2020 Ford Explorer vs 2019 BMW X5

Regarding aesthetics and design philosophy, the 2019 BMW X5 concentrated on offering a sedan-like driving experience despite being a large crossover. Though its off-road prowess was limited, it catered effectively to consumers prioritizing smooth on-road performance. The X5 offered a five-passenger configuration, expandable to seven, though the third row was notably cramped.

The base xDrive40i came equipped with a 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder engine, while the xDrive50i featured a 4.4-liter V8, both paired with a refined ZF 8-speed automatic transmission. The starting price for the xDrive40i was $60,700, offering a range of premium features such as all-wheel drive, adaptive LED headlights, and a panoramic sunroof. Numerous packages allowed for customization, with the top-tier xDrive50i model priced at $75,750, including higher-grade features like real leather upholstery and a 16-speaker Harman Kardon stereo.

In contrast, the 2020 Ford Explorer embodied an upscale yet utilitarian design, with a lower, more athletic stance compared to its predecessors. The ST version particularly stood out with its aggressive aesthetics, featuring black 21-inch rims, blacked-out trim, and quad exhaust pipes. While the exterior design was commendable, the interior fell short in quality, especially given its price point. Loaded models reached $60,000, venturing into luxury territory, but the material quality—particularly the faux leather and hard plastics—felt subpar compared to competitors.

The 2019 BMW X5's strength lay in its performance. The xDrive40i, with its turbocharged inline 6-cylinder engine, delivered 335 horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in around 5.3 seconds. The xDrive50i pushed these figures further with its V8 engine, offering 456 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque, capable of hitting 60 mph in approximately 4 seconds.

BMW's 8-speed ZF automatic transmission provided smooth and efficient shifts, contributing to a sporty yet comfortable ride. The vehicle's double-A-arm front and multi-link rear suspension with adaptive dampers could be upgraded with a $1,000 optional air suspension, offering a versatile ride height and excellent bump absorption.

Conversely, the 2020 Ford Explorer focused on rear-wheel-drive (RWD) for better weight distribution, significantly enhancing its handling and driving dynamics. The ST model featured a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine producing 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque, mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. While it lacked adaptive dampers, the Explorer ST exhibited commendable ride quality and flat cornering capabilities.

Ford also offered a 2.3-liter turbo inline-four engine for most trims, delivering 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. Additionally, a 3.3-liter hybrid powertrain provided 318 hp but didn't significantly improve fuel economy. Towing capacities ranged from 5,000 pounds for the hybrid to 5,600 pounds for the V6 with AWD.

Inside, the 2019 BMW X5 transitioned to a more aggressive design, featuring dual 12.3-inch screens for the updated iDrive infotainment interface. However, the interior felt slightly less premium unless upgraded with higher-cost options. While the front seats offered decent support, they could be uncomfortable for long drives without additional options like the $1,600 Luxury Seating package. The rear cargo area boasted 33.9 cubic feet of space, expandable to 72.3 cubic feet with seats folded, and included a helpful split rear tailgate for easier loading.

The 2020 Ford Explorer excelled in providing spaciousness for passengers. On a road trip, it accommodated three adults comfortably with ample room for luggage and gear. The third row, while not luxurious, could fit six-foot adults for short trips. Cargo space behind the third row was 18 cubic feet, expanding to 88 cubic feet with seats folded—one of the largest in its class. The Explorer also corrected previous ergonomic flaws, incorporating physical knobs and switches but retaining some inconvenient touch controls.

Technological features in the X5 were a mixed bag. The iDrive interface was functional but less user-friendly than rivals. Features like gesture control and voice recognition were inconsistent, and the Driving Assistance Plus package for semi-autonomous driving was unreliable at high speeds. However, the Extended Traffic Jam Assistant worked smoothly in stop-and-go traffic. Options like Parking Assistant Plus, night-vision system, and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon stereo provided added conveniences.

The 2020 Ford Explorer included standard tech like an 8-inch touchscreen, Sync 3 infotainment, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and keyless entry. The Premium Technology Package for ST and Platinum models introduced a 10-inch vertical touchscreen and a 12-inch digital instrument cluster. While the interface was user-friendly, it lacked innovation and customization. The Co-Pilot360 Assist+ system for semi-automated driving also lagged behind competitors in functionality.

The 2019 BMW X5's new brake-by-wire setup facilitated its semi-autonomous driving features but felt slightly unnatural during final braking moments. The X5 received a 4-star rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS, scoring well in all tests.

The Ford Co-Pilot 360 system in the 2020 Explorer included standard features like forward emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring. The Assist+ package added adaptive cruise control with steering assist and reverse braking, which occasionally malfunctioned. The Explorer scored "Acceptable" in the IIHS's small overlap test on the driver's side, yet to be fully tested by the NHTSA.