2022 Ford Explorer vs 2021 BMW X5

The 2021 BMW X5 was a testament to BMW's renowned craftsmanship, fitting seamlessly into the brand's SUV lineup. Its design, from the iconic kidney grille to the body shape, was unmistakably BMW, though this familiarity sometimes led to it blending in with other models. The X5 featured full adaptive LED headlights and a choice of matte aluminum or high-gloss black finishes, depending on the trim. The M Sport models added a sporty flair with body-color matched trims and high-gloss black accents. Inside, the X5's interior was consistent with BMW's design language, featuring a mix of leather and soft-touch materials, though it was criticized for its abundance of black plastic. The M Sport models offered unique interior styling with an M sports steering wheel and exclusive trim strips.

The 2022 Ford Explorer, particularly in the King Ranch trim, offered a rugged yet luxurious appearance. It featured distinctive King Ranch emblems, shiny 20-inch wheels, and quad exhaust outlets, though it didn't differ much visually from other Explorer models. The Explorer's design was based on a rear-drive platform, giving it a long hood and athletic stance, complemented by a "floating roof" effect. Inside, the King Ranch trim boasted exclusive Del Rio leather seating with lasso-perforated inserts and King Ranch branding. While the cabin mostly felt premium, some materials hinted at the Explorer's base trim. The Explorer's interior was spacious for families, though the third row was best suited for children.

The 2021 BMW X5 offered a range of powertrains, all paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base X5 sDrive40i/xDrive40i featured a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine producing 335 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque. The X5 M50i came with a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8, delivering 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, while the X5 M offered up to 617 hp with the Competition Package. The X5 xDrive45e plug-in hybrid combined a 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine with a 24-kWh battery, achieving 389 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque, and offering up to 30 miles of all-electric range. The X5's driving dynamics were less engaging than expected, with steering issues at higher speeds. Fuel efficiency varied, with the X5 M achieving 15 mpg combined, while the xDrive45e reached 50 MPGe when using both electricity and gas.

The 2022 Ford Explorer provided three powertrain options. The base engine was a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder, generating 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, with a towing capacity of 5,300 pounds and up to 24 mpg combined. The hybrid option, available on the Limited trim, combined a 3.3-liter V6 with an electric motor for 318 hp and 322 lb-ft of torque, towing up to 5,000 lbs and achieving 27 mpg combined. The top-tier twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6, standard on ST, Platinum, and King Ranch trims, produced 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, with a towing capacity of 5,600 lbs and 21 mpg combined. The Explorer's ride was robust, handling off-road terrain well, and offering a more engaging drive than typical midsize SUVs.

The 2021 BMW X5 made efficient use of space, with well-placed cupholders and a wireless phone charging pad. The seating was comfortable for short trips, though the front seats could feel hard after extended driving. The rear seats were spacious for children and two adults, with an optional third row available. The split liftgate was easy to operate, and the air suspension allowed for vehicle height adjustment when loading cargo. The X5's cargo area was spacious without the third row, though the doors didn't open wide enough for easy access to the second row.

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered comfort for families, with the King Ranch trim featuring triple-zone climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, and massaging front seats. The second-row seats were nearly as comfortable, but the third row was cramped for adults. Storage space within the cabin was limited, with missed opportunities for additional storage solutions. The King Ranch had a hands-free power liftgate, providing 18.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 87.8 cubic feet with all rear seats folded.

The 2021 BMW X5 came with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a digital gauge cluster, and a 10-speaker sound system. Additional features included navigation, HD Radio, satellite radio, and a panoramic moonroof. Optional upgrades included a head-up display, massaging seats, and premium audio systems. The iDrive system required some acclimation but was user-friendly once familiar.

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered two versions of the Sync 3 infotainment system, with either an 8-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen. The King Ranch trim included FordPass Connect, a WiFi hotspot, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Bang and Olufsen sound system. The Sync 3 system had limitations, particularly with voice recognition, and would benefit from an upgrade to Sync 4. Additional tech included a digital instrumentation display and Active Park Assist 2.0.

The 2021 BMW X5 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. However, the Driving Assistance Professional Package had issues with lane-keeping and adaptive cruise control, particularly in bright sunlight or rain. The X5 received Good ratings from the IIHS and a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Ford Explorer earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, though NHTSA ratings were incomplete. Standard safety features included Ford Co-Pilot360, with forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Co-Pilot360 Assist+ added adaptive cruise control and evasive steering assist. The system generally performed well, though it occasionally over-braked in traffic.