2020 Jeep Wrangler vs 2019 BMW X5

Both the 2019 BMW X5 and the 2020 Jeep Wrangler had distinct attributes when it came to their aesthetics and cabin ambiance.

The BMW X5 had always been a blend of luxury and refined sportsmanship, and by 2019, BMW had managed to make it appear and feel like a sedan. This 5,000-pound crossover might not have had the nimbleness of a sedan, but it had an impressive ride quality that prioritized on-road comfort over off-road prowess. The X5’s exterior came with stylish adaptive LED headlights and 19-inch alloy wheels. Inside, buyers could opt between a five-passenger layout, with the option to extend it to seven, though the third row offered limited space. The interior presented a mix of leather-wrapped, power adjustable steering wheels, heated front seats, and a highly customizable digital gauge cluster. The color options and material choices contributed to an elegant and premium feel, with packages like the M Sport design elevating the luxury with features such as upgraded leather, four-zone climate control, and sleek exterior trim.

In contrast, the 2020 Jeep Wrangler stuck to its robust and timeless boxy design, reminiscent of a rugged off-road vehicle rather than a commuter car. With its removable doors, fold-down windshield, and a droppable top, the Wrangler showcased its commitment to outdoor adventure. Its interior was rugged with a retro look, featuring circular climate vents and gauges. For those seeking a more upscale feel, trims like the Sahara added body-color fender flares and bigger brakes, whereas the Rubicon trim accentuated its off-road capabilities with taller ride heights and lifted suspension. The Wrangler also offered several special editions, showcasing its versatility both in form and function.

Performance was another area where these two vehicles diverged significantly.

The 2019 BMW X5 excelled in its performance metrics. The xDrive40i model hosted a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine, producing an impressive 335 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque. Coupled with an 8-speed ZF automatic transmission, the X5 delivered smooth and consistent power, handling impressively well even in sport modes. The higher-end xDrive50i model came with a beefier 4.4-liter V8 engine, offering 456 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. This configuration allowed the X5 to sprint to 60 mph in around 4 seconds, making it incredibly fast for its weight class. Beyond speed, the X5 impressed with its ride quality, thanks to an adaptive suspension system and an optional air suspension, providing a balance of comfort and sporty handling.

On the other hand, the 2020 Jeep Wrangler was built for a different kind of performance. Its base engine was a 3.6-liter V6 that produced 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, available with either a 6-speed manual or an 8-speed automatic transmission. An optional turbocharged 4-cylinder engine provided 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. Most notably, the 2020 model introduced a 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel engine, which delivered lower speed torque at 442 pound-feet, making it excellent for off-road excursions. While the highway manners of the Wrangler might have been described as truck-like and noisy, it compensated with stellar off-road capabilities. Features like locking differentials, disconnecting sway bars, and skid plates made the Wrangler a formidable vehicle on rugged terrains.

The interiors and cargo capacities of these vehicles revealed their design priorities.

Inside the 2019 BMW X5, there were pronounced changes with aggressive design angles and high-tech features such as dual 12.3-inch screens for the iDrive infotainment system. However, without the more luxurious options, the cabin could feel less premium compared to competitors' entries. Space was generous for passengers, with 33.9 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 72.3 cubic feet. The X5 also featured an easy-access trunk facilitated by air suspension, and could tow up to 7,200 pounds when correctly outfitted, adding to its functional versatility.

In the 2020 Jeep Wrangler, the setup was more utilitarian. Available in two and four-door configurations, the Wrangler offered features like a fold-down windshield and removable doors. Cargo space in the four-door Unlimited model maxed out at about 72 cubic feet with the rear bench folded flat—less than what was offered by more pedestrian crossovers. However, the Wrangler’s primary selling points lay elsewhere, with a focus on adventurous versatility like soft and hardtop options, and it could offer removable roof panels for an open-air experience.

The technology packages in these models highlighted their respective focuses.

The 2019 BMW X5 came loaded with an updated iDrive interface and a range of high-tech options. While the gesture control and voice commands could be finicky, the iDrive itself was intuitive after some acclimation. Adding complexity were packages like the Driving Assistance Plus package, promising a Level 2 autonomy but not quite delivering reliably at higher speeds. On the bright side, features like Parking Assistant Plus and the available Harman Kardon stereo system put advanced tech at the driver’s fingertips, enhancing the overall driving experience despite some of its quirks.

In the 2020 Jeep Wrangler, technology varied significantly with the trim. Basic Sport and Sport S trims featured a simple 5-inch touchscreen with essentials like Bluetooth and USB connectivity. Higher trims like the Sahara and Rubicon offered an upgraded 7-inch touchscreen with full Uconnect functionality, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. For tech enthusiasts, an available 8.4-inch Uconnect system provided navigation, traffic updates, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and an Alpine premium audio system, making long hauls more enjoyable.

Safety equipment was another point of differentiation.

The 2019 BMW X5 boasted strong safety credentials with its brake-by-wire system and a suite of semi-autonomous features, although not all were seamlessly integrated. With four-star ratings from the NHTSA in most crash tests and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS, the X5 stood out as a reliable choice in terms of protection.

The 2020 Jeep Wrangler came equipped with essentials such as airbags, electronic roll mitigation, and a cleverly placed backup camera. Additional safety options were available in packages, such as the $895 base package adding blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-path detection, and the $795 Advanced Safety Group including adaptive cruise control and forward-collision warning. While not as comprehensive as the BMW’s offerings, these packages significantly enhanced the Wrangler’s safety profile.