VS
At a Glance
Power
382hp @ 5800
300hp @ 5500
Torque
369lb-ft @ 1800
310lb-ft @ 3500
Fuel
24 mpg est.
24 mpg est.
Towing
—
5000lbs
Engine
3.0 L/183ci
2.3 L/140ci
Choosing between the BMW X4 and the Ford Explorer is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The BMW X4 delivers 382hp @ 5800 while the Ford Explorer produces 300hp @ 5500. On fuel, the X4 returns 24 mpg est. while the Explorer uses 24 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $66,700 for the X4 and $40,465 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 X4M40i Sports Activity Coupe 2025 - From $66,700
Ford ExplorerActive 4WD 2026 - From $40,465
Performance
Power Output (hp)
382hp @ 5800
300hp @ 5500
Torque (lb-ft)
369lb-ft @ 1800
310lb-ft @ 3500
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
3.0 L/183ci
2.3 L/140ci
Engine Layout
Inline
—
Cylinders
6
4
Fuel Type
—
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
8
—
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
Four Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
24 mpg est.
24 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
22mpg
20 (Est)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
26mpg
27 (Est)mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
17.2gal
17.9gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
187.5in
198.8in
Width (in)
76.3in
78.9in
Height (in)
63.8in
70.2in
Wheelbase (in)
112.8in
119.1in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4403lbs
4457lbs
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
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
—
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Ford Explorer
2 / 4 categories
Performance
X4
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
Explorer
Practicality
Explorer
Pros & Cons
BMW X4
Well-rounded specification
Higher starting price
Ford Explorer
Lower starting price ($40,465)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the X4 or Explorer?
The X4 gets 24 mpg est. and the Explorer gets 24 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Explorer 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 X4 or Explorer?
The X4 produces 382hp @ 5800 and 369lb-ft @ 1800 of torque while the Explorer delivers 300hp @ 5500 and 310lb-ft @ 3500 of torque. The X4 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the X4 and Explorer?
The X4 starts from $66,700 and the Explorer from $40,465. The Explorer is cheaper by $26,235 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the X4 or Explorer?
The X4 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 X4 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.