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

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

⁦BMW X5⁩ VS ⁦Ford Explorer⁩: the verdict

The BMW X5 emerges as the superior choice for buyers prioritizing luxury, exhilarating performance, and advanced engineering, offering significantly higher power and quicker acceleration. However, for large families or value-conscious shoppers in Oman, the Ford Explorer stands out with its standard seven-seat capacity and more accessible price range.
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Price Comparison
Starting at0 OMR19,750 – 23,900 OMR
Engine & Power
Engine2,998 – 4,400 cc · 6 – 8 cyl2,300 – 3,300 cc · 4 – 6 cyl
Horsepower (bhp)340 – 530 hp285 – 400 hp
Torque (Nm)450 – 750 Nm353 – 563 Nm
Acceleration 0-100 Km/h (sec)4.3 – 5.5 s5.5 – 7.1 s
Top Speed (Km/h)243 – 250 km/h180 – 237 km/h
Fuel Economy (L/100 Km)8.8 – 10.5 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-ToeHigh 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 CameraRear 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 Sensitive Power SteeringSpeed Sensitive Windshield WipersSpoilerSports Exhaust SystemSteering Tilt AdjustmentSuperchargerTemperature DisplayTiptronic GearsToolkitTorqueTorque SteerTouchscreen SizeTowing 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 Performance & Luxury

The BMW X5 dominates with its powerful engines, delivering up to 530 hp and an impressive 4.3-second acceleration, making it ideal for those seeking a thrilling and premium driving experience.

2

Best for Large Families

With its standard 7-seat configuration, the Ford Explorer is the clear winner for larger families needing ample passenger space for daily commutes and road trips across Oman.

3

Best for Cargo Capacity

The BMW X5 offers a generous 645 liters of trunk space, significantly more than the Explorer's 515 liters, making it better for those who frequently carry substantial luggage or gear.

4

Best for Value-Oriented Buyers

Starting from 19,750 OMR, the Ford Explorer offers a compelling package of space and features at a more accessible price point, making it a strong choice for budget-conscious consumers.

Pros & cons

BMW X5

Pros

  • Superior engine power (up to 530 hp)
  • Faster acceleration (as quick as 4.3 seconds)
  • Larger trunk capacity (645 liters)
  • Higher top speed (up to 250 km/h)
  • Larger fuel tank (83 liters)

Cons

  • Limited to 5-seater configuration
  • Higher acquisition cost (implied premium segment)
  • No direct price information available in OMR

Ford Explorer

Pros

  • Standard 7-seater capacity
  • More accessible starting price (from 19,750 OMR)
  • Potentially better base fuel economy (7.8 L/100km)
  • 10-speed automatic transmission
  • Slightly longer overall length (5.0m)

Cons

  • Lower maximum power output (up to 400 hp)
  • Slower acceleration (up to 7.1 seconds)
  • Smaller trunk capacity (515 liters)
  • Smaller fuel tank (67 liters)

Frequently Asked Questions

Which SUV is faster, the BMW X5 or Ford Explorer?

The BMW X5 is significantly faster than the Ford Explorer. The X5 can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in as little as 4.3 seconds and reach a top speed of 250 km/h, thanks to its powerful engines offering up to 530 hp. In contrast, the Explorer's quickest acceleration is 5.5 seconds, with a top speed of 237 km/h. If speed and performance are priorities, the BMW X5 is the clear winner.

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

For larger families in Oman, the Ford Explorer is generally better as it comes standard with 7 seats, offering more passenger capacity than the 5-seater BMW X5. While the X5 has a larger trunk, the Explorer's extra seating makes it more practical for transporting more people. Families prioritizing seating capacity should choose the Ford Explorer.

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

The Ford Explorer offers a slight edge in its most efficient trim, achieving 7.8 L/100km, while the BMW X5's most efficient trim starts at 8.8 L/100km. However, both models offer a range of engines with varying fuel efficiencies. For buyers focused on the lowest possible fuel consumption, the base Ford Explorer might be marginally better, but overall consumption varies by engine and driving style.

What are the main differences between the BMW X5 and Ford Explorer?

The main differences lie in their target audience and core strengths. The BMW X5 excels in luxury, performance, and driving dynamics, featuring more powerful engines (up to 530 hp) and a larger trunk (645L). The Ford Explorer, on the other hand, is a more family-oriented SUV, offering standard 7-seat capacity and a more accessible starting price (from 19,750 OMR), making it a practical choice for larger households.

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

The BMW X5 offers more cargo space with a trunk capacity of 645 liters. The Ford Explorer provides 515 liters of trunk space. Therefore, if carrying more luggage, groceries, or gear is a primary concern, the BMW X5 is the better option.