2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs 2019 BMW X5

The 2019 BMW X5 was designed with a focus on delivering a sedan-like driving experience, despite its substantial 2,250-kilogram weight and tall stature. BMW's approach was to prioritize on-road comfort over off-road capabilities, a decision that initially drew criticism but ultimately aligned with consumer preferences for smooth pavement rides. The X5 offered a five-passenger layout, expandable to seven, though the third row was notably cramped. It featured two turbocharged engine options: a 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder and a 4.4-litre V8, both paired with a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission. The base xDrive40i model came with a starting price of $71,500 and included a range of features such as adaptive LED headlights, a panoramic sunroof, and a digital gauge cluster. Optional upgrades included a head-up display, wireless charging, and a rear-seat entertainment system.

In contrast, the 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee maintained its decade-old design, which continued to appeal to a diverse range of buyers. Its traditional Jeep styling, including a 7-slot grille and trapezoidal fenders, gave it a balanced appearance suitable for both rugged trails and upscale settings. The Grand Cherokee offered a wide range of variants, from the base Laredo to the high-performance SRT and Trackhawk models. The Limited X trim, priced at $62,140, featured a sport-themed design with a ventilated hood and 20-inch aluminum wheels. However, the interior materials in higher-priced models were criticized for their excessive use of hard plastics. Despite this, the Grand Cherokee provided decent interior space, with 1,028 litres of cargo capacity behind the backseat and 1,934 litres with the seats folded down.

The 2019 BMW X5 excelled in performance, with its turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine delivering 335 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque. The xDrive40i model achieved a 0-100 km/h time of around 5.5 seconds, while the xDrive50i's twin-turbo V8 offered 456 hp and 479 lb-ft, reaching 100 km/h in approximately 4.7 seconds. The X5's eight-speed ZF automatic transmission was praised for its smooth operation, and the vehicle's fuel economy was impressive for its class. Built on BMW's Cluster Architecture platform, the X5 featured a double-A-arm front and multi-link rear suspension with adaptive dampers, and the optional air suspension allowed for adjustable ride height. The X5's ride quality was notably smooth, even on 20-inch run-flat tires.

The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered a range of engine options, starting with a 295-horsepower, 3.6-litre V6 engine. For those seeking more power, three V8 engines were available, including a 5.7-litre "Hemi" V8 with 360 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, a 6.4-litre "Hemi" V8 in the SRT with 475 hp and 470 lb-ft, and the Trackhawk's supercharged 6.2-litre V8 with 707 hp and 645 lb-ft. The Trackhawk achieved a 0-100 km/h time of 3.8 seconds. The Grand Cherokee's off-road capabilities were highlighted by the Trailhawk model, equipped with all-terrain tires and skid plates. The Limited X trim featured the Quadra-Trac II 4WD system, providing automatic operation and a 2-speed transfer case. However, the Grand Cherokee's on-road dynamics were mixed, with excessive suspension movements and average steering and brakes.

Inside the 2019 BMW X5, the design shifted to aggressive angles and dual 12.3-inch screens for the updated iDrive infotainment interface. While the design was appealing, some materials felt less premium compared to competitors. The seats were somewhat uncomfortable, with limited adjustability and ventilation. However, the X5 offered ample space, with 960 litres of cargo capacity expandable to 2,047 litres. The split rear tailgate and air suspension made loading easier, and the X5 could tow up to 3,000 kilograms.

The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee provided seating for five and offered 1,028 litres of cargo space behind the backseat, expandable to 1,934 litres. The Limited X trim featured heated and power-adjustable front seats, though ventilation was not available. The infotainment system integrated seat heater controls, which could be inconvenient. Rear passengers enjoyed adequate legroom and amenities like air conditioning vents and USB ports. Interior storage was decent, with a centre console tray and door-panel bins.

The 2019 BMW X5's technology was a mixed bag. The gesture control and voice recognition systems were inconsistent, and the driving-assistance features, including "strong Level 2 autonomy," were unreliable at high speeds. However, the stop-and-start traffic feature worked well. Optional features included Parking Assistant Plus, a night-vision system, and a rear-seat entertainment system. The Harman Kardon stereo provided excellent sound, with an optional Bowers & Wilkins system available.

The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee's Uconnect infotainment system was user-friendly, with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, navigation, and smartphone integration. The Limited X trim included a 9-speaker Alpine audio system, while higher trims offered a 19-speaker Harman Kardon system. Unique to Jeep, the Off-Road Pages app provided off-roading information, and the SRT and Trackhawk models featured Performance Pages for tracking performance metrics.

The 2019 BMW X5 featured a new brake-by-wire setup, providing a natural feel with occasional feedback during braking. It received a four-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS, with top scores in all tests.

The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered three collections of advanced driving assistance systems, with features like blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. However, its crash-test ratings were less impressive, with a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA and Marginal and Poor ratings from the IIHS in certain tests.