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BMW X1 vs Ford Explorer

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

Vehicles

Ford logo

2027 Ford Explorer

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Overview

SpecBMW X1xDrive28iFord ExplorerActive 100A
Selected trimxDrive28iActive 100A
Body styleSUVSUV
Drivetrainall wheel driverear wheel drive
Fuel typepremium unleaded (recommended)regular unleaded
Transmission7-speed automated manual10-speed automatic
Engine typegasgas
Model year20272027

Pricing & market

SpecBMW X1xDrive28iFord ExplorerActive 100A
MSRP$43,200$38,465 (best)
Lowest listing price$29,998$11,345 (best)
Median listing price$42,498 (best)$45,871
Highest listing price$49,287 (best)$64,269
For sale now438 (best)

Fuel economy & range

SpecBMW X1xDrive28iFord ExplorerActive 100A
Combined MPG28 MPG (best)24 MPG
City MPG25 MPG (best)20 MPG
Highway MPG34 MPG (best)29 MPG
Fuel tank14.3 gal17.9 gal (best)

Performance

SpecBMW X1xDrive28iFord ExplorerActive 100A
Horsepower241 hp300 hp (best)
Torque295 lb-ft310 lb-ft (best)
Engine size2 L2.3 L (best)
CylindersI4I4

Size & capability

SpecBMW X1xDrive28iFord ExplorerActive 100A
Seating5 seats6 seats (best)
Doors44
Cargo volume57.2 cu ft85.8 cu ft (best)
Towing capacity—5,300 lbs (best)
Payload994 lbs (best)—
Curb weight3,750 lbs (best)—
Ground clearance8.1 in (best)7.9 in
Wheelbase106 in119.1 in (best)
Length177.2 in198.8 in (best)
Width72.6 in78.9 in (best)
Height64.6 in69.9 in (best)

Safety & recalls

SpecBMW X1xDrive28iFord ExplorerActive 100A
Open recalls (YMM scope)None reported (best)1

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.

TrimBMW X1Ford Explorer
1

xDrive28i

$43,200 MSRP(Currently comparing)

Active 100A

$38,465 MSRP(Currently comparing)

2

M35i

$52,400 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 X1 vs Ford Explorer FAQ

Which is better: 2027 BMW X1 or 2027 Ford Explorer?
It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2027 BMW X1 vs 2027 Ford Explorer on MSRP, fuel economy, horsepower, seating, towing, NHTSA safety ratings, and live market prices so you can weigh the tradeoffs.
Which costs less: 2027 BMW X1 or 2027 Ford Explorer?
Based on starting MSRP, the 2027 Ford Explorer starts lower at $38,465. Live BMW X1 listings start at $29,998. Live Ford Explorer listings start at $11,345.
Which has better startingMsrp: 2027 BMW X1 or 2027 Ford Explorer?
The 2027 Ford Explorer leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (38,465).
Which has better combinedMpg: 2027 BMW X1 or 2027 Ford Explorer?
The 2027 BMW X1 leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (28).
Which has better horsepower: 2027 BMW X1 or 2027 Ford Explorer?
The 2027 Ford Explorer leads on horsepower in this comparison (400).
Which has better seats: 2027 BMW X1 or 2027 Ford Explorer?
The 2027 Ford Explorer leads on seats in this comparison (7).
Which has better maxTowingLbs: 2027 BMW X1 or 2027 Ford Explorer?
The 2027 Ford Explorer leads on maxTowingLbs in this comparison (5,600).