BMW X1 vs Ford Explorer

Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.

Vehicles

2026 BMW X1

Trim

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2027 Ford Explorer

Trim

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Overview

Spec	BMW X1xDrive28i	Ford ExplorerActive 100A
Selected trim	xDrive28i	Active 100A
Body style	SUV	SUV
Drivetrain	all wheel drive	rear wheel drive
Fuel type	premium unleaded (recommended)	regular unleaded
Transmission	7-speed automated manual	10-speed automatic
Engine type	gas	gas
Model year	2026	2027

Pricing & market

Spec	BMW X1xDrive28i	Ford ExplorerActive 100A
MSRP	$42,800	$38,465 (best)
Lowest listing price	$48,347 (best)	—
Median listing price	$49,862 (best)	—
Highest listing price	$52,887 (best)	—
For sale now	6 (best)	0

Fuel economy & range

Spec	BMW X1xDrive28i	Ford ExplorerActive 100A
Combined MPG	28 MPG (best)	24 MPG
City MPG	24 MPG (best)	20 MPG
Highway MPG	33 MPG (best)	29 MPG
Fuel tank	14.3 gal	17.9 gal (best)

Performance

Spec	BMW X1xDrive28i	Ford ExplorerActive 100A
Horsepower	241 hp	300 hp (best)
Torque	295 lb-ft	310 lb-ft (best)
Engine size	2 L	2.3 L (best)
Cylinders	I4	I4

Size & capability

Spec	BMW X1xDrive28i	Ford ExplorerActive 100A
Seating	5 seats	6 seats (best)
Doors	4	4
Cargo volume	57.2 cu ft	85.8 cu ft (best)
Towing capacity	—	5,300 lbs (best)
Payload	994 lbs (best)	—
Curb weight	3,750 lbs (best)	—
Ground clearance	8.1 in (best)	7.9 in
Wheelbase	106 in	119.1 in (best)
Length	177.2 in	198.8 in (best)
Width	72.6 in	78.9 in (best)
Height	64.6 in	69.9 in (best)

Safety & recalls

Spec	BMW X1xDrive28i	Ford ExplorerActive 100A
NHTSA overall	4 / 5 ★ (best)	—
Frontal crash (driver)	4 / 5 ★ (best)	—
Frontal crash (passenger)	5 / 5 ★ (best)	—
Side crash (driver)	5 / 5 ★ (best)	—
Side crash (passenger)	5 / 5 ★ (best)	—
Side pole	5 / 5 ★ (best)	—
Rollover	4 / 5 ★ (best)	—
Open recalls (YMM scope)	2	None reported (best)

Highlighted values indicate the better figure for that spec when a clear winner exists. Specs reflect the selected trim for each vehicle. Drag a vehicle header to reorder columns. MSRP and specifications are manufacturer data; listing prices and inventory come from live dealer listings. Safety ratings are from NHTSA.

Trim overview

All available trims with MSRP. The trim selected above is highlighted; comparison specs use that selection.

Trim	BMW X1	Ford Explorer
1	xDrive28i $42,800 MSRP(Currently comparing)	Active 100A $38,465 MSRP(Currently comparing)
2	M35i $51,900 MSRP	Active 100A $40,465 MSRP
3	—	Active 200A $40,400 MSRP
4	—	Active 200A $42,400 MSRP
5	—	ST-Line $44,200 MSRP
6	—	ST-Line $46,200 MSRP
7	—	Tremor $49,200 MSRP
8	—	Tremor $56,460 MSRP
9	—	Platinum $50,660 MSRP
10	—	Platinum $52,660 MSRP
11	—	ST $53,660 MSRP
12	—	ST $55,660 MSRP

Live inventory

BMW X16 for sale

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