2024 BMW X3 vs. 2024 Ford Explorer Review

Picture of the 2024 BMW X3

2024 BMW
X3

MSRP*: $46,900 to $61,900
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Picture of the 2024 Ford Explorer

2024 Ford
Explorer

MSRP*: $36,860 to $56,770
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MPG - City 21 - 23 MPG 18 - 21 MPG
MPG - Hwy 26 - 29 MPG 22 - 28 MPG
Seating Capacity 5 seats 7 seats
Cargo Space 62.7 ft3 87.8 ft3
Engine
  • 248-hp, 2.0-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
  • 382-hp, 3.0-liter, Straight 6 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline/Mild Electric Hybrid)
  • 300-hp, 2.3-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
  • 400-hp, 3.0-liter, V6 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
Transmission Automatic Automatic
Drivetrain All Wheel Drive, Rear Wheel Drive Four Wheel Drive, Rear Wheel Drive
Horsepower 248 - 382 hp 300 - 400 hp
Towing Capacity Info not available 5,000 - 5,600 lbs
Exterior Length 185.9 in 198.8 in
Exterior Width 74.4 - 74.7 in 78.9 in
Leg Room Front 40.3 in
Rear 36.4 in
Front 43.0 in
Rear 39.0 in
Head Room Front 41.1 in
Rear 39.1 in
Front 40.7 in
Rear 40.5 in

*MSRP and Invoice prices displayed are for educational purposes only, do not reflect the actual selling price of a particular vehicle, and do not include applicable gas taxes or destination charges.

Comparison Review

Comfort
Passengers in the backseat will be able to stretch out a lot more in the Ford Explorer than in the BMW X3, due to its greater head- and legroom. The Ford Explorer will be a hit with tall drivers and their front seat passengers, since it has greater front head- and legroom than the BMW X3.

Convenience
You'll be making about the same number of stops at the gas station with the BMW X3 as you will with the Ford Explorer, as they are both able to travel similar distances on a tank of gas.

Cost
There are a lot of factors to consider when calculating the overall cost of a vehicle. The main consideration is Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). Whether you pick the BMW X3 or the Ford Explorer, it's going to cost you about the same.

Dimensions
Since the BMW X3 is much slimmer than the Ford Explorer, it'll be much easier to find a wide enough space in a crowded parking lot. If you go with the BMW X3, you'll have a much easier time finding a large enough space to park than you will with the Ford Explorer.

Performance
The BMW X3 has a little less horsepower than the Ford Explorer.

Powertrain
With its lower torque engine, the BMW X3 doesn't do as good a job transmitting power to its wheels as the Ford Explorer.

Utility
The BMW X3 has less seating than the Ford Explorer, making the Ford Explorer the better choice, if you need to chauffeur many passengers. The BMW X3 has significantly less cargo capacity than the Ford Explorer.