2020 Ford Explorer vs 2021 BMW X5

The 2020 Ford Explorer was a striking vehicle, boasting a design that was more refined and athletic than its predecessors. Its widened headlights, large grille, and distinctive "Explorer" lettering on the hood gave it a recognizable and handsome appearance. The ST version, with its black 21-inch rims, blacked-out trim, and quad exhaust pipes, was particularly eye-catching. However, the interior did not match the exterior's appeal. Despite the high price tag, the materials used inside felt subpar, with low-grade vinyl and hard plastics dominating the cabin. The Explorer's interior lacked the luxury feel expected at its price point, making it less appealing compared to competitors like the Kia Telluride and Toyota Highlander.

In contrast, the 2021 BMW X5 maintained the brand's reputation for high-quality craftsmanship. Its design was unmistakably BMW, with the iconic kidney grille and adaptive LED headlights contributing to its upscale appearance. The M Sport models added a sporty touch with body-coloured trim and high-gloss black accents. Inside, the X5's interior was consistent with BMW's design language, featuring leather and soft-touch materials. However, the abundance of black plastic and the sameness of the interior design across BMW models were noted. The M Sport models offered unique styling elements, enhancing the overall look and feel of the cabin.

The 2020 Ford Explorer offered a range of powertrains, with the ST trim standing out for its performance. It featured a 3.0-litre EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 engine, delivering 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The rear-wheel-drive chassis provided balanced weight distribution, enhancing handling and ride quality. The Explorer ST was nimble, with precise steering and flat cornering, making it a joy to drive. The 2.3-litre turbo inline four-cylinder engine, producing 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, was also available, offering a solid performance. The hybrid option, however, did not provide significant fuel efficiency benefits. The Explorer's towing capacity varied, with the V6 capable of towing up to 2,540 kilograms.

The 2021 BMW X5 offered multiple powertrain options, all paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base xDrive40i model featured a 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine, producing 335 hp and 330 lb-ft of torque. The M50i variant boasted a twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8, delivering 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque. The X5 M took it further with 600 hp, or 617 hp with the Competition Package. The new xDrive45e plug-in hybrid model combined a 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine with a 24-kilowatt-hour battery, achieving 389 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque. While the hybrid offered up to 50 kilometres of all-electric range, its steering dynamics were less impressive, particularly at higher speeds. The X5's fuel efficiency varied, with the xDrive45e rated at 4.7 litres-equivalent per 100 kilometres when using both electricity and gas.

The 2020 Ford Explorer excelled in interior space, offering ample headroom and legroom for passengers. The second row felt luxurious with air vents, USB ports, and a panoramic moonroof. The third row accommodated six-foot-tall adults for short trips, though the bench was flat for long journeys. Cargo space was generous, with 509 litres behind the third row, 1,359 litres behind the second row, and 2,491 litres with all seats folded. The Explorer's controls were intuitive, with physical knobs and switches for climate and stereo, though the thick D-pillars and fuzzy cameras were drawbacks.

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 felt hard after extended drives. The rear seats were spacious, and an optional third row was available. The split liftgate and vehicle height adjustment button made loading cargo easy. The X5's cargo area was spacious without the third row, though moving children and cargo in and out of the second row was less convenient due to narrow door openings.

The 2020 Ford Explorer came equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen featuring Sync 3 infotainment, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G Wi-Fi hotspot. Keyless entry, remote start, and SiriusXM satellite radio were standard. The Premium Technology Package added a 10-inch vertical touchscreen and a 12-inch digital instrument cluster. While the interface was high-resolution and well-organized, it lacked customization options. The Co-Pilot360 Assist+ system was available but did not perform as well as competitors' systems.

The 2021 BMW X5 featured a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The standard features included a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, a 10-speaker sound system, and a panoramic sunroof. Optional upgrades included a head-up display, quad-zone climate control, and premium audio systems. The iDrive system required some acclimation but was user-friendly once familiar. However, wireless Apple CarPlay had connectivity issues, often taking over music operations unexpectedly.

The 2020 Ford Explorer came standard with Ford Co-Pilot 360, which included forward automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keep assist. Adaptive cruise control with steering assist and reverse braking were also standard. The NHTSA awarded the Explorer a five-star safety rating, and the IIHS named it a Top Safety Pick+.

The 2021 BMW X5 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including 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 IIHS gave the X5 mostly Good ratings, while the NHTSA awarded it a four-star overall safety rating.