BMW X5 vs Ford Explorer: Which Should You Buy in KSA?

A complete comparison of the ⁦BMW X5⁩ VS ⁦Ford Explorer⁩ — specs, prices, pros and cons, and live used listings across KSA.

⁦BMW X5⁩ VS ⁦Ford Explorer⁩: the verdict

The Ford Explorer emerges as the practical champion for families in KSA, offering 7-seat capacity and a more accessible price point. However, for buyers prioritizing exhilarating performance and premium luxury, the BMW X5 stands superior with its potent engines and quicker acceleration.
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Price Comparison
Starting at419,750 – 448,845 SAR177,376 – 238,625 SAR
Engine & Power
Engine2,998 – 4,400 cc · 6 – 8 cyl2,300 – 3,000 cc · 4 – 6 cyl
Horsepower (bhp)340 – 530 hp300 – 400 hp
Torque (Nm)450 – 750 Nm420 – 563 Nm
Acceleration 0-100 Km/h (sec)4.3 – 5.5 s5.5 – 6.8 s
Top Speed (Km/h)243 – 250 km/h180 – 237 km/h
Fuel Economy (L/100 Km)8.8 – 11.6 L/100km7.8 – 11.7 L/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity83 L67 L
Gears810
TransmissionAutomaticAutomatic
Drive TypeAll Wheel DriveAll Wheel Drive
Fuel TypePetrolPetrol
Measurements
L×W×H4.9 m × 2.0 m × 1.7 m5.0 m × 2.0 m × 1.8 m
Wheelbase (meters)3.0 m3.0 m
Curb Weight (kg)—1,970 – 2,132 kg
Trunk Capacity (liters)645 L515 L
Overview
Body StyleSUV CrossoverSUV Crossover
Seating Capacity5 seats7 seats
Doors5 doors5 doors
Features
Key features
12V Socket360-Degree Camera360-Degree CameraABS (Anti-lock Brake System)Acceleration Skid ControlAcoustic HoodActive BonnetActive HeadrestsActive SteeringActive Understeer Control (AUC)Adaptive HeadlightsAdaptive Suspension PackageAdvanced Air Bags System (AABS)AirbagsAlloy PedalsAluminum WheelsAmbient LightingAnti theft alarmAppsAudio Controls on Steering WheelAuto Dimming MirrorAuto Door LockAuto HeadlampsAutomatic ACAutomatic Headlight Range ControlAUXBA (Brake Assist)Blind Spot WarningBluetoothBonnet LightBrembo BrakesBumper Side StepCargo Area LightCenter Arm RestCentral LockingChrome Door HandlesChrome Exhaust PipesChrome Plated Radiator GrilleCigar LighterClimate ControlCollision DetectionCornering LightsCRASH AUTO DOOR UNLOCKCrosswind AssistCruise ControlCruise Control Switch on SteeringCupholdersDaytime Running LightsDoor Mirrors with Side Turn SignalDrive ComputerDual Exhaust TipDynamic Stability ControlEBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution)Eco Drive ModeElectric CurtainElectric Door MirrorsElectric SunroofElectronic HandbrakeFire ExtinguisherFog Lamp - Front and RearFoldable Rear Seats with 60:40 SplitFootwell LightsFront BrakesFront Seat ArmrestFront WindshieldGas Shock AbsorberHDDHDMIHeadlight WashersHeated Cooled SeatsHID HeadlightsHigh Mount Stop LampHill AssistImmobilizerIntelligent KeyInternet ConnectivityiPod InterfaceISOFIX Child Seat AnchorsKeyless EntryKnee AirbagLane Departure WarningLeather Covered Door ArmrestLeather Gear Shift LeverLeather SeatsLeather Steering WheelLED Fog LightsLED HeadlightsLED TaillightsLock and Unlock Sensing Auto Electric Folding MirrorLumbar SupportMap Reading LampsMicrophoneMoving Object Detection SystemMP3Multi-Information DisplayNavigation SystemOBD (On-board Diagnostics)OdometerOff-Road DampersOff-Road tyresPaddle ShiftersParking SensorsPedestrian airbagPower OutletsPower SteeringPower TailgatePower Windows - Front and RearPremium Brand Audio SystemPuddle LampPush Button StartRadioRain Sensing WipersRear AC ControlsRear AC VentsRear BrakesRear CameraRear CupholdersRear Seat PocketsRear Window DefoggerRear WiperRemote StartRoad Sign AssistRoof SpoilerRun-Flat TyresScuff PlateSD Card SupportSeat Adjustment - AutomaticSeat MemorySeatbelt pretensionerSilver TrimSpeed Sensitive Power SteeringSpoilerSteering Tilt AdjustmentTemperature DisplayTiptronic GearsTraction ControlTrip ComputerTrip MeterTyre Defect IndicatorTyre Pressure Monitoring DisplayUSB PortVanity MirrorVariable Cylinder Management (VCM)Ventilated SeatsVoice Operated ControlWelcome LightWheel SizeWheels - AlloyWheels - ChromeWinchWind BlockerWireless HeadphonesWood Trim
12V Socket360 Camera360-Degree Camera360-Degree Camera4WD Rotary Mode SwitchABS (Anti-lock Brake System)Acceleration Skid ControlAcoustic Front WindshieldAcoustic HoodActive BonnetActive HeadrestsActive SteeringActive Understeer Control (AUC)Adaptive Brake LightsAdaptive Cruise ControlAir ConditioningAirbagsAlloy PedalsAlloy RimsAluminum WheelsAnti theft alarmAnti-theft Wheel BoltsAppsAudio Controls on Steering WheelAuto Door LockAuto HeadlampsAUXAUX InputBA (Brake Assist)Blind Spot WarningBody Colored GrilleBody KItBreakover AngleBumper Side StepCargo Area LightCargo Area Tie Down AnchorsCassette PlayerCD PlayerCenter Console BoxCentral LockingChrome Door HandlesChrome Exhaust PipesCigar LighterClimate ControlClimate Controlled SeatsCollision DetectionCompassConversation Mirror with Sunglasses HolderCooled SeatsCrosswind AssistCruise ControlCruise Control Switch on SteeringCupholdersCVT (Continuously Variable Transmission)Daytime Running LightsDoor Edge ProtectorDoor Mirrors with Side Turn SignalDoor ReflectorsDual Exhaust TipDVD PlayerDynamic Stability ControlEBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution)Electric Anti-dazzling Room MirrorElectric CurtainElectric Door MirrorsElectric Opening and Closing of Luggage DoorElectric SunroofEmergency Brake AssistFabric SeatsFire ExtinguisherFirst Aid KitFog LightsFoldable Rear SeatsFootwell LightsFront BrakesFront BumperFront CameraFront Seat ArmrestGas Shock AbsorberGlove Box CoolingHDMIHeadroomHeated SeatsHeel-and-ToeHID HeadlightsHigh Mount Stop LampHill AssistHybridInfotainment ScreenIntelligent KeyISOFIX Child Seat AnchorsKeyless EntryKnee AirbagLane Departure WarningLane Departure Warning SystemLeather Instrument PanelLeather SeatsLeather Steering WheelLED Fog LightsLED HeadlightsLED TaillightsLegroomLive Traffic InformationLumbar SupportManual ACMap Reading LampsMoonroofMoving Object Detection SystemMP3MudguardMulti-Information DisplayMulti-Information Display SizeNight VisionNumber of SpeakersOBD (On-board Diagnostics)OdometerOff Road KItOff-Road DampersOverhead Console Sunglass HolderPanoramic Glass RoofParking SensorsPedestrian airbagPerformance TyresPower LocksPower MirrorsPower OutletsPower SeatsPower SteeringPower TailgatePower WindowsPower Windows - Front and RearPush Button StartRacing Or Bucket SeatsRadioRear AC ControlsRear AC VentsRear Audio ControlsRear BrakesRear CupholdersRear Entertainment SystemRear Lcd screensRear Window DefoggerRear WiperRemote StartRemote Windows DownRollover Stability ControlRoof RailsRoof SpoilerRun Flat TiresSeat Adjustment - AutomaticSeat Adjustment - ManualSeatbelt pretensionerSecurity SystemSide Impact BarSoft-closing DoorsSpare WheelSpeed LimiterSpeed Sensitive Power SteeringSpeed Sensitive Windshield WipersSpoilerSports Exhaust SystemSteering Tilt AdjustmentSuperchargerTemperature DisplayTiptronic GearsToolkitTorqueTorque SteerTowing HookTPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System)Traction ControlTrailer Hitch with CoverTrip ComputerTrunk CapacityTurbochargerTyre Defect IndicatorTyre Pressure Monitoring DisplayTyre Repair KitUSB PortVanity MirrorVariable Cylinder Management (VCM)Welcome LightWheel SizeWheelbaseWheels - SteelWinchWind BlockerWireless HeadphonesWood Trim

Which one should you buy?

1

Best for Families

With its crucial 7-seat capacity, the Ford Explorer is the undisputed choice for larger families needing to transport more passengers comfortably.

2

Best for Performance Enthusiasts

Boasting up to 530 hp and a 0-100 km/h sprint as low as 4.3 seconds, the BMW X5 delivers a far more engaging and dynamic driving experience.

3

Best for Cargo Space

The BMW X5 offers a generous 645 liters of trunk capacity, making it more suitable for those who frequently need to carry substantial luggage or gear.

4

Best Value for Money

With a clear price range of 184,771 – 238,625 SAR, the Ford Explorer provides excellent utility and seating for its segment, making it a more budget-friendly option.

Pros & cons

BMW X5

Pros

  • Superior engine power (up to 530 hp)
  • Faster acceleration (0-100 km/h in 4.3s)
  • Larger fuel tank capacity (83 L)
  • More generous trunk space (645 L)
  • Higher top speed (up to 250 km/h)

Cons

  • Limited to 5-seat capacity
  • Likely higher purchase cost (price not provided, but inferred)
  • Fewer transmission gears (8-speed automatic)

Ford Explorer

Pros

  • Higher seating capacity (7 seats)
  • More accessible price range (184,771 – 238,625 SAR)
  • More transmission gears (10-speed automatic)
  • Slightly taller stance (1.8m height)

Cons

  • Lower maximum engine power (up to 400 hp)
  • Slower acceleration performance
  • Smaller trunk capacity (515 L)
  • Smaller fuel tank (67 L)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the BMW X5 or Ford Explorer better for families in KSA?

The Ford Explorer is undeniably better for families in KSA due to its crucial 7-seat configuration, compared to the BMW X5's 5-seat layout. This makes the Explorer a more practical choice for transporting larger families or groups, offering greater versatility for daily commutes and road trips.

Which SUV offers better performance, the BMW X5 or Ford Explorer?

The BMW X5 offers significantly better performance, boasting up to 530 hp and accelerating from 0-100 km/h in as little as 4.3 seconds. In contrast, the Ford Explorer's top engine delivers 400 hp and a slower acceleration of 5.5 seconds at best. For buyers prioritizing power and speed, the BMW X5 is the clear winner.

What is the price difference between the BMW X5 and Ford Explorer in KSA?

While the price for the BMW X5 is not provided in the data, the Ford Explorer has a clear price range of 184,771 – 238,625 SAR. Generally, the BMW X5 is positioned as a premium luxury SUV, suggesting a significantly higher price point than the more mainstream and value-oriented Ford Explorer. Shoppers on a budget should consider the Explorer.

Which car, BMW X5 or Ford Explorer, has more cargo space?

The BMW X5 offers more cargo space, with a trunk capacity of 645 liters. The Ford Explorer, while offering 7 seats, provides a smaller trunk capacity of 515 liters. For those who frequently need to carry more luggage or gear, the BMW X5 provides a clear advantage in cargo volume.