Compare the2024 BMW X5VS 2023 Ford Bronco

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

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 Bronco doesn’t offer pre-crash pretensioners.

The BMW X5 has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags helps prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The Bronco doesn’t offer knee airbags.

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 Bronco 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 Bronco doesn’t offer backup collision prevention brakes.

The X5’s standard lane departure warning system alerts a temporarily inattentive driver when the vehicle begins to leave its lane and gently nudges the vehicle back towards its lane. A lane departure warning system costs extra on the Bronco and is not available with Base.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the X5 has standard Cross Traffic Warning with Braking and automatically engage the brakes. Ford charges extra for Cross Traffic Alert on the Bronco and its not available on the Base and the Bronco’s Cross Traffic Alert does not include automatic braking.

For better protection of the passenger compartment, the X5 uses safety cell construction with a three-dimensional high-strength frame that surrounds the passenger compartment. It provides extra impact protection and a sturdy mounting location for door hardware and side impact beams. The Bronco uses a body-on-frame design, which has no frame members above the floor of the vehicle.

Both the X5 and the Bronco have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, plastic fuel tanks, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, post-collision automatic braking systems, daytime running lights, rearview cameras and available all wheel drive.

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 Bronco’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 Bronco’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, tire rotations, air filter replacements, cabin filter replacement, brake fluid replacement, inspections, and any other required maintenance. Ford doesn’t pay scheduled maintenance for the Bronco.

Reliability

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2023 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that BMW vehicles are better in initial quality than Ford vehicles. With 9 fewer problems per 100 vehicles, JD Power ranks BMW higher than Ford.

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 has more powerful engines than the Bronco:

	Horsepower	Torque
X5 s/xDrive40i 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder hybrid	375 HP	398 lbs.-ft.
X5 xDrive50e 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder hybrid	483 HP	516 lbs.-ft.
X5 M60i xDrive 4.4 turbo V8 hybrid	523 HP	553 lbs.-ft.
Bronco 2.3 turbo 4-cylinder	300 HP	325 lbs.-ft.
Bronco 2.7 turbo V6	330 HP	415 lbs.-ft.
Bronco Raptor 3.0 turbo V6	418 HP	440 lbs.-ft.

Fuel Economy and Range

On the EPA test cycle the X5 running its gasoline engine gets better mileage than the Bronco 4-Door:

			MPG
X5
RWD	Auto	3.0 turbo 6-cyl. Hybrid	23 city/27 hwy
AWD	Auto	3.0 turbo 6-cyl. Hybrid	23 city/27 hwy
		4.4 turbo V8 Hybrid	17 city/22 hwy
Bronco 4-Door
AWD	Manual	2.3 turbo 4-cyl.	20 city/21 hwy
		Black Diamond 2.3 turbo 4-cyl.	16 city/18 hwy
		Sasquatch 2.3 turbo 4-cyl.	16 city/18 hwy
		Badlands 2.3 turbo 4-cyl.	16 city/17 hwy
AWD	Auto	3.0 turbo V6	15 city/16 hwy
		2.3 turbo 4-cyl.	20 city/21 hwy
		2.7 turbo V6	19 city/21 hwy
		Black Diamond 2.3 turbo 4-cyl.	18 city/18 hwy
		Sasquatch 2.3 turbo 4-cyl.	18 city/17 hwy
		Badlands 2.3 turbo 4-cyl.	17 city/17 hwy
		Badlands 2.7 turbo V6	17 city/17 hwy

The X550e xDrive can travel with zero emissions for 40 miles. The Bronco can’t move without running its internal combustion engine.

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

The X5 has 5 gallons more fuel capacity than the Bronco 2-Door’s standard fuel tank (21.9 vs. 16.9 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

The X5 has a standard locking fuel door and a locking charge port on the xDrive50e which lock and unlock with the power locks. The Bronco doesn’t offer a locking fuel filler door. A locking fuel door helps prevent fuel theft and vandalism, such as sugar in the tank and a locking charge port prevents tampering and damage.

Transmission

The BMW X5 comes standard with an automatic transmission, for driver comfort, especially in the city. Automatic costs extra on the Bronco.

To facilitate fast shifting and allow the driver to focus on the road, the X5 has a standard up-shift light to indicate when the engine is approaching redline. The Bronco doesn’t offer an up-shift light.

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 Bronco doesn’t offer launch control.

Brakes and Stopping

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

	X5	X5 M Sport	Bronco	Bronco Raptor
Front Rotors	13.7 inches	15.6 inches	12.2 inches	13.8 inches
Rear Rotors	13.6 inches	14.6 inches	12.1 inches	13.2 inches

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the X5 has larger standard tires than the Bronco (265/50R19 vs. 255/70R16).

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 Bronco Big Bend’s standard 75 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 Bronco’s 70 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the X5 has standard 19-inch wheels. Smaller 16-inch wheels are standard on the Bronco. The X5’s optional 22-inch wheels are larger than the 18-inch wheels on the Bronco Outer Banks.

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 Bronco doesn’t offer run-flat tires.

Suspension and Handling

For superior ride and handling, the BMW X5 has fully independent front and rear suspensions. An independent suspension allows the wheels to follow the road at the best angle for gripping the pavement, without compromising ride comfort. The Ford Bronco has a solid rear axle, with a non-independent rear suspension.

The X5 has standard front and rear stabilizer bars, which help keep the X5 flat and controlled during cornering. The Bronco’s suspension doesn’t offer a rear stabilizer bar.

The X5 M60i xDrive 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 Bronco.

The X5 has a standard automatic load leveling suspension to keep ride height level with a heavy load or when towing. The Bronco doesn’t offer a load leveling suspension.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the X5’s wheelbase is 16.7 inches longer than on the Bronco 2-Door (117.1 inches vs. 100.4 inches). The X5’s wheelbase is .6 inches longer than on the Bronco Raptor (117.1 inches vs. 116.5 inches).

The X5’s front to rear weight distribution is more even (49.7% to 50.3%) than the Bronco’s (54.3% to 45.7%). This gives the X5 more stable handling and braking.

For better maneuverability, the X5 M60i xDrive’s turning circle is .4 feet tighter than the Bronco 4-Door’s (39.4 feet vs. 39.8 feet).

For greater off-road capability the X5 has a greater minimum ground clearance than the Bronco 4-Door (8.7 vs. 8.3 inches), allowing the X5 to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

Chassis

Unibody construction lowers the X5’s center of gravity significantly without reducing ground clearance. This contributes to better on the road handling and better off-road performance and stability. In addition, unibody construction makes the chassis stiffer, improving handling and reducing squeaks and rattles. The Bronco doesn’t use unibody construction, but a body-on-frame design.

Passenger Space

For enhanced passenger comfort on long trips the X5’s rear seats recline. The Bronco’s rear seats don’t recline.

The front step up height for the X5 is 3.7 inches lower than the Bronco 4-Door (19.5” vs. 23.2”). The X5’s rear step up height is 3 inches lower than the Bronco 4-Door’s (20” vs. 23”).

Cargo Capacity

The X5’s cargo area is larger than the Bronco’s in almost every dimension:

	X5	Bronco 2-Door	Bronco 4-Door
Length to seat (2nd/1st)	40.7”/70”	n/a	32”/68.8”
Max Width	49”	n/a	43”
Min Width	44”	n/a	42.9”
Height	31.5”	n/a	40”

Pulling a handle automatically lowers the X5’s rear seats, to make changing between passengers and cargo easier. The Bronco doesn’t offer automatic folding seats.

To make loading and unloading groceries and cargo easier when your hands are full, the X5’s power cargo door can be opened or closed just by kicking your foot under the back bumper, leaving your hands completely free. The Bronco doesn’t offer a power or hands-free opening cargo door.

Towing

The X5’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the Bronco’s (5952 vs. 3500 pounds). Maximum trailer towing in the Ford Bronco is only 4500 pounds. The X5 offers up to a 7209 lbs. towing capacity.

Servicing Ease

The X5 uses gas struts to support the hood for easier service access. The Bronco uses a prop rod to support its heavy hood. It takes two hands to open the hood and set the prop rod, the prop rod gets in the way during maintenance and service, and the prop rod could be knocked out, causing the heavy hood to fall on the person maintaining or servicing the car.

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

When two different drivers share the X5, the memory system makes it convenient for both. Each setting activates different, customized memories for the driver and front passenger’s seat positions, steering wheel position, outside mirror angle, climate settings and radio stations. The Bronco doesn’t offer a memory system.

The X5’s standard easy entry system raises the steering wheel, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The Bronco doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The X5 offers an optional heads-up display that projects speed, tachometer, warning, navigation instruction and driver assistance information readouts in front of the driver’s line of sight, allowing drivers to view information without diverting their eyes from the road. The Bronco 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 Bronco’s rear power window switches have to be held the entire time to open or close them fully.

The X5’s standard power window controls are mounted on the armrest for easy access. The Bronco’s available power window controls are spread out on the center console where they can’t be seen without the driver completely removing his eyes from the road.

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 Bronco 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 Bronco’s manually variable intermittent wipers have to be constantly adjusted.

To help drivers avoid possible obstacles, the X5 offers optional cornering lights to illuminate around corners when the turn signals are activated. The Bronco doesn’t offer cornering lights. The X5 also offers optional adaptive headlights to illuminate around corners automatically by reading vehicle speed and steering wheel angle.

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

The X5’s power mirror controls are mounted on the armrest for easy access. The Bronco’s power mirror controls are on the center console where they can’t be seen without the driver completely removing his eyes from the road.

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 Bronco’s mirror doesn’t automatically adjust for backing.

The X5’s standard rear and side view mirrors have an automatic dimming feature. These mirrors can be set to automatically darken quickly when headlights shine on them, keeping following vehicles from blinding or distracting the driver. The Bronco offers an automatic rear view mirror, but its side mirrors don’t dim.

The X5 has standard heated front seats. Heated front seats cost extra on the Bronco, and aren’t available on the Bronco Base. The X5 also offers optional heated rear seats to keep those passengers extremely comfortable in the winter. Heated rear seats aren’t available in the Bronco.

Optional air-conditioned seats in the X5 keep the driver and front passenger comfortable and take the sting out of hot seats in Summer. The Bronco doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats.

The X5 has a standard center folding armrest for the rear passengers. A center armrest helps make rear passengers more comfortable and it can provide a boundary between children. The Bronco doesn’t offer a rear seat center armrest.

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 Bronco.

The X5 has a standard dual zone air conditioning allows the driver and front passenger to choose two completely different temperatures so people with different temperature preferences won’t have to compromise. This makes both the driver and front passenger as comfortable as possible. Dual zone air conditioning costs extra on the Bronco and isn’t available on the Bronco Base.

The X5’s standard automatic temperature control maintains the temperature you set, automatically controlling fan speed, vents and temperature to maintain a consistent, comfortable environment. The Bronco Base doesn’t offer automatic air conditioning.

Both the X5 and the Bronco offer rear vents. For greater rear passenger comfort, the X5 has standard rear air conditioning vents to keep rear occupants cool in summer or warm in winter. The Bronco doesn’t offer rear air conditioning vents, only heat vents.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the BMW X5 has a standard wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. Only the Bronco Outer Banks/Badlands/Wildtrak/Raptor offers wireless charging and it costs extra.

The X5’s Parking Assistant Plus can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, starting, stopping and changing direction automatically. Remote Control Parking will park and retrieve your car remotely: press a button and watch it park itself. This is ideal for tight locations. The Bronco doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

Model Availability

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