2020 Ford Expedition vs 2021 BMW X5

The 2020 Ford Expedition, last redesigned in 2018, was a full-size SUV with a clean, albeit somewhat uninspiring, design. Its styling was considered timeless, appealing to those planning to keep the vehicle for many years. The King Ranch edition stood out with its 22-inch aluminum wheels, mesh grille insert, and LED headlights, all accentuated by Star White metallic paint. Inside, the Expedition King Ranch featured Del Rio leather in Mesa over Ebony, with King Ranch logos throughout. However, the presence of hard plastic, especially in lower trims, was a drawback for a vehicle in its price range.

The 2021 BMW X5 was known for its high-quality craftsmanship, maintaining the brand's signature design elements like the kidney grille. While this consistency ensured brand recognition, it also meant the X5 could blend in with other BMWs. The X5 featured adaptive LED headlights and various trim options, including the sporty M Sport styling. Inside, the X5's design was consistent with other BMW models, featuring leather and soft-touch materials, though it had an abundance of black plastic. The M Sport models offered unique interior styling, enhancing the sporty feel.

The 2020 Ford Expedition was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre EcoBoost V6 engine, delivering 375 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 470 pound-feet of torque at 2,250 rpm. It featured a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive in Canada. The Expedition's towing capacity was impressive, with the standard model capable of towing 4,173 kilograms and the MAX version 4,082 kilograms. Despite its size, the Expedition handled well in urban environments, thanks to its tight turning radius and adaptive damping suspension. Fuel consumption was rated at 14.1 L/100 km in the city and 10.6 on the highway.

The 2021 BMW X5 offered a range of powertrain options, all paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base xDrive40i model had a 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine with 335 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque. The X5 M50i featured a twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 with 523 hp, while the X5 M delivered 600 hp, increasing to 617 hp with the Competition Package. The new xDrive45e plug-in hybrid achieved 389 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque, offering up to 50 kilometres of all-electric range. The X5's steering and handling were less engaging than expected, with fuel consumption ranging from 10.4 to 15.7 L/100 km, depending on the model.

The 2020 Ford Expedition excelled in towing, cargo, and passenger capacity. The King Ranch model featured power running boards, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The second-row captain’s chairs provided first-class accommodations, and the third-row seat was comfortable for adults, thanks to the independent rear suspension. Cargo space was generous, with 546 litres behind the third row and up to 2,962 litres with the seats folded.

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 periods. The X5 offered an optional third row, and the split liftgate with power functionality made loading cargo easy. The air suspension allowed for vehicle height adjustment, enhancing cargo loading convenience. The X5's cargo area was spacious, though slightly reduced in the xDrive45e model.

The 2020 Ford Expedition featured an 8-inch touchscreen with Sync 3, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system was user-friendly but could be slow to respond. Additional features included FordPass Connect with a WiFi hotspot, a Bang & Olufsen sound system, and Pro Trailer Backup Assist, which simplified trailer maneuvering.

The 2021 BMW X5 came with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The iDrive system required some acclimation but was intuitive once familiar. Standard features included a digital gauge cluster, a 10-speaker sound system, and a panoramic sunroof. Optional upgrades included a head-up display, a Harman Kardon audio system, and a Wi-Fi hotspot.

The 2020 Ford Expedition was equipped with Ford Co-Pilot360, offering features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. It received a 5-star safety rating from the NHTSA, with a 4-star rollover resistance rating. The ADAS technology was effective and unobtrusive.

The 2021 BMW X5 included standard safety features such as 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.