2020 Ford Explorer vs 2019 BMW X5

The 2019 BMW X5 was designed with a focus on delivering a sedan-like driving experience, despite its size and weight. BMW's approach was to prioritize on-road comfort over off-road capabilities, a decision that proved prescient as consumer preferences shifted towards smoother rides. The X5 offered a five-passenger layout, expandable to seven, though the third row was notably cramped. It featured two turbocharged engine options, a 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder and a 4.4-litre V8, both paired with a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission. The base model came with a host of features, including adaptive LED headlights, a panoramic sunroof, and a digital gauge cluster, with numerous optional upgrades available.

In contrast, the 2020 Ford Explorer boasted a more athletic and refined design, shedding excess bulk for a sleeker appearance. Its exterior was marked by widened headlights, a large grille, and distinctive "Explorer" lettering. The ST version, with its sporty enhancements, was particularly striking. However, the interior fell short of expectations, with materials that felt subpar for its price range. Despite this, the Explorer offered ample space, especially in the third row, and a range of standard features like air vents, USB ports, and a panoramic moonroof. The cargo space was generous, though slightly reduced behind the third row to accommodate more passenger room.

The 2019 BMW X5 excelled in performance, with its turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine delivering 335 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque. The vehicle's eight-speed ZF automatic transmission was praised for its smooth operation, contributing to an impressive fuel economy of 11.7 L/100 km in the city and 9.1 on the highway. The xDrive50i variant offered even more power with a 456 hp V8 engine. Built on BMW's Cluster Architecture platform, the X5 featured a sophisticated suspension system that provided a smooth yet sporty ride, with adjustable air suspension enhancing both comfort and practicality.

The 2020 Ford Explorer, particularly in the ST trim, was lauded for its performance, thanks to a 3.0-litre EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 engine producing 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. The rear-wheel-drive chassis contributed to a balanced and nimble driving experience, with precise steering and commendable cornering capabilities. The 10-speed automatic transmission offered smooth power delivery, although it occasionally jerked during downshifts. The Explorer's towing capacity varied by engine, with the V6 capable of towing up to 2,540 kilograms. The vehicle also featured seven drive modes to optimize performance across different conditions.

Inside the 2019 BMW X5, the design was modernized with aggressive angles and dual 12.3-inch screens for the iDrive infotainment system. However, the interior materials felt less premium unless upgraded, and the seats were somewhat uncomfortable for long drives. Despite these drawbacks, the X5 offered ample space, with 960 litres of cargo capacity expandable to 2,047 litres. The air suspension facilitated easy loading, and the vehicle could tow up to 3,000 kilograms.

The 2020 Ford Explorer provided generous interior space, with ample headroom and legroom across all rows. The second row featured captain's chairs for easy access to the third row, which could accommodate adults for short trips. Cargo space was substantial, with 509 litres behind the third row, 1,359 litres behind the second, and 2,491 litres with all seats folded. The Explorer's interior was user-friendly, with physical controls for climate and audio, though visibility was hindered by thick D-pillars and subpar camera quality.

The 2019 BMW X5's technology offerings were a mixed bag. While the iDrive system was well-designed, gesture controls were unreliable, and voice commands were inconsistent. The driving-assistance features, including semi-autonomous capabilities, were underwhelming, with issues in lane-keeping and overcorrection. However, the adaptive cruise control and Parking Assistant Plus were effective, and the Harman Kardon stereo provided excellent sound quality.

The 2020 Ford Explorer came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen featuring Sync 3, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G Wi-Fi hotspot. The Premium Technology Package added a 10-inch vertical touchscreen and a 12-inch digital instrument cluster, enhancing usability. However, the system lacked customization options, and the Co-Pilot360 Assist+ driving system was not as refined as competitors'. Despite these shortcomings, the Explorer's tech was generally intuitive and user-friendly.

The 2019 BMW X5 featured a new brake-by-wire system, contributing to its semi-autonomous driving capabilities. It received a four-star rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS, with top scores in all tests.

The 2020 Ford Explorer came equipped with Ford Co-Pilot 360, offering a suite of safety features such as forward automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keep assist. It received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA and was also rated as a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.