2021 BMW X3 vs 2021 Ford Explorer

Ford's approach to SUV production in 2021 was akin to a "small, medium, large, XL" strategy, with the Explorer fitting neatly into the lineup. The Explorer's exterior was visually appealing, though it could be challenging to distinguish it from the Edge at a quick glance. The sporty, raked belt lines and squinting visages gave it a distinctive look compared to other brands. Depending on the trim, the grille varied from black to full chrome, with six trim levels ranging from the base model to the Platinum, with prices climbing from $32,925 to $52,730. Inside, the Explorer offered three rows of seats as standard, with cloth upholstery on the base model. The dash was clean, featuring an 8-inch LCD touchscreen and a center console with a rotary gearshift, providing ample storage space.

The 2021 BMW X3, introduced in its third generation in 2018, received updates in 2020, including a plug-in hybrid model and M performance variants. The redesign refined the X3's formula, giving it the exterior and interior presence of larger, more expensive BMW models. The X3's exterior resembled a downsized BMW X5, while the interior maintained BMW's cold, mechanical styling. Though not as aesthetically pleasing as the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, the X3's dash was more functional. Trims included the sDrive30i, xDrive30i, M40i, and the xDrive30e plug-in hybrid, with the high-performance X3 M covered separately. Standard features included 18-inch alloy wheels, synthetic leather upholstery, and a 10.2-inch infotainment system, with various options for genuine leather, a panoramic sunroof, and more.

The 2021 Ford Explorer, weighing in at 4,345 pounds at its lightest, featured a base 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. This engine outperformed the Kia Telluride's V6, despite the Telluride being lighter. All Explorer trims came with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Limited Hybrid trim offered a V6 hybrid drivetrain with 310 hp and 331 lb-ft of torque. Higher trims featured a 3.0-liter EcoBoost twin-turbo V6, delivering 365 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque, with the sport-oriented Explorer ST offering 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque. The Explorer's towing capacity ranged from 5,000 to 5,600 pounds, depending on the trim and engine.

The 2021 BMW X3's sDrive30i and xDrive30i trims came 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 offered 288 hp and a 17-mile electric-only range, with a recharge time of about 3.5 hours using a 240-volt Level 2 charger. The M40i trim boasted a 382-hp twin-turbo inline-six engine, providing robust acceleration and responsive cornering. For those seeking even more performance, the X3 M model delivered 473 hp.

The base 2021 Ford Explorer had seating for seven, while other trims featured captain’s chairs in the second row, reducing capacity to six. The Explorer offered 39 inches of legroom for second-row passengers, which was competitive within its segment. With the third row deployed, the Explorer provided 21 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 81 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2021 BMW X3 offered 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 option available. The X3 provided ample space for passengers, with plenty of 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.

The 2021 Ford Explorer's base trim featured an 8-inch touchscreen with AM/FM radio, SiriusXM, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a 4G WiFi hotspot, Ford’s Sync 3 infotainment system, and a six-speaker audio system. Higher trims offered a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system, HD radio, and an upgrade to a 10.1-inch touchscreen with up to 14 speakers. Charging options included two USB ports and five 12-volt power points, with a 110-volt AC power outlet available on higher trims.

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. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, with Android Auto as an option. Additional options included wireless device charging, a fully digital instrument panel, a 16-speaker Harman Kardon stereo system, and gesture control for basic functions.

The 2021 Ford Explorer was rated as a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS, with top scores in all crash tests and an "Acceptable" rating for adaptive headlights. The Explorer's base trim included the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite, featuring auto high-beam headlights, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane keeping assist, forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, and dynamic brake support. Higher trims offered additional features like adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assist, and speed sign recognition.

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