2020 Ford Expedition vs 2019 BMW X5

The 2019 BMW X5 was designed to offer a driving experience closer to a sedan, despite its 5,000-pound weight and tall stature. BMW focused on providing a smooth ride on pavement rather than off-road capabilities, which was a forward-thinking move. The X5 could seat five passengers, with an optional third row expanding capacity to seven, though the third row was cramped. The vehicle came with two turbocharged engine options: a 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder for the xDrive40i and a 4.4-liter V8 for the xDrive50i, both paired with a ZF 8-speed automatic transmission.

The 2020 Ford Expedition, last redesigned in 2018, featured a clean and somewhat conservative design that aged well. The King Ranch model stood out with 22-inch aluminum wheels, a mesh grille insert, LED headlights, and exclusive gray-painted lower exterior trim. Inside, the King Ranch boasted Del Rio leather in Mesa over Ebony, with numerous King Ranch logos. However, the Expedition had a fair amount of hard plastic, especially in the lower-level XLT trim, which was less acceptable at higher price points. The Lincoln Navigator, based on the Expedition, offered a more luxurious interior.

The 2019 BMW X5's xDrive40i model featured a turbocharged inline 6-cylinder engine producing 335 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in just over 5 seconds. The xDrive50i's 4.4-liter V8 delivered 456 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque, reaching 60 mph in around 4 seconds. The X5's 8-speed ZF automatic transmission was praised for its smoothness and efficiency, contributing to an EPA-estimated 20 mpg city, 26 highway, and 22 combined. The X5's ride quality was enhanced by its Cluster Architecture platform and optional air suspension, which provided adjustable height and impressive bump absorption.

The 2020 Ford Expedition was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine, producing 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. The 10-speed automatic transmission delivered power to the rear wheels or optional 4WD. The Expedition had a towing capacity of up to 9,300 pounds with rear-drive and 9,200 pounds with 4WD. The adaptive damping suspension on the King Ranch model provided a comfortable ride, though the 22-inch wheels sometimes caused a busy ride on imperfect pavement. The independent rear suspension improved ride and handling while conserving interior space. The Expedition averaged 17.7 mpg, slightly below the EPA rating of 19 mpg.

The 2019 BMW X5's interior featured aggressive angles and dual 12.3-inch screens for the updated iDrive infotainment interface. However, the materials could feel cheap without expensive options like upgraded trim or glass and ceramic buttons. The seats were somewhat uncomfortable, with insufficient thigh bolstering and no ventilation, making the $1,600 Luxury Seating package a worthwhile addition. The X5 offered ample space, with 33.9 cubic feet of cargo space expandable to 72.3 cubic feet. The air suspension made loading easier, and the X5 could tow up to 7,200 pounds.

The 2020 Ford Expedition excelled at towing, carrying cargo, and hauling people. The King Ranch model featured power running boards, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The second-row captain’s chairs provided first-class accommodations, and the third-row bench was genuinely comfortable for adults. The standard-length Expedition offered 19.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, while the Expedition MAX provided 34.3 cubic feet. With the third row folded, the Expedition offered 57.5 cubic feet of cargo space (73.3 with the MAX) and up to 104.6 cubic feet (121.5 with the MAX) with the second row folded.

The 2019 BMW X5's technology was a mixed bag. The gesture control was unreliable, and the screens were less customizable than competitors. The voice controls were picky, especially for those with accents. The updated iDrive interface was well-designed but required time to learn. The Driving Assistance Plus package offered limited hands-off driving but was not very effective at high speeds. The adaptive cruise control worked well, and the Parking Assistant Plus package provided useful features like a 3D camera. The Harman Kardon stereo offered excellent sound, with an optional Bowers & Wilkins system available for audiophiles.

The 2020 Ford Expedition's 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system felt outdated compared to newer models. Sync 3 was easy to use but sometimes slow to respond. The system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, FordPass Connect with a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, a navigation system, and an available Bang & Olufsen premium sound system. The rear-seat entertainment system and Pro Trailer Backup Assist were notable features, with the latter making trailer maneuvering easier.

The 2019 BMW X5 featured a new brake-by-wire setup, providing a nearly natural feel with some unfamiliar feedback during the final moments of braking. The X5 received a 4-star rating from the NHTSA, with 4-star ratings in frontal crash and rollover tests and 5-star ratings in side crash tests. The IIHS named the X5 a Top Safety Pick+ with top scores in all tests.

The 2020 Ford Expedition's weight contributed to its crash safety, with almost everything else on the road being smaller. The Expedition came standard with Ford Co-Pilot360, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The NHTSA awarded the Expedition 5-star ratings in every test and a 4-star rollover resistance rating. The IIHS had not tested the Expedition at the time of the review.