2025 Ford Explorer vs 2026 BMW X5

The 2025 Ford Explorer continued the design evolution initiated in its previous redesign, maintaining its rear-wheel-drive platform that contributed to its balanced proportions and sleek appearance. The refreshed model featured a restyled front end, giving it a wider and more ruggedly handsome look. New LED taillights and a strip of trim connecting them added to its modern aesthetic. Inside, the Explorer saw significant improvements, with upgraded materials, colors, and displays that made it competitive in its segment. Ford streamlined the trim levels to four, including the new base trim called Active, the sporty ST-Line, the luxurious Platinum, and the performance-tuned ST, with prices ranging from $39,755 to $55,505, excluding the destination charge.

The 2026 BMW X5 retained design elements reminiscent of the original model, such as the wide kidney grilles and sculpted bodywork. The M60i test vehicle featured a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, producing 532 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque. The interior aimed for simplicity with a panoramic curved display and minimized controls, enhanced by metallic accents and carbon fiber inlays. Despite its black interior theme, the X5 felt anything but monotonous. The quality of materials and construction was evident, especially at night with ambient lighting and illuminated speaker grilles. The X5's price ranged from $69,750 to $132,450, including the destination charge.

The 2025 Ford Explorer offered two EcoBoost engines: a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder with 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, and a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 with 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque, standard on the ST and optional on the Platinum trim. All models featured a 10-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive, with an optional four-wheel-drive system. The ST-Line test vehicle averaged 23.8 mpg with its turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The Explorer's driving modes included Eco, Normal, Sport, Slippery, Trail, Tow/Haul, and Deep Snow/Sand for 4WD models. The ST-Line's performance was enhanced by larger wheels and optional performance brakes, providing a delightful ride and handling experience.

The 2026 BMW X5 M60i was equipped with a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine, delivering 532 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque. It accelerated to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds, with a fuel economy rating of 19 mpg. The X5 offered more fuel-efficient options, such as the sDrive40i and xDrive40i, rated at 25 mpg combined, and the xDrive50e plug-in hybrid with 38 miles of electric range. The M60i's dynamic M Adaptive suspension and M Sport brakes provided confidence on the road, while its ride was firm and communicative. The X5's maximum towing capacity was 7,200 pounds, though it wasn't equipped for off-roading.

The 2025 Ford Explorer seated six people in its standard configuration, with an optional second-row bench seat increasing capacity to seven. The ST-Line test vehicle featured a heated steering wheel, heated power-adjustable front seats, and an optional Premium Package that added ambient lighting, massage seats, and a power-folding third-row seat. The Explorer offered 16.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 46 cubic feet behind the second row, and a maximum of 85.8 cubic feet. The interior was comfortable, with breathable fabric seats and manual rear side window shades for the second row.

The 2026 BMW X5 accommodated five passengers in two rows, with front seats offering numerous adjustments and optional massage. The test vehicle had four-zone automatic climate control, though its effectiveness diminished at traffic lights due to the engine start/stop system. Rear-seat comfort was acceptable, with ample headroom and a Travel & Comfort system for device attachment. The X5's storage was hidden under covers and lids, with a split-opening power liftgate providing convenience. Cargo space measured 33.9 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 72.3 cubic feet with the seat folded.

The 2025 Ford Explorer featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system called Ford Digital Experience. It included Google Built-in, Amazon Alexa Built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, and SiriusXM 360L satellite radio. The system was user-friendly, with Google Maps and Google Assistant integration. The Explorer offered B&O sound systems by Bang & Olufsen, with the ST-Line featuring 10 speakers and the Platinum and ST boasting 14 speakers and 980 watts of power.

The 2026 BMW X5's BMW Curved Display combined a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 14.9-inch touchscreen. The iDrive 8.5 infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and a cloud-based navigation system. A conversational digital assistant was available, though it required disconnecting smartphones for optimal performance. The Bowers & Wilkins high-end audio system provided phenomenal sound. The infotainment screen's menus were numerous, best explored when stationary.

The 2025 Ford Explorer came standard with Ford CoPilot 360+, which included adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assist and other driver assistance systems. The ST-Line and higher trims featured Ford CoPilot 360 2.0, adding a surround-view camera system and BlueCruise hands-free highway driving system. BlueCruise performed well in testing, though it occasionally struggled with tighter curves and heavy traffic. The NHTSA had not fully rated the 2025 Explorer, but it earned five-star side-impact and four-star rollover resistance ratings.

The 2026 BMW X5 offered standard safety features such as high-beam assist, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. The optional Driving Assistance Professional Package included adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, and Highway Assistant for hands-free driving. The X5's safety features performed as expected, though lane-keep and lane-centering features degraded on non-divided highways. The NHTSA gave the X5 an overall rating of four stars, while the IIHS awarded it a Top Safety Pick+ rating.