2025
See BMW X5 for saleBMW X5
From SAR 419,750
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.
2025
See Ford Explorer for saleFord Explorer
From SAR 238,625
BMW X5 VS Ford Explorer: the verdict
The BMW X5 is the clear winner for buyers prioritizing luxury, exhilarating performance, and a premium driving experience. However, the Ford Explorer stands out as the superior choice for large families seeking practicality, a spacious 7-seat interior, and significantly better value for money in the Saudi Arabian market.
| #1 BMW X5#1 | #2 Ford Explorer#2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price Comparison | ||
| Starting at | 419,750 – 688,390 SAR | 184,771 – 238,625 SAR |
| Engine & Power | ||
| Engine | 2,998 – 4,400 cc · 6 – 8 cyl | 2,300 – 3,000 cc · 4 – 6 cyl |
| Horsepower (bhp) | 340 – 530 hp | 300 – 400 hp |
| Torque (Nm) | 450 – 750 Nm | 420 – 563 Nm |
| Acceleration 0-100 Km/h (sec) | 4.3 – 5.5 s | 5.5 – 6.8 s |
| Top Speed (Km/h) | 243 – 250 km/h | 180 – 237 km/h |
| Fuel Economy (L/100 Km) | 8.8 – 11.6 L/100km | 7.8 – 11.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 67 L |
| Gears | 8 | 10 |
| Transmission | Automatic | Automatic |
| Drive Type | All Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | Petrol | Petrol |
| Measurements | ||
| L×W×H | 4.9 m × 2.0 m × 1.7 m | 5.0 m × 2.0 m × 1.8 m |
| Wheelbase (meters) | 3.0 m | 3.0 m |
| Curb Weight (kg) | — | 1,970 – 2,132 kg |
| Trunk Capacity (liters) | 645 L | 515 L |
| Overview | ||
| Body Style | SUV Crossover | SUV Crossover |
| Seating Capacity | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Doors | 5 doors | 5 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 Luxury & Performance
The BMW X5 dominates in luxury and performance, offering up to 530 hp and a blistering 0-100 km/h in 4.3 seconds, making it ideal for those who demand power and refinement.
2
Best for Families & Value
The Ford Explorer is the top pick for families, providing standard 7-seat capacity and a much more accessible starting price of 184,771 SAR, delivering excellent utility for its cost.
3
Best for Driving Dynamics
With its superior engine options and quicker acceleration, the BMW X5 offers a more engaging and dynamic driving experience, perfect for enthusiasts who appreciate precise handling and power.
4
Best for Everyday Practicality
While the X5 offers more trunk space, the Explorer’s 7-seat configuration makes it inherently more practical for daily family duties and carpooling, balancing passenger capacity with competitive fuel efficiency.
Pros & cons
BMW X5
Pros
- Superior maximum horsepower (530 hp)
- Faster acceleration (4.3 seconds 0-100 km/h)
- Larger trunk capacity (645 L)
- Higher maximum torque (750 Nm)
- Premium brand and luxury interior
Cons
- Much higher price point (starts at 419,750 SAR)
- Only available with 5 seats
- Higher fuel consumption on some trims
- Less practical for larger families
Ford Explorer
Pros
- Significantly lower starting price (184,771 SAR)
- Higher seating capacity (7 seats standard)
- Potentially better fuel economy (as low as 7.8 L/100km)
- More gears in transmission (10-speed automatic)
- Slightly longer overall length for passenger comfort
Cons
- Lower maximum power and acceleration
- Smaller trunk capacity (515 L)
- Less premium brand perception and interior materials
- Lower top speed (180 – 237 km/h)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the BMW X5 or Ford Explorer better for families in KSA?
For families in KSA, the Ford Explorer is the better choice due to its standard 7-seat capacity, which provides ample room for more passengers. The BMW X5 is limited to 5 seats, making the Explorer a more practical and spacious option for larger families who frequently travel together.
Which car is faster, the BMW X5 or the Ford Explorer?
The BMW X5 is significantly faster than the Ford Explorer. With its most powerful engine, the X5 can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.3 seconds, while the quickest Explorer manages it in 5.5 seconds. For performance enthusiasts, the X5 clearly holds the edge.
Which offers better value for money, the BMW X5 or Ford Explorer in Saudi Arabia?
The Ford Explorer offers considerably better value for money in Saudi Arabia. Starting at 184,771 SAR, its entry price is less than half that of the BMW X5. While the X5 delivers luxury, the Explorer provides a 7-seat SUV with strong features at a much more accessible price point.
Does the BMW X5 or Ford Explorer have more trunk space?
The BMW X5 offers more trunk space with 645 liters compared to the Ford Explorer's 515 liters. Despite the Explorer's 7-seat capacity, the X5 provides a larger cargo area, making it more suitable if luggage volume is a primary concern over passenger count.
