Quick Summary
The 2026 BMW X5 offers a wide engine range topping out at 523 horsepower on the M60i, along with standard xDrive all-wheel drive and a refined cabin. The Ford Explorer sticks to two EcoBoost engines, reaching up to 400 horsepower on the ST trim, with rear-wheel drive standard and all-wheel drive available. Both SUVs deliver strong performance, but the X5’s cabin materials and engine range give it the edge for Long Island drivers who want a more premium daily experience.
The 2026 BMW X5 and the Ford Explorer both compete for Long Island buyers shopping the midsize and full-size SUV space, though the two vehicles come from different market tiers. The X5 offers a wide range of engines and standard all-wheel drive across every trim, while the Explorer delivers strong value with two EcoBoost engine options and rear-wheel drive as the base configuration.
Drivers weighing these two SUVs need to consider cabin materials, drivetrain standards, and long-term ownership costs before deciding. Shoppers who want to see BMW’s full current lineup can browse the new vehicle inventory before choosing a trim.
This comparison breaks down the design, technology, safety, and performance of these two SUVs to help Long Island drivers weigh them against each other.
Design & Style
The X5 carries a bold, sculpted profile with a large kidney grille, sharp LED headlights, and available 20- to 22-inch wheels depending on trim. The cabin pairs a digital gauge cluster with a curved center display, and materials throughout the interior reflect a genuinely premium build across every trim level.
The Explorer wears a more conventional three-row SUV shape, with a wide grille, squared-off wheel arches, and a stance that varies by trim, from the rugged Tremor to the sport-tuned ST. Inside, the Explorer runs Ford’s SYNC 4 infotainment system, with cloth or leather upholstery depending on configuration.
Both SUVs look purposeful on the road, but the X5’s cabin materials and exterior detailing carry a more upscale finish than the Explorer’s practical, family-oriented design.
Technology & Safety
BMW equips the X5 with a full suite of standard driver-assistance features, including blind-spot alert, a collision warning system, and emergency and security services across all trims. The curved digital display integrates navigation, driver information, and infotainment into a single connected interface designed for daily driving.
The Explorer brings a Class III Trailer Tow Package standard on every model, along with SYNC 4 infotainment and available Terrain Management System with selectable drive modes for normal, sport, tow, and off-road conditions. Higher trims add additional driver assistance features and a sport-tuned suspension on the ST.
Both automakers pack in solid safety and tech packages, but the X5’s system integrates with more polish and consistency across the lineup than the Explorer’s trim-dependent feature set.
Performance
The X5 sDrive40i and xDrive40i run a 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo inline-six with a 48V mild hybrid system, producing 375 horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque through an 8-speed Sport Automatic. The xDrive50e plug-in hybrid combines the same six-cylinder engine with an electric motor for a combined 483 horsepower, and the M60i tops the lineup with a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 producing 523 horsepower.
The Explorer offers a 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder as standard, producing 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, or an optional 3.0-liter twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 on the ST trim, producing 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. Both Explorer engines pair with a 10-speed automatic, with rear-wheel drive standard and all-wheel drive available.
The X5’s base engine already outpaces the Explorer’s four-cylinder, and the available M60i and plug-in hybrid trims easily surpass anything in the current Explorer lineup.
The Bottom Line
Choosing between these two SUVs comes down to priorities around budget, drivetrain, and cabin quality. The Explorer suits buyers who want strong value, a straightforward EcoBoost engine choice, and a practical three-row layout for family duty.
The X5 makes more sense for drivers who want standard all-wheel drive, a wider performance range, and a cabin built to a higher standard throughout. For Long Island drivers who want a more premium daily experience with room to grow into serious performance, the X5 stands as the stronger choice.
Schedule a Test Drive Today
Spec sheets only tell part of the story, and the difference in cabin quality and drivetrain confidence becomes clear once a driver spends real time behind the wheel. The 8-speed Sport Automatic, standard xDrive all-wheel drive, and cabin materials all make a stronger impression on the road than on paper.
Competition BMW of Smithtown carries the full 2026 X5 lineup, from the efficient sDrive40i to the high-output M60i, and the sales team can walk through trims, financing, and current offers in detail. Long Island drivers ready to compare these SUVs firsthand can schedule a test drive at the Saint James showroom today.
FAQs
Does the Ford Explorer offer more horsepower than the base X5?
No. The X5’s base engine produces 375 horsepower, exceeding the Explorer’s standard 300-horsepower engine. The Explorer ST reaches 400 horsepower, still below the X5’s top M60i trim.
Is all-wheel drive standard on the X5?
Yes. Every 2026 X5 trim includes standard all-wheel drive. The Explorer comes with rear-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive available except on the Tremor, where it comes standard.
Does the X5 offer a hybrid or electrified option like the Explorer?
Yes. The X5 xDrive50e pairs its inline-six engine with an electric motor for a combined output of 483 horsepower. The Explorer currently offers only gas-powered EcoBoost engines.
