Ford Explorer vs BMW X3
Overview | |
MSRP$38,465 | MSRP$51,300 |
Listings249 | Listings881 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews7.5 out of 10 | Expert reviews6.7 out of 10 |
Pros
Cons
| Pros
Cons
|
Reviews SummaryThe Explorer was one of the first truly family-friendly SUVs, and continues in that role today as a midsize three-row crossover competing against the likes of the Chevrolet Traverse, the Honda Pilot, the Jeep Grand Cherokee, the Nissan Pathfinder, and the Toyota Highlander. The current-generation Explorer has been around since the 2020 model year, and the big news for 2026 is a Tremor model that replaces the Timberline as the most off-road-capable Explorer. The available BlueCruise driver-assist system also gets an update. Verdict: Ford’s SUV stalwart still gets the job done, but lacks personality unless you go for the ST or Tremor models. | |
Reviews SummaryBMW offers the 2026 X3 in two flavors: 30 xDrive and M50. The latter is tuned for performance, but the base X3 30 xDrive is so good that you might be happy trading the M50’s outright speed and sheer capability for significant savings. BMW redesigned this compact luxury crossover in 2025, and the only tweaks for 2026 make the base model look and feel a little more upscale inside. Verdict: For this review, we evaluated the BMW X3 M50. It was terrific, but with a sticker price more than $15,000 higher than the rewarding X3 30 xDrive, it’s hard to justify the extra money. | |
No video found | No video found |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine2.3L 300 hp I4 | Engine2.0L 255 hp I4 |
Drive TrainRWD | Drive TrainAWD |
Seating Capacity7 | Seating Capacity5 |
Horsepower300 hp @ 5500 rpm | Horsepower255 hp @ 4700 rpm |
MPG City20 | MPG City27 |
MPG Highway29 | MPG Highway33 |
Engine | |
Engine Name2.3L 300 hp I4 | Engine Name2.0L 255 hp I4 |
Torque310 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm | Torque295 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm |
Horsepower300 hp @ 5500 rpm | Horsepower255 hp @ 4700 rpm |
DrivetrainRWD | DrivetrainAWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City20 | MPG City27 |
MPG Highway29 | MPG Highway33 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity7 | Seating Capacity5 |
Key Features | |
Navigation SystemStandard | Navigation SystemOptional |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall5 | Front Crash Overall4 |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space16.3 cu ft | Cargo Space31.5 cu ft |
Curb Weight4303 lbs | Curb Weight4176 lbs |
Height69.6 in | Height65.4 in |
Length198.7 in | Length187.2 in |
Width89.3 in | Width83.9 in |
Wheelbase119.1 in | Wheelbase112.8 in |
Maximum Payload1467 lbs | Maximum Payload1107 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity5000 lbs | Maximum Towing Capacity4001 lbs |
Standard Towing Capacity5000 lbs | Standard Towing Capacity |
Overview | ||
MSRP | $38,465 | $51,300 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 7.5 out of 10Read full review | 6.7 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
Cons
| Pros
Cons
|
Summary | The Explorer was one of the first truly family-friendly SUVs, and continues in that role today as a midsize three-row crossover competing against the likes of the Chevrolet Traverse, the Honda Pilot, the Jeep Grand Cherokee, the Nissan Pathfinder, and the Toyota Highlander. The current-generation Explorer has been around since the 2020 model year, and the big news for 2026 is a Tremor model that replaces the Timberline as the most off-road-capable Explorer. The available BlueCruise driver-assist system also gets an update. Verdict: Ford’s SUV stalwart still gets the job done, but lacks personality unless you go for the ST or Tremor models. | BMW offers the 2026 X3 in two flavors: 30 xDrive and M50. The latter is tuned for performance, but the base X3 30 xDrive is so good that you might be happy trading the M50’s outright speed and sheer capability for significant savings. BMW redesigned this compact luxury crossover in 2025, and the only tweaks for 2026 make the base model look and feel a little more upscale inside. Verdict: For this review, we evaluated the BMW X3 M50. It was terrific, but with a sticker price more than $15,000 higher than the rewarding X3 30 xDrive, it’s hard to justify the extra money. |
Video | No video found | No video found |
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 2.3L 300 hp I4 | 2.0L 255 hp I4 |
Drive Train | RWD | AWD |
Seating Capacity | 7 | 5 |
Horsepower | 300 hp @ 5500 rpm | 255 hp @ 4700 rpm |
MPG City | 20 | 27 |
MPG Highway | 29 | 33 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 2.3L 300 hp I4 | 2.0L 255 hp I4 |
Torque | 310 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm | 295 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm |
Horsepower | 300 hp @ 5500 rpm | 255 hp @ 4700 rpm |
Drivetrain | RWD | AWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 20 | 27 |
MPG Highway | 29 | 33 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 7 | 5 |
Key Features | ||
Navigation System | Standard | Optional |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 5 | 4 |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 16.3 cu ft | 31.5 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 4303 lbs | 4176 lbs |
Height | 69.6 in | 65.4 in |
Length | 198.7 in | 187.2 in |
Width | 89.3 in | 83.9 in |
Wheelbase | 119.1 in | 112.8 in |
Maximum Payload | 1467 lbs | 1107 lbs |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity | 5000 lbs | 4001 lbs |
Standard Towing Capacity | 5000 lbs | |
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