VS
At a Glance
Power
312hp @ 5750
300hp @ 5500
Torque
295lb-ft @ 2000
310lb-ft @ 3500
Fuel
28 mpg est.
24 mpg est.
Towing
—
5000lbs
Engine
2.0 L/122ci
2.3 L/140ci
Choosing between the BMW X1 and the Ford Explorer is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The BMW X1 delivers 312hp @ 5750 while the Ford Explorer produces 300hp @ 5500. On fuel, the X1 returns 28 mpg est. while the Explorer uses 24 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $52,400 for the X1 and $45,155 for the Explorer. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Specification
BMW X1M35i Sports Activity Vehicle 2026 - From $52,400
Ford ExplorerST-Line RWD 2026 - From $45,155
Performance
Power Output (hp)
312hp @ 5750
300hp @ 5500
Torque (lb-ft)
295lb-ft @ 2000
310lb-ft @ 3500
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.0 L/122ci
2.3 L/140ci
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
7
—
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
Rear Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
28 mpg est.
24 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
24mpg
20 (2025)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
32mpg
29 (2025)mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
14.3gal
17.9gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
177.4in
198.8in
Width (in)
72.6in
78.9in
Height (in)
64.6in
69.6in
Wheelbase (in)
106in
119.1in
Curb Weight (lbs)
3790lbs
4344lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
—
5000lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
—
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
X1
Fuel Economy
X1
Value
Explorer
Practicality
Explorer
Pros & Cons
BMW X1
Better fuel economy (28 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Ford Explorer
Lower starting price ($45,155)
Higher fuel consumption (24 mpg est.)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the X1 or Explorer?
The X1 gets 28 mpg est. and the Explorer gets 24 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The X1 is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the X1 or Explorer?
The X1 produces 312hp @ 5750 and 295lb-ft @ 2000 of torque while the Explorer delivers 300hp @ 5500 and 310lb-ft @ 3500 of torque. The X1 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the X1 and Explorer?
The X1 starts from $52,400 and the Explorer from $45,155. The Explorer is cheaper by $7,245 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the X1 or Explorer?
The X1 has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the Explorer can tow 5000lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the X1 or the Explorer?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.