Ford Explorer vs. BMW X3

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Ford Explorer and BMW X3 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 Ford Explorer and the BMW X3.

When we compare the Ford Explorer's and the BMW X3's specifications and ratings, the Ford Explorer has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, resale value and base engine power. The BMW X3 has the advantage in the area of reliability. The Ford Explorer and BMW X3 have the same overall quality score. Based on this comparison of the Ford Explorer's and the BMW X3's specifications and ratings, the Ford Explorer is a better car than the BMW X3.

Pricing: For a new model, the Ford Explorer's price is between $42,737 and $63,305, with the BMW X3 priced between $54,175 and $73,916.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Ford Explorer loses 52.9 percent of its value and the BMW X3 loses 53.9 percent of its value. This means the Ford Explorer retains 1 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the BMW X3.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Ford Explorer and BMW X3 is 8.4 out of 10. This results in the Ford Explorer being ranked 6 out of 31 Best Midsize SUVs and the BMW X3 being ranked 4 out of 28 Best Luxury Small SUVs.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Ford Explorer is 7.5 out of 10. For the BMW X3 the reliability rating is 7.7 out of 10. This gives the BMW X3 a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Ford Explorer.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Ford Explorer’s base engine makes 300 horsepower, and the BMW X3 base engine makes 255 horsepower.

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the Ford Explorer has higher safety ratings than the BMW X3, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4.90 out of 5 Stars.

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Model & Pricing
Ford Explorer
BMW X3

2026 Ford Explorer
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Ford Explorer for Sale

2026 BMW X3
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BMW X3 for Sale

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

New Car Pricing

Asking Price:

54175 - 73916

Starting MSRP:

50900

Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)

47438

Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)

24600 - 63100

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:

Used Car Pricing

Avg Used Car Price:

Price Range:

-

Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)

59368

Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)

57126 - 63354

# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:

Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:

# Good or Great Deals:

Ford Explorer Scores & Rankings

Overall Score:

8.4 / 10

Reliability:

7.5 / 10

Retained Value:

7.6 / 10

Safety:

10.0 / 10

BMW X3 Scores & Rankings

Overall Score:

8.4 / 10

Reliability:

7.7 / 10

Retained Value:

7.5 / 10

Safety:

9.9 / 10



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

iSeeCars Reliability Insights for BMW X3

Avg Life Expectancy (years):

12.0

Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)

15.0

Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)

12.0 - 16.3

Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:

0.065



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

Ford Explorer Rankings

Crossover SUVs with the Most Horsepower

2 / 66

Best Family SUVs with 3 Rows

2 / 33

Safest SUVs with 3 Rows

2 / 33

Best Family Midsize SUVs

3 / 31

Safest Midsize SUVs

3 / 31

Best Crossover SUVs Under $40k

3 / 14

Best Midsize SUVs Under $40k

3 / 13

Best SUVs with 3 Rows Under $40k

3 / 8

Safest Crossover SUVs

4 / 66

Best Family Crossover SUVs

5 / 66

Most Reliable SUVs with 3 Rows Under $40k

5 / 8

Crossover SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

6 / 66

Best Midsize SUVs

6 / 31

Midsize SUVs with the Most Horsepower

6 / 31

Most Affordable SUVs with 3 Rows

6 / 29

Best Gas Mileage SUVs with 3 Rows

7 / 33

Best SUVs with 3 Rows

7 / 33

Best Gas Mileage Midsize SUVs

7 / 31

Midsize SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

7 / 31

Most Affordable Midsize SUVs

7 / 26

Most Reliable Midsize SUVs Under $40k

8 / 13

Best Crossover SUVs for Towing

9 / 66

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for the Money

9 / 29

Most Reliable Crossover SUVs Under $40k

9 / 14

Best Midsize SUVs for Towing

11 / 31

Most Comfortable Midsize SUVs

11 / 31

Best Midsize SUVs for the Money

11 / 26

Most Comfortable Crossover SUVs

12 / 66

Best Crossover SUVs

13 / 66

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Horsepower

13 / 33

Most Comfortable SUVs with 3 Rows

14 / 33

Best Off-road Midsize SUVs

14 / 31

Most Reliable Midsize SUVs

14 / 31

Best Crossover SUVs for Tall People

15 / 66

Best Midsize SUVs for Tall People

15 / 31

Best Off-road Crossover SUVs

16 / 66

Most Reliable SUVs with 3 Rows

16 / 33

Best Off-road SUVs with 3 Rows

17 / 33

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Cargo Space

18 / 33

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for Towing

20 / 33

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for Tall People

21 / 33

Midsize SUVs with Best Resale Value

24 / 31

SUVs with 3 Rows with Best Resale Value

27 / 33

Midsize SUVs with the Most Legroom

27 / 31

Best Crossover SUVs for the Money

29 / 54

Most Reliable Crossover SUVs

30 / 66

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Legroom

31 / 33

Most Affordable Crossover SUVs

37 / 54

Best Gas Mileage Crossover SUVs

38 / 66

Crossover SUVs with the Most Legroom

47 / 66

Crossover SUVs with Best Resale Value

59 / 66

BMW X3 Rankings

Best Gas Mileage Luxury Small SUVs

2 / 28

Luxury Small SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

2 / 28

Best Gas Mileage Luxury Crossover SUVs

3 / 70

Best Luxury Crossover SUVs Under $60k

3 / 15

Best Luxury Small SUVs Under $60k

3 / 7

Best Family Luxury Small SUVs

4 / 28

Best Luxury Small SUVs

4 / 28

Best Luxury Small SUVs for Towing

4 / 28

Best Off-road Luxury Small SUVs

4 / 28

Most Reliable Luxury Small SUVs Under $60k

4 / 7

Best Family Luxury Crossover SUVs

5 / 70

Best Luxury Small SUVs for Tall People

5 / 28

Best Luxury Crossover SUVs

6 / 70

Luxury Small SUVs with the Most Horsepower

7 / 28

Best Luxury Small SUVs for the Money

7 / 26

Most Reliable Luxury Crossover SUVs Under $60k

7 / 15

Most Reliable Luxury Small SUVs

9 / 28

Safest Luxury Crossover SUVs

10 / 70

Most Comfortable Luxury Small SUVs

10 / 28

Best Off-road Luxury Crossover SUVs

13 / 70

Best Luxury Crossover SUVs for Tall People

14 / 70

Luxury Small SUVs with Best Resale Value

16 / 28

Most Affordable Luxury Small SUVs

16 / 26

Luxury Crossover SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

19 / 70

Luxury Small SUVs with the Most Legroom

20 / 28

Luxury Crossover SUVs with the Most Horsepower

21 / 70

Most Reliable Luxury Crossover SUVs

22 / 70

Best Luxury Crossover SUVs for Towing

24 / 70

Most Comfortable Luxury Crossover SUVs

26 / 70

Most Affordable Luxury Crossover SUVs

28 / 62

Luxury Crossover SUVs with Best Resale Value

34 / 70

Luxury Crossover SUVs with the Most Legroom

49 / 70

Available Body Styles

SUV

Available Body Styles

SUV

Available Drivetrain Options

Gasoline

Available Drivetrain Options

Gasoline

Ford Explorer Trim Levels

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

BMW X3 Trim Levels

30 xDrive, M50 xDrive

Warranty Information

Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:

3 years / 36000 miles

Warranty, Powertrain:

5 years / 60000 miles

Warranty, Roadside Assistance:

5 years / 60000 miles

Warranty Information

Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:

4 years / 50000 miles

Warranty, Powertrain:

4 years / 50000 miles

Warranty, Roadside Assistance:

4 years

Safety Ratings

NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):

5 out of 5 Stars

2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:

Not yet available

2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:

Not yet available

2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:

Not yet available

2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:

Not yet available

IIHS Safety Rating:

Not yet available

Safety Ratings

NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):

4.90 out of 5 Stars

2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:

Not yet available

2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:

Not yet available

2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:

Not yet available

2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:

Not yet available

IIHS Safety Rating:

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

Base Drivetrain Specs

Horsepower:

255 hp @ 4700 rpm

Torque:

295 foot-lbs @ 1600 rpm

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

0.061 hp per pound

Towing capacity:

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

Engine Specifications

Engine Size:

2 liters

Engine Configuration:

Inline

Number of Cylinders:

4

Transmission:

Automatic

Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:

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

Adaptive Cruise Control:

N/A

Air Suspension:

N/A

Alloy wheels:

N/A

Android Auto:

N/A

Apple CarPlay:

N/A

Automatic Parking:

N/A

Bench Seats:

N/A

Bluetooth:

N/A

Captain's seat:

N/A

Cooled/Ventilated Seats:

N/A

Front Bench Seats:

N/A

Heated Seats

N/A

Heated Steering Wheel:

N/A

Internet Radio:

N/A

Keyless Entry:

N/A

Keyless Ignition:

N/A

Leather Upholstery:

N/A

Massage Seats:

N/A

Navigation System:

N/A

Paddle Shifters:

N/A

Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof

N/A

Parking Sensors:

N/A

Power Lift Gate:

N/A

Power outlet:

N/A

Quad Seats:

N/A

Roadside assistance:

N/A

Roof Rack:

N/A

Satellite radio:

N/A

Sunroof/Moonroof:

N/A

Trailer Hitch:

N/A

Voice Recognition:

N/A

Wifi:

N/A

Wireless Smartphone Charging:

N/A

Standard/Optional Features

Adaptive Cruise Control:

Available

Air Suspension:

N/A

Alloy wheels:

Standard

Android Auto:

Standard

Apple CarPlay:

Standard

Automatic Parking:

Standard

Bench Seats:

Standard

Bluetooth:

Standard

Captain's seat:

N/A

Cooled/Ventilated Seats:

Available

Front Bench Seats:

N/A

Heated Seats

Standard

Heated Steering Wheel:

Available

Internet Radio:

Standard

Keyless Entry:

Standard

Keyless Ignition:

Standard

Leather Upholstery:

Standard

Massage Seats:

N/A

Navigation System:

Standard

Paddle Shifters:

Standard

Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof

N/A

Parking Sensors:

Standard

Power Lift Gate:

Standard

Power outlet:

Standard

Quad Seats:

N/A

Roadside assistance:

Standard

Roof Rack:

N/A

Satellite radio:

Standard

Sunroof/Moonroof:

Available

Trailer Hitch:

Standard

Voice Recognition:

Standard

Wifi:

Standard

Wireless Smartphone Charging:

Standard

Safety Features

360-Degree Camera:

N/A

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

Safety Features

360-Degree Camera:

N/A

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

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

Interior Dimensions

Front Head Room:

40.5 inches

Front Leg Room:

40.2 inches

Front Shoulder Room:

57.9 inches

Rear Head Room:

38.2 inches

Rear Leg Room:

36.3 inches

Rear Shoulder Room:

55.7 inches

Cargo Space:

31.5 cubic feet

Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:

67.1 cubic feet

Overall Interior Volume:

Not yet available

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

Exterior Dimensions

Curb Weight:

4176 lbs

Width:

83.9 inches

Height:

65.4 inches

Length:

187.2 inches

Wheelbase:

112.8 inches

Ground Clearance:

8.5 inches

Standard Wheel/Tire Information

Wheel Size:

Not yet available

Wheel Type:

Not yet available

Tire Size:

Not yet available

Standard Wheel/Tire Information

Wheel Size:

19.0 x 8.5 inches

Wheel Type:

painted aluminum alloy

Tire Size:

245/50R19

Exterior Colors

Black

Not available

Blue

Not available

Gray

Not available

Red

Not available

White

Not available

Exterior Colors

Black

Black Sapphire Metallic

Blue

Arctic Race Blue Metallic / Tanzanite Blue II Metallic

Gray

Brooklyn Grey Metallic / Dark Graphite Metallic / Dune Grey Metallic / Frozen Deep Grey Metallic / Frozen Pure Grey Metallic / Skyscraper Grey Metallic

Red

Vegas Red Metallic

White

Alpine White / Mineral White Metallic

Interior Colors

Beige

Not available

Black

Not available

Brown

Not available

Interior Colors

Beige

Calm Beige

Black

Black / Black/Atlas Grey

Brown

Amber/Atlas Grey / Espresso Brown

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