2021 BMW X3 vs 2022 Ford Explorer

The 2021 BMW X3, part of the third generation introduced in 2018, received several updates in 2020, including a plug-in hybrid model and M performance variants. This generation of the X3 was a significant refinement, offering the exterior and interior presence of larger, more expensive BMW models. The X3's exterior resembled a downsized BMW X5, while the interior featured the same cold, mechanical styling found across the BMW lineup. Although not as aesthetically pleasing as the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, the X3's dash was more functional.

Trims for the 2021 BMW X3 included sDrive30i, xDrive30i, M40i, and the xDrive30e plug-in hybrid. The sDrive30i and xDrive30i came standard with 18-inch alloy wheels, push-button start, synthetic leather upholstery, tri-zone climate control, a 10.2-inch infotainment system, navigation, and 10-way power-adjustable front seats. Optional features included genuine leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, and a hands-free power liftgate. The M40i trim featured 19-inch alloy wheels, 14-way power-adjustable front seats, unique exterior styling, and an M Sport suspension.

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered eight models, priced from $33,745 to $54,495, excluding the $1,495 destination charge. The lineup expanded with rugged Timberline and luxurious King Ranch trims, and the new ST-Line added a sporty look to the popular XLT version. The King Ranch model, tested with 4WD, extra-cost Rapid Red paint, a Premium Technology package, and a twin-panel sunroof, had an MSRP of $59,880, including the destination charge.

The Explorer's rear-drive platform allowed for a long and tall hood, short front overhang, rakish roofline, and tapering greenhouse, giving it a taut, athletic appearance. The King Ranch featured exclusive Del Rio leather seating with lasso-perforated inserts and King Ranch branding. However, the cabin exhibited a mix of quality and questionable materials for the price point. The King Ranch's interior mostly felt worthy of its near $60,000 window sticker, but occasional reminders of the Explorer's base trim were evident.

The 2021 BMW X3's sDrive30i and xDrive30i trims came equipped with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 248 horsepower, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The sDrive30i had rear-wheel drive, while the xDrive30i featured all-wheel drive. The xDrive30e plug-in hybrid powertrain made 288 hp and had a 17-mile electric-only range, recharging in about 3.5 hours using a 240-volt Level 2 charger. The M40i trim boasted a 382-hp twin-turbo inline-six engine, delivering robust acceleration and responsive cornering. For those seeking even more power, the X3 M performance model offered 473 hp.

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered three powertrains. Base, XLT, ST-Line, Limited, and Timberline trims came with a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine generating 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic and RWD, with 4WD available. The hybrid drivetrain, available for the Limited and Platinum trims, combined a 3.3-liter V6 engine with an electric motor, producing 318 hp and 322 lb-ft of torque, and achieving up to 27 mpg in combined driving. The twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, standard on ST, Platinum, and King Ranch trims, generated 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, with a maximum towing capacity of 5,600 lbs and up to 21 mpg in combined driving.

The King Ranch 4WD test vehicle averaged 20.6 mpg on the testing loop. The twin-turbo V6 provided plenty of power and satisfying acceleration, but the hybrid powertrain offered the best blend of power, efficiency, and capability. The Explorer's ride felt robust, handling bumps and off-roading situations well. The King Ranch model tackled moderately challenging terrain with ease, despite its 7.9 inches of ground clearance. For daily driving, the Explorer King Ranch felt athletic and engaging, with the sport-tuned Explorer ST offering even more driving excitement.

The 2021 BMW X3 provided up to 62.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, and 28.7 cubic feet with the seats in use. A power liftgate was standard, with a hands-free power liftgate available as an option. The X3 offered impressive space for passengers, with ample headroom and legroom in the front row and adult-friendly rear seats. The driver and front passenger benefited from real buttons and dials, complementing the main touchscreen and reducing the learning curve for new users.

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered plenty of comfort for families of four, with the option to carry five people with a second-row bench seat. The third-row seat was suitable only for children due to the rear-drive platform, low rear roofline, and tapered tail. The King Ranch model featured triple-zone automatic climate control, a power-adjustable heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated second-row captain's chairs. Massaging front seats were standard, with 14-way power adjustment for the driver and eight-way for the front passenger.

Practical storage space within the Explorer's cabin could have been better, with missed opportunities for additional storage in the front door armrests and dashboard. The wireless charging pad and smartphone holder were well-placed, but the interior lacked practical pockets, shelves, cubbies, and hooks. The King Ranch model had a hands-free power liftgate, revealing 18.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row seat. Folding the third-row seats down created 47.9 cubic feet of cargo space, and folding both rear rows down provided a maximum of 87.8 cubic feet.

The 2021 BMW X3 came standard with a 10.2-inch touchscreen running the iDrive infotainment system, which was user-friendly compared to other luxury systems. The combination of touch operation and the iDrive dial in the center console catered to different user preferences. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, with Android Auto available as an option. Other options included wireless device charging, a fully digital instrument panel, and a 16-speaker Harman Kardon premium stereo system. Gesture control was also available, allowing basic controls through hand movements.

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered two versions of its Sync 3 infotainment system: an 8-inch touchscreen and a 10.1-inch portrait-style touchscreen. The smaller screen was well integrated, while the larger screen appeared as an afterthought. The King Ranch model included FordPass Connect services, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, Ford+Alexa functionality, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and a navigation system. Additional features included wireless smartphone charging, a surround-view camera system, and a 14-speaker Bang and Olufsen premium sound system.

The Explorer's Sync 3 system showed its age, with significant differences compared to the newer Sync 4 technology. Voice recognition and operating features using spoken commands were less effective, often requiring multiple attempts to get accurate results. The King Ranch model also featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and Active Park Assist 2.0, which could autonomously park the Explorer. An available rear-seat entertainment system included dual rear touchscreen displays.

The 2021 BMW X3 came standard with advanced driver-assistance features such as automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, and lane departure warning. It also included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and front-and-rear parking sensors. Optional safety features included adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, headlights that bend with the road, and a head-up display.

The 2022 Ford Explorer earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for all trims. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) had not published complete crash-test ratings for the 2022 model, but the 2021 model received five-star ratings except for rollover resistance, which earned four stars. The Explorer came standard with Ford Co-Pilot360, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Co-Pilot360 Assist+ added adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, and evasive steering assist. Additional safety features included a post-collision braking system and MyKey programmable vehicle functions.