 56.1 percent of its value and the Ford Explorer loses 52.9 percent of its value. This means the Ford Explorer retains 3.2 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the BMW X5.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the BMW X5 is 7.4 out of 10 while the Ford Explorer's quality rating is 8.4 out of 10. This results in the BMW X5 being ranked 11 out of 27 Best Luxury Midsize SUVs and the Ford Explorer being ranked 5 out of 34 Best SUVs with 3 Rows.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the BMW X5 is 7.8 out of 10. For the Ford Explorer the reliability rating is 7.5 out of 10. This gives the BMW X5 a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Ford Explorer.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the BMW X5’s base engine makes 375 horsepower, and the Ford Explorer base engine makes 300 horsepower.

Passenger Space Comparison: The BMW X5 and Ford Explorer are comparable in regards to front head room.

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the Ford Explorer has higher safety ratings than the BMW X5, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4 out of 5 Stars.

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Model & Pricing
BMW X5
Ford Explorer

2026 BMW X5
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BMW X5 for Sale

2026 Ford Explorer
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Ford Explorer for Sale

New Car Pricing

Asking Price:

73371 - 103172

Starting MSRP:

67600

Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Midsize SUVs)

77833

Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Midsize SUVs)

51200 - 138300

New Car Pricing

Asking Price:

42737 - 63305

Starting MSRP:

38330

Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)

39270

Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

32190 - 44750

Used Car Pricing

Avg Used Car Price:

78144

Price Range:

69699 - 90148

Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Midsize SUVs)

73712

Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Midsize SUVs)

60234 - 92425

# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:

Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:

# Good or Great Deals:

Used Car Pricing

Avg Used Car Price:

Price Range:

-

Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)

51972

Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

50800 - 55009

# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:

Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:

# Good or Great Deals:

BMW X5 Scores & Rankings

Overall Score:

7.4 / 10

Reliability:

7.8 / 10

Retained Value:

7.4 / 10

Safety:

7.0 / 10

Ford Explorer Scores & Rankings

Overall Score:

8.4 / 10

Reliability:

7.5 / 10

Retained Value:

7.6 / 10

Safety:

10.0 / 10



iSeeCars Reliability Insights for BMW X5

Avg Life Expectancy (years):

12.8

Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Midsize SUVs)

12.8

Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Midsize SUVs)

9.7 - 13.1

Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:

0.108

iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Ford Explorer

Remaining Life Expectancy (years):

9.3

Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)

10.0

Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

8.8 - 11.3

Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:

0.153



Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls

Expected Lifetime Recalls:

Typical Category Recalls:

N/A

Category Range for Recalls:

N/A

Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls

Expected Lifetime Recalls:

Typical Category Recalls:

N/A

Category Range for Recalls:

N/A

BMW X5 Rankings

Best Luxury SUVs with 3 Rows Under $70k

3 / 4

Best Luxury Midsize SUVs for Tall People

4 / 27

Best Luxury Crossover SUVs Under $70k

4 / 7

Best Luxury Midsize SUVs Under $70k

4 / 6

Best Off-road Luxury Crossover SUVs

5 / 68

Best Luxury Midsize SUVs for the Money

5 / 25

Best Off-road Luxury Midsize SUVs

6 / 27

Luxury SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Horsepower

7 / 29

Best Luxury Crossover SUVs for Tall People

8 / 68

Luxury Midsize SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

8 / 27

Most Reliable Luxury Midsize SUVs

8 / 27

Most Reliable Luxury SUVs with 3 Rows

9 / 29

Best Luxury SUVs with 3 Rows for Tall People

10 / 29

Best Off-road Luxury SUVs with 3 Rows

10 / 29

Luxury Crossover SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

11 / 68

Luxury Crossover SUVs with the Most Horsepower

11 / 68

Best Luxury Midsize SUVs

11 / 27

Luxury Midsize SUVs with the Most Horsepower

11 / 27

Best Luxury Crossover SUVs for Towing

13 / 68

Best Luxury SUVs with 3 Rows

13 / 29

Luxury SUVs with 3 Rows with Best Resale Value

13 / 29

Luxury Midsize SUVs with Best Resale Value

13 / 27

Most Comfortable Luxury Midsize SUVs

13 / 27

Most Affordable Luxury Midsize SUVs

13 / 25

Most Reliable Luxury Crossover SUVs

14 / 68

Best Luxury Midsize SUVs for Towing

14 / 27

Most Affordable Luxury SUVs with 3 Rows

14 / 26

Best Luxury SUVs with 3 Rows for Towing

15 / 29

Luxury Midsize SUVs with the Most Legroom

17 / 27

Best Luxury Crossover SUVs

21 / 68

Luxury SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Cargo Space

21 / 29

Luxury SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Legroom

22 / 29

Most Comfortable Luxury SUVs with 3 Rows

22 / 29

Most Comfortable Luxury Crossover SUVs

31 / 68

Luxury Crossover SUVs with the Most Legroom

37 / 68

Luxury Crossover SUVs with Best Resale Value

44 / 68

Most Affordable Luxury Crossover SUVs

49 / 64

Ford Explorer Rankings

Best Family Crossover SUVs

2 / 67

Crossover SUVs with the Most Horsepower

2 / 67

Safest Crossover SUVs

2 / 67

Best Family SUVs with 3 Rows

2 / 34

Safest SUVs with 3 Rows

2 / 34

Best Family Midsize SUVs

2 / 32

Safest Midsize SUVs

2 / 32

Best SUVs with 3 Rows

5 / 34

Best Midsize SUVs

5 / 32

Crossover SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

6 / 67

Best Gas Mileage SUVs with 3 Rows

6 / 34

Best Gas Mileage Midsize SUVs

6 / 32

Midsize SUVs with the Most Horsepower

6 / 32

Midsize SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

7 / 32

Best Crossover SUVs

8 / 67

Best Crossover SUVs for Towing

8 / 67

Best Midsize SUVs for Towing

11 / 32

Most Comfortable Midsize SUVs

11 / 32

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for the Money

11 / 30

Most Comfortable Crossover SUVs

12 / 67

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Horsepower

13 / 34

Most Comfortable SUVs with 3 Rows

14 / 34

Most Reliable Midsize SUVs

14 / 32

Most Reliable SUVs with 3 Rows

15 / 34

Most Affordable SUVs with 3 Rows

15 / 30

Best Midsize SUVs for the Money

15 / 28

Best Crossover SUVs for Tall People

16 / 67

Best Midsize SUVs for Tall People

16 / 32

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Cargo Space

18 / 34

Midsize SUVs with the Most Legroom

18 / 32

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for Towing

19 / 34

Most Affordable Midsize SUVs

19 / 28

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for Tall People

20 / 34

Best Off-road Midsize SUVs

21 / 32

Most Reliable Crossover SUVs

24 / 67

SUVs with 3 Rows with Best Resale Value

24 / 34

Best Off-road SUVs with 3 Rows

26 / 34

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Legroom

26 / 34

Midsize SUVs with Best Resale Value

26 / 32

Crossover SUVs with the Most Legroom

30 / 67

Best Off-road Crossover SUVs

31 / 67

Best Crossover SUVs for the Money

32 / 56

Best Gas Mileage Crossover SUVs

37 / 67

Most Affordable Crossover SUVs

49 / 56

Crossover SUVs with Best Resale Value

62 / 67

Available Body Styles

SUV

Available Body Styles

SUV

Available Drivetrain Options

Gasoline, Plug-In Hybrid

Available Drivetrain Options

Gasoline

BMW X5 Trim Levels

M60i, sDrive40i, xDrive40i

Ford Explorer Trim Levels

Active, Platinum, Police Interceptor Utility, ST, ST-Line, Tremor

Warranty Information

Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:

4 years / 50000 miles

Warranty, Powertrain:

4 years / 50000 miles

Warranty, Roadside Assistance:

4 years

Warranty Information

Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:

3 years / 36000 miles

Warranty, Powertrain:

5 years / 60000 miles

Warranty, Roadside Assistance:

5 years / 60000 miles

Safety Ratings

NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):

4 out of 5 Stars

2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:

Not yet available

2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:

Not yet available

2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:

Not yet available

2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:

Not yet available

IIHS Safety Rating:

Not yet available

Safety Ratings

NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):

5 out of 5 Stars

2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:

Not yet available

2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:

Not yet available

2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:

Not yet available

2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:

Not yet available

IIHS Safety Rating:

Not yet available

Base Drivetrain Specs

Horsepower:

375 hp @ 5200 rpm

Torque:

398 foot-lbs @ 1850 rpm

Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):

0.076 hp per pound

Towing capacity:

Not yet available

Base Drivetrain Specs

Horsepower:

300 hp @ 5500 rpm

Torque:

310 foot-lbs @ 3500 rpm

Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):

0.070 hp per pound

Towing capacity:

5000 lbs

Engine Specifications

Engine Size:

3 liters

Engine Configuration:

Inline

Number of Cylinders:

6

Transmission:

Automatic

Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:

RWD / AWD

EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):


Not yet available

Range (city/hwy):

Not yet available

Recommended Fuel Type:

Not yet available

Engine Specifications

Engine Size:

2.3 liters

Engine Configuration:

Inline

Number of Cylinders:

4

Transmission:

Automatic

Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:

RWD / AWD

EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):


Not yet available

Range (city/hwy):

Not yet available

Recommended Fuel Type:

Not yet available

Standard/Optional Features

Alloy wheels:

Standard

Android Auto:

Standard

Apple CarPlay:

Standard

Automatic Parking:

Standard

Bench Seats:

Standard

Bluetooth:

Standard

Heated Seats

Standard

Internet Radio:

Standard

Keyless Entry:

Standard

Keyless Ignition:

Standard

Leather Upholstery:

Standard

Navigation System:

Standard

Paddle Shifters:

Standard

Parking Sensors:

Standard

Power Lift Gate:

Standard

Power outlet:

Standard

Roadside assistance:

Standard

Satellite radio:

Standard

Sunroof/Moonroof:

Standard

Voice Recognition:

Standard

Wifi:

Standard

Wireless Smartphone Charging:

Standard

Adaptive Cruise Control:

Available

Air Suspension:

Available

Cooled/Ventilated Seats:

Available

Heated Steering Wheel:

Available

Massage Seats:

Available

Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof

Available

Trailer Hitch:

Available

Captain's seat:

N/A

Front Bench Seats:

N/A

Quad Seats:

N/A

Roof Rack:

N/A

Standard/Optional Features

Alloy wheels:

N/A

Android Auto:

N/A

Apple CarPlay:

N/A

Automatic Parking:

N/A

Bench Seats:

N/A

Bluetooth:

N/A

Heated Seats

N/A

Internet Radio:

N/A

Keyless Entry:

N/A

Keyless Ignition:

N/A

Leather Upholstery:

N/A

Navigation System:

N/A

Paddle Shifters:

N/A

Parking Sensors:

N/A

Power Lift Gate:

N/A

Power outlet:

N/A

Roadside assistance:

N/A

Satellite radio:

N/A

Sunroof/Moonroof:

N/A

Voice Recognition:

N/A

Wifi:

N/A

Wireless Smartphone Charging:

N/A

Adaptive Cruise Control:

N/A

Air Suspension:

N/A

Cooled/Ventilated Seats:

N/A

Heated Steering Wheel:

N/A

Massage Seats:

N/A

Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof

N/A

Trailer Hitch:

N/A

Captain's seat:

N/A

Front Bench Seats:

N/A

Quad Seats:

N/A

Roof Rack:

N/A

Safety Features

Backup camera:

Standard

Blind Spot Monitoring:

Standard

Driver Attention Monitoring:

Standard

Forward Collision Warning:

Standard

Lane Departure Warning:

Standard

Lane Keeping Assist:

Standard

Pedestrian Detection:

Standard

Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:

Standard

Rear Seat Reminder:

Standard

360-Degree Camera:

N/A

Safety Features

Backup camera:

N/A

Blind Spot Monitoring:

N/A

Driver Attention Monitoring:

N/A

Forward Collision Warning:

N/A

Lane Departure Warning:

N/A

Lane Keeping Assist:

N/A

Pedestrian Detection:

N/A

Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:

N/A

Rear Seat Reminder:

N/A

360-Degree Camera:

N/A

Interior Dimensions

Front Head Room:

40.7 inches

Front Leg Room:

39.8 inches

Front Shoulder Room:

60 inches

Rear Head Room:

39.4 inches

Rear Leg Room:

37.4 inches

Rear Shoulder Room:

58.1 inches

Cargo Space:

33.9 cubic feet

Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:

72.3 cubic feet

Overall Interior Volume:

Not yet available

Interior Dimensions

Front Head Room:

40.7 inches

Front Leg Room:

43 inches

Front Shoulder Room:

62.1 inches

Rear Head Room:

40.5 inches

Rear Leg Room:

39 inches

Rear Shoulder Room:

61.9 inches

Cargo Space:

16.3 cubic feet

Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:

85.8 cubic feet

Overall Interior Volume:

169.2 cubic feet

Exterior Dimensions

Curb Weight:

4919 lbs

Width:

87.3 inches

Height:

69.1 inches

Length:

194.2 inches

Wheelbase:

117.1 inches

Ground Clearance:

8.3 inches

Exterior Dimensions

Curb Weight:

4303 lbs

Width:

89.3 inches

Height:

69.6 inches

Length:

198.7 inches

Wheelbase:

119.1 inches

Ground Clearance:

7.6 inches

Standard Wheel/Tire Information

Wheel Size:

20.0 x 9.0 inches

Wheel Type:

aluminum alloy

Tire Size:

275/45R20

Standard Wheel/Tire Information

Wheel Size:

Not yet available

Wheel Type:

Not yet available

Tire Size:

Not yet available

Exterior Colors

Black

Black Sapphire Metallic / Carbon Black Metallic

Blue

Blue Ridge Mountain Metallic / Tanzanite Blue II Metallic

Gray

Brooklyn Grey Metallic / Dravit Grey Metallic / Frozen Pure Grey Metallic / Skyscraper Grey Metallic

Green

Manhattan Green Metallic

White

Alpine White / Mineral White Metallic

Exterior Colors

Black

Not available

Blue

Not available

Gray

Not available

Green

Not available

White

Not available

Interior Colors

Black

Black

Brown

Coffee / Cognac / Tartufo

Gray

Silverstone

White

Ivory White

Interior Colors

Black

Not available

Brown

Not available

Gray

Not available

White

Not available

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