Compare the2023 BMW X5VS 2023 Ford Edge

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Transmission
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Chassis
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Towing
Servicing Ease
Ergonomics
Model Availability
Economic Advantages
Recommendations

Safety

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The X5’s pre-crash front seatbelts will tighten automatically in the event the vehicle detects an impending crash, improving protection against injury significantly. The Edge doesn’t offer pre-crash pretensioners.

The X5 has standard Active Head Restraints, which use a specially designed headrest to protect the driver and front passenger from whiplash. During a rear-end collision, the Active Head Restraints system moves the headrests forward to prevent neck and spine injuries. The Edge doesn’t offer a whiplash protection system.

Over 200 people are killed each year when backed over by motor vehicles. The X5 offers an optional Active Park Distance Control that uses rear sensors to monitor for objects to the rear and automatically applies the brakes to prevent a collision. The Edge doesn’t offer backup collision prevention brakes.

When descending a steep, off-road slope, the X5’s standard Hill Descent Control allows you to creep down safely. The Edge doesn’t offer Hill Descent Control.

The X5 offers an optional Surround View to allow the driver to see objects all around the vehicle on a screen. The Edge only offers a rear monitor and front and rear parking sensors that beep or flash a light. That doesn’t help with obstacles to the sides.

Both the X5 and the Edge have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, post-collision automatic braking systems, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, driver alert monitors and available all wheel drive.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the BMW X5 is safer than the Ford Edge:

	X5	Edge
	Front Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	72	84
Chest Movement	.6 inches	1.1 inches
Abdominal Force	130 lbs.	190 lbs.
	Rear Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	48	103
Spine Acceleration	30 G’s	41 G’s
Hip Force	584 lbs.	635 lbs.
	Into Pole
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Max Damage Depth	14 inches	16 inches

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

For its top level performance in IIHS driver and passenger-side small overlap frontal, moderate overlap frontal, side impact, roof strength and head restraint tests, its standard front crash prevention system, and its headlight’s “Good” rating, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the X5 its highest rating: “Top Safety Pick Plus” for 2019, a rating granted to only 136 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The Edge is only a standard “Top Safety Pick” for 2019.

Warranty

The X5 comes with a full 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty, which covers the entire truck and includes 24-hour roadside assistance. The Edge’s 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty expires 1 year or 14,000 miles sooner.

The X5’s corrosion warranty is 7 years longer than the Edge’s (12 vs. 5 years).

BMW pays for scheduled maintenance on the X5 for 3 years and 36,000 miles. BMW will pay for oil changes, lubrication and any other required maintenance. Ford doesn’t pay scheduled maintenance for the Edge.

Reliability

J.D. Power and Associates rated the X5 third among upper midsize premium suvs in their 2022 Initial Quality Study. The Edge isn’t in the top three in its category.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that BMW vehicles are better in initial quality than Ford vehicles. J.D. Power ranks BMW above average in initial quality. With 2 more problems per 100 vehicles, Ford is rated lower.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that BMW vehicles are more reliable than Ford vehicles. J.D. Power ranks BMW above average in long-term dependability. With 5 more problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, Ford is rated lower.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2023 Auto Issue reports that BMW vehicles are more reliable than Ford vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks BMW third in overall reliability. Ford is ranked 18th.

Engine

The X5 40i’s standard 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder hybrid produces 85 more horsepower (335 vs. 250) and 51 lbs.-ft. more torque (331 vs. 280) than the Edge’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder. The X5 M50i’s standard 4.4 turbo V8 produces 188 more horsepower (523 vs. 335) and 173 lbs.-ft. more torque (553 vs. 380) than the Edge ST’s standard 2.7 turbo V6.

As tested in Motor Trend the X5 40i 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder hybrid is faster than the Ford Edge:

	X5	Edge turbo 4 cyl.	Edge ST
Zero to 60 MPH	5 sec	7.6 sec	6.1 sec
Quarter Mile	13.6 sec	15.9 sec	14.7 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	98.5 MPH	89.3 MPH	93.4 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

On the EPA test cycle the X5 gets better mileage than the Edge:

			MPG
X5
	RWD	3.0 turbo 6-cyl. Hybrid	21 city/26 hwy
	AWD	3.0 turbo 6-cyl. Hybrid	21 city/25 hwy
Edge
	AWD	2.7 turbo V6	19 city/25 hwy

Regenerative brakes improve the X5’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The Edge doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

The X5 has 3.4 gallons more fuel capacity than the Edge (21.9 vs. 18.5 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

The X5 has a standard locking fuel door which locks and unlocks with the power locks The fuel filler door is not lockable on the Edge. A locking fuel door helps prevent fuel theft and vandalism, such as sugar in the tank.

Transmission

The X5’s launch control uses engine electronics to hold engine RPM’s precisely in order to provide the most stable and rapid acceleration possible, using all of the available traction. The Edge doesn’t offer launch control.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the X5 M Sport’s brake rotors are larger than those on the Edge:

	X5 xDrive40i	X5 M Sport	Edge
Front Rotors	13.7 inches	15.6 inches	13.6 inches
Rear Rotors	13.6 inches	14.6 inches	12.4 inches
Opt Rear Rotors			13.6 inches

The X5’s standard front and rear disc brakes are vented to help dissipate heat for shorter stops with less fading. The rear discs standard on the Edge AWD are solid, not vented.

The X5 stops much shorter than the Edge:

	X5	Edge
70 to 0 MPH	170 feet	187 feet	Car and Driver
60 to 0 MPH	127 feet	129 feet	Motor Trend

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the X5 has larger standard tires than the Edge (265/50R19 vs. 245/60R18). The X5’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the Edge (F:275/40R21 & R:315/35R21 vs. 265/40R21).

The X5’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 50 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Edge SE/SEL’s standard 60 series tires. The X5’s optional 275/35R22 front and 315/30R22 rear tires have a lower 35 series front and 30 series rear profile than the Edge ST’s optional 40 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the X5 has standard 19-inch wheels. Smaller 18-inch wheels are standard on the Edge SE/SEL. The X5’s optional 22-inch wheels are larger than the 21-inch wheels optional on the Edge ST.

Changing a flat tire near traffic can be dangerous and inconvenient. The run-flat tires available on the X5 can be driven up to 50 miles without any air pressure, allowing you to drive to a service station for a repair. The Edge doesn’t offer run-flat tires.

Suspension and Handling

The X5 M50i offers active sway bars, which help keep it flat and controlled during cornering, but disconnect at lower speeds to smooth the ride and offer greater off-road suspension articulation. This helps keep the tires glued to the road on-road and off. The Edge doesn’t offer an active sway bar system.

The X5 M50i offers an available adjustable active suspension system, which counteracts cornering forces actively, limiting body roll and improving handling and stability. Ford doesn’t offer an active suspension on the Edge.

The X5 has a standard driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads or off-road. The Edge’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the X5’s wheelbase is 4.9 inches longer than on the Edge (117.1 inches vs. 112.2 inches).

For better handling and stability, the average track (width between the wheels) on the X5 is 1.5 inches wider in the front and 2.3 inches wider in the rear than the track on the Edge.

The X5’s front to rear weight distribution is more even (50.2% to 49.8%) than the Edge’s (57.8% to 42.2%). This gives the X5 more stable handling and braking.

The X5 xDrive40i handles at .89 G’s, while the Edge Titanium pulls only .78 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The X5 xDrive executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 2.4 seconds quicker than the Edge Titanium (25.8 seconds @ .75 average G’s vs. 28.2 seconds @ .61 average G’s).

For greater off-road capability the X5 has a greater minimum ground clearance than the Edge (8.7 vs. 8 inches), allowing the X5 to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged. The X5’s minimum ground clearance is .5 inch higher than on the Edge ST (8.7 vs. 8.2 inches).

Chassis

As tested by Car and Driver, the interior of the X5 xDrive40i is quieter than the Edge Titanium:

	X5	Edge
At idle	39 dB	40 dB
Full-Throttle	71 dB	71 dB
70 MPH Cruising	64 dB	68 dB

Passenger Space

The X5 offers optional seating for 7 passengers; the Edge can only carry 5.

Cargo Capacity

The X5’s rear cargo window opens separately from the rest of the tailgate door to allow quicker loading of small packages. The Edge’s rear cargo window doesn’t open.

Towing

The X5’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the Edge’s (5952 vs. 1500 pounds). Maximum trailer towing in the Ford Edge is only 3500 pounds. The X5 offers up to a 7209 lbs. towing capacity.

Servicing Ease

The engine in the X5 is mounted longitudinally (North-South), instead of sideways, as in the Edge. This makes it easier to service and maintain, because there are no rear spark plugs and the accessory belts are in front.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that BMW service is better than Ford. J.D. Power ranks BMW 7th in service department satisfaction (above the industry average). With a 28% lower rating, Ford is ranked 22nd.

Ergonomics

Unlike the driver-only memory system in the Edge Titanium/ST, the X5 M50i has a passenger memory, so that when drivers switch, the memory setting adjusts the driver’s seat, steering wheel position, outside mirror angle, climate settings and radio stations and the front passenger seat also adjusts to the new passenger’s preset preferences.

The X5 offers an optional heads-up display that projects speed, tachometer, warning and navigation instruction readouts in front of the driver’s line of sight, allowing drivers to view information without diverting their eyes from the road. The Edge doesn’t offer a heads-up display.

The X5’s front and rear power windows all open or close fully with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside the car. The Edge’s passenger windows don’t open or close automatically.

If the windows are left open on the X5 the driver can close them all at the outside door handle or from a distance using the remote. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows from a distance using the keyless remote. The driver of the Edge can only close the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The X5’s rain-sensitive wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically based on the amount of rainfall on the windshield. This allows the driver to concentrate on driving without constantly adjusting the wipers. The Edge’s standard intermittent wipers change speed with vehicle speed, but can’t turn on and off or change speed based on changing rainfall.

Heated windshield washer nozzles are standard on the X5 to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. The Edge doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducts detailed tests on headlights for their range both straight ahead and in curves and to be certain they don’t exceed acceptable amounts of glare to oncoming drivers. The X5’s available headlights were rated “Good” by the IIHS, while the Edge’s headlights are rated “Acceptable” to “Poor.”

Manual rear side window sunshades are available in the X5 to help block heat and glare for the rear passengers. The Edge doesn’t offer rear side window sunshades.

The X5’s standard outside mirrors include heating elements to clear off the mirrors for better visibility. Ford only offers heated mirrors on the Edge SEL/ST-Line/ST/Titanium.

When the X5 is put in reverse, the passenger rearview mirror tilts from its original position. This gives the driver a better view of the curb during parallel parking maneuvers. Shifting out of reverse puts the mirror into its original position. The Edge’s mirror doesn’t automatically adjust for backing.

The X5 offers optional massaging front seats in order to maximize comfort and eliminate fatigue on long trips. Massaging seats aren’t available in the Edge.

The X5’s optional Parking Assistant Plus can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, starting, stopping and changing direction automatically. The Edge Titanium/ST’s automatic parking system requires operating the brakes and transmission to safely park.

Model Availability

The X5 is available in both rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive configurations. The Edge doesn’t offer a two-wheel drive configuration.

Economic Advantages

Insurance will cost less for the X5 owner. The Car Book by Jack Gillis rates the X5 with a number “1” insurance rate while the Edge is rated higher at a number “10” rate.

Recommendations

Consumer Reports® recommends both the BMW X5 and the Ford Edge, based on reliability, safety and performance.

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