BMW X3 vs Ford Explorer
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2027 Ford Explorer
Overview
| Spec | BMW X330 xDrive | Ford ExplorerActive 100A |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | 30 xDrive | Active 100A |
| Body style | SUV | SUV |
| Drivetrain | all wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
| Fuel type | premium unleaded (required) | regular unleaded |
| Transmission | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 10-speed automatic |
| Engine type | mild hybrid | gas |
| Model year | 2026 | 2027 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | BMW X330 xDrive | Ford ExplorerActive 100A |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $51,300 | $38,465 (best) |
| Lowest listing price | $55,872 (best) | — |
| Median listing price | $57,937 (best) | — |
| Highest listing price | $60,287 (best) | — |
| For sale now | 6 (best) | 0 |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | BMW X330 xDrive | Ford ExplorerActive 100A |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 29 MPG (best) | 24 MPG |
| City MPG | 27 MPG (best) | 20 MPG |
| Highway MPG | 33 MPG (best) | 29 MPG |
| Fuel tank | 17.2 gal | 17.9 gal (best) |
Performance
| Spec | BMW X330 xDrive | Ford ExplorerActive 100A |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 255 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 X330 xDrive | Ford ExplorerActive 100A |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 seats | 6 seats (best) |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Cargo volume | 67.1 cu ft | 85.8 cu ft (best) |
| Towing capacity | — | 5,300 lbs (best) |
| Curb weight | 4,176 lbs (best) | — |
| Ground clearance | 8.5 in (best) | 7.9 in |
| Wheelbase | 112.8 in | 119.1 in (best) |
| Length | 187.2 in | 198.8 in (best) |
| Width | 75.6 in | 78.9 in (best) |
| Height | 65.4 in | 69.9 in (best) |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | BMW X330 xDrive | Ford ExplorerActive 100A |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA overall | 4 / 5 ★ (best) | — |
| Frontal crash (driver) | 4 / 5 ★ (best) | — |
| Frontal crash (passenger) | 4 / 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) | 1 | 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 X3 | Ford Explorer |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 30 xDrive $51,300 MSRP(Currently comparing) | Active 100A $38,465 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | M50 xDrive $66,500 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
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