Comparison - Ford Explorer ST 2021 - vs - BMW X3 M 2021

General

Other Names:

Also called:

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Also called:

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All About Performance! BMW X3 M vs. Alfa Romeo Stelvio
Make: 
Model: 
Average Price: 
$
52,605
Updated: 
25 Jan 2020
$
69,900
Updated: 
01 Sep 2019
Car Type: 
SUV
SUV
Drive Type: 
All Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Year: 
2021
2021
Total Seating: 
6
5
Transmission: 
10-speed Shiftable Automatic
8-speed Shiftable Automatic
Bluetooth: 
yes
yes
Heated seats: 
yes
yes
Navigation: 
yes
yes
Doors: 
5
5
Fuel Tank Capacity: 
18.60gals
17.20gals
Exterior Colors: 
Color: 
Carbonized Gray Metallic
#4F453E
Star white Metallic Tri-coat
#FDFFFB
Atlas Blue Metallic
#0741D6
Rich Copper Metallic Tinted Clearcoat
#4A1414
Rapid Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat
#E60E28
Agate Black Metallic
#303030
Iconic Silver Metallic
#C7CAD0
Color: 
Toronto Red Metallic
#BE1011
Sunstone Metaliic
#C6C0B2
Phytonic Blue Metallic
#315D84
Dark Graphite Metallic
#545454
Alpine White
#FFFFFF
Black Sapphire Metallic
#252627
Donington Grey Metallic
#9D9C98

Expert Reviews

Expert reviews: 

Ford has made a few tweaks to its mid-size crossover for 2021, such as making heated seats standard on the XLT, offering a heated steering wheel as an optional feature on that model, and including an eight-way power-adjustable front passenger's seat on the Limited, ST, and Platinum models. A Sport Appearance package is now available on the XLT trim, and it includes 20-inch aluminum wheels that are coated in Carbonized Gray paint.

Pros
Smooth and controlled ride,
cargo friendly interior design,
comfortable front seats.

Cons
Third row space is tight,
plasticky interior bits,
most desirable models are pricey.

By: 
caranddriver.com

The 2021 Ford Explorer is recognizable, but new. It should be on every family SUV shopper’s list.

Pros
Wide range of powertrains
Good looks
Great active safety tech
Available hybrid
Quiet interio

Cons
Hybrid isn’t refined
Not a great value
Cramped third row
Clunky second row

By: 
thecarconnection.com

New Sport Appearance package available on XLT trim.Minor changes to standard and optional feature availability.

Pros
Strong engines for quick acceleration
Rear-wheel-drive platform improves handling and towing
Roomy cargo area

Cons
Too much wind noise at highway speeds
The price can get frighteningly expensive in a hurry
Lackluster interior material quality

By: 
edmunds.com

Wi-Fi hotspot now standard.No other significant changes for 2021.

Pros
Wickedly quick acceleration
Grip and handling are excellent
Still as practical as a standard X3

Cons
Excessively stiff ride, even in the softest suspension setting
Tire roar on the highway can be wearing on long drives

By: 
edmunds.com

For 2021, the X3 M adds newly standard features and some fresh options. Most notably, its infotainment system now includes Android Auto, which had been conspicuously missing. Likewise, a Wi-Fi hotspot and a one-year subscription to SiriusXM satellite radio with 360L are now standard; a matte wood finish is a new interior option. BMW also changes the Competition designation from a model to a package.

Pros
As quick or quicker than many sports cars,
mind-boggling agility for an SUV,
more practical than a sedan.

Cons
Ride is stiffer than desired,
fewer driver-mode settings would be fine,
how much power is too much power?

By: 
caranddriver.com

The 2021 BMW X3's #1 ranking is based on its score within the Luxury Compact SUVs category. Currently the BMW X3 has a score of 8.5 out of 10, which is based on our evaluation of 30 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.

Pros
Muscular engine options
Poised ride and handling
Easy-to-use infotainment system
Roomy seating and cargo space

Cons
Higher starting price than many rivals

By: 
usnews.com

Fuel

Fuel Type: 
Regular Unleaded
Premium Unleaded
Fuel Economy City USA: 
18.00mpg
14.00mpg
Fuel Economy HWY: 
24.00mpg
19.00mpg
Engine type: 
Petrol/Gas
Petrol/Gas

Engine and Performance

Valves: 
24
24
Cylinders: 
6
V
6
Inline
Engine Size/Displacement: 
3.00L
3.00L
Torque: 
415ft-lbs
at 3 500rpm
442ft-lbs
at 2 600rpm
Horsepower: 
400hp
at 5 500rpm
473hp
at 6 250rpm
Cam Type: 
Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Turning Circle: 
41.40Feet

Convenience

Cruise Control: 
yes
yes
Door Pockets: 
yes
yes
Cupholders: 
yes
yes
Overhead console: 
yes
no
Seatback Storage: 
yes
yes
Power Steering: 
yes
yes
Parking sensors: 
yes
yes
Steering Wheel Tilt: 
yes
yes
Telescopic steering wheel: 
yes
yes
Rear View Camera: 
yes
yes
Front view Camera: 
yes
no
Side view Camera: 
yes
no
On steering wheel: 
Transmission, Cruise And Audio Controls On Steering Wheel
Transmission, Cruise And Audio Controls On Steering Wheel
More in Convenience: 
Leather Steering Wheel
Keyless Ignition
Universal Remote Transmitter (For Garage Door, Security System, Etc.)
Heated Steering Wheel
Automatic Parking Assist
Power Rear Seat Easy Entry
Leather Steering Wheel
Keyless Ignition
Cargo Floor Mats
Universal Remote Transmitter (For Garage Door, Security System, Etc.)

Exterior Dimensions

Length: 
199.30in
186.20in
Width: 
78.90in
74.70in
Height: 
70.20in
65.60in
Ground Clearance: 
8.30in
8.00in
Front Track: 
66.90in
63.90in
Rear Track: 
66.90in
63.10in
Wheel Base: 
119.10in
112.80in

Interior Dimensions

Front Head Room: 
40.70
41.10
Rear Head Room: 
40.50
38.50
Front Leg Room: 
43.00in
40.40in
Rear leg room: 
39.00in
36.40in
Front Hip Room: 
59.20in
Front Shoulder Room: 
61.80in
57.60in
Rear Hip Room: 
59.10in
Rear Shoulder room: 
61.90in
56.00in

Weights and capacites

Cargo Capacity: 
87.80cu.ft
62.70cu.ft
Maximum Towing Capacity un-break: 
5600lbs
Cargo Capacity with Seats in Place: 
18.20cu.ft
28.70cu.ft
Angle of Approach: 
21.00degrees
Angle of Departure: 
21.00degrees
Curb Weight: 
4701.00lbs
4620.00lbs

Instruments

External Temperature Display: 
yes
yes
Clock: 
yes
yes
Trip computer: 
yes
yes
Techometer: 
yes
yes
Compass: 
yes
yes

Power Features

Power windows: 
yes
yes
Remote Keyless doors: 
yes
yes
More Power Features: 
Hands-Free Entry
Heated Mirrors
2 One-Touch Power Windows
Hands-Free Entry
Reverse Tilt Passenger Only Provides Curb View When Vehicle In Reverse
4 One-Touch Power Windows
Heated Mirrors

Seats

Rear Seat Collapsible: 
yes
yes
Front Seats Features: 
Height Adjustable Passenger Seat
Sport Front Seats
Multi-Level Heating Driver Seat
Ventilated Driver Seat
Ventilated Passenger Seat
Leather
6 -Way Power Passenger Seat
Height Adjustable Driver Seat
Multi-Level Heating Passenger Seat
Driver Seat With Power Adjustable Lumbar Support
8 -Way Power Driver Seat
Passenger Seat With Power Adjustable Lumbar Support
Height Adjustable Passenger Seat
Leather
Sport Front Seats
Multi-Level Heating Driver Seat
Height Adjustable Driver Seat
Multi-Level Heating Passenger Seat
Driver Seat With Power Adjustable Lumbar Support
Passenger Seat With Power Adjustable Lumbar Support
Driver Seat Thigh Extension
Rear Seats Features: 
Folding center armrest
Power Folding Split-Bench Third Row Seats
Rear Ventilation Ducts With Fan Control
Folding Rear Seatback
Multi-Level Heating
Folding center armrest
Rear Ventilation Ducts
Reclining Rear Seats
Split-Folding Rear Seatback

Suspension

Front Suspension: 
Front Stabilizer Bar
Front Stabilizer Bar
Rear Suspension: 
Rear Stabilizer Bar
Rear Stabilizer Bar
Suspension Info: 
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension

Comfort

Interior air Filtration: 
yes
yes
Climate Control: 
yes
yes
More Comfort Features: 
Turn Signal In Mirrors
Dual Illuminating Vanity Mirrors
Electrochromatic Inside Rearview Mirror
Three Zone Climate Control
Turn Signal In Mirrors
Dual Illuminating Vanity Mirrors
Electrochromatic Inside Rearview Mirror
Three Zone Climate Control

Entertainment

DVD player: 
no
no
AM/FM Radio: 
yes
yes
Satellite radio: 
yes
yes
Video monitor: 
no
no
More Entertainment: 
Bang & Olufsen Premium Brand Speakers
Satellite Radio W/Real Time Traffic Satellite Radio
USB With External Media Control
3 Months Of Provided Satellite Radio Service
USB Connection
1 Subwoofer(S)
12 Total Speakers
Surround Audio Surround Audio (Discrete)
Harman/Kardon Premium Brand Speakers
16 Total Speakers
600 Watts Stereo Output
12 Months Of Provided Satellite Radio Service
Speed Sensitive Volume Control
Auxiliary Audio Input And USB With External Media Control
2 Subwoofer(S)
USB Connection
Surround Audio Surround Audio (Discrete)

Exterior Features

Sunroof: 
yes
yes
Rear defogger: 
yes
yes
More in Glass and Roof: 
Body-color door handles with black insert
Liftgate Appliqué - black
Black mesh insert with chrome bars
EXPLORER badge on hood
Rain-Sensing Wipers
Alloy Wheels: 
yes
yes
Wheel size: 
20 In.
21 X 10.0 In.
Wheels more: 
Temporary Spare Tire
All Season Tires
Underbody Mounted Spare Tire
Inside Mounted Spare Tire
Temporary Spare Tire
Performance Tires
Wheel Dimensions: 
Width: 
255.00millimeters
Aspect Ratio: 
55
Diameter: 
R20
Width: 
265.00millimeters
Aspect Ratio: 
40

Safety Features

ABS: 
yes
yes
Front head airbags: 
yes
yes
Rear head airbags: 
yes
yes
Dual front side-mounted airbags: 
yes
yes
Emergency braking assist: 
yes
yes
Traction control: 
yes
yes
Child seat anchors: 
yes
yes
Front brakes: 
Ventilated Front Disc
Ventilated Front Disc
Stability control: 
yes
yes
Rear brakes: 
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes
Rear door child safety locks: 
yes
yes
Daytime running lights: 
yes
yes
Engine immobilizer: 
yes
yes
Front fog lights: 
yes
no
Dusk sensing headlamps: 
yes
yes
Auto delay off headlamps: 
yes
yes
Front headrests: 
yes
yes
Rear headrests: 
yes
yes
Tire pressure monitoring: 
yes
yes
More Safety Features: 
Turn Signal Mirrors
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests
Remote Anti-Theft Alarm System
Pre-Collision Safety System
Dual Front With Head Protection Chambers Side-Mounted Airbags
Post-Collision Safety System
LED Headlamp
Blind Spot And Lane Departure Warnings Accident Avoidance System
Turn Signal Mirrors
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests
Remote Anti-Theft Alarm System
Pre-Collision Safety System
Brake Drying
Self-Leveling Headlights
Rear Center 3-Point Belt
Post-Collision Safety System
Emergency Braking Preparation
LED Headlamp
Adaptive Headlights
Blind Spot And Lane Departure Warnings Accident Avoidance System

Options

Packages: 
Smoker's Package
ST High-Performance Pack
Equipment Group 401A
Premium Technology Package
ST Street Pack
M Driver's Package
Driving Assistance Plus Package
Executive Package
Competition Package
Exterior Options: 
Wheel Lock Kit
Roof Rails
License Plate Bracket
Dual Panel Moonroof
Splash Guards
Roof-Rail Crossbars
M Carbon Exterior Package
Panoramic Moonroof
21" V-Spoke Bi-Color Orbit Grey Wheels W/Performance Non-Runflat Tires
Interior Options: 
2nd Row Bench
Dual-Headrest DVD Rear Seat Entertainment System
Cargo Area Management System
All-Weather Floor Mats W/Carpet Mats
Cargo Mat
Front Ventilated Seats
Heated Steering Wheel
Mobility Kit
M Sport Seats

Colors

Interior Colors: 
Color: 
Ebony, leather
#000000
Color: 
Black/Black Merino w/Midrand Beige Contrast Stitching, premium leather Alcantara
#000000
Sakhir Orange/Black Extended Merino, premium leather
#CE4B36
Tartufo Extended Merino premium leather
#9D7866
Ivory White Extended Merino premium leather
#F1F2ED
Black Extended Merino, premium leather
#000000
Merino w/Extended Contents Adelaide, premium leather
#585448
Oyster Vernasca w/Contrast Stitching, leather
#DDD9D6
Adelaide Grey/Black Extended Merino, premium leather
#585448
Suv two: