2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs 2021 BMW X5

The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee, despite its decade-old design, maintained a timeless appeal with its traditional Jeep styling cues, such as the 7-slot grille and trapezoidal fenders. Its balanced appearance made it versatile enough to fit in both rugged trails and upscale environments, appealing to a diverse range of buyers across different demographics. However, as the price of the Grand Cherokee increased, the interior materials did not match the premium expectations, with hard plastics becoming more noticeable and disappointing for a vehicle in its price range.

In contrast, the 2021 BMW X5 was a testament to BMW's high-quality craftsmanship, with a design that unmistakably identified it as part of the BMW family. The X5's exterior featured full adaptive LED headlights and a choice between xLine and M Sport styling, which offered different aesthetic touches. Inside, the X5's interior was consistent with BMW's design language, featuring a mix of leather and soft-touch materials, although the abundance of black plastic was prone to collecting dust. The M Sport models added unique styling elements, enhancing the sporty feel of the SUV.

The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered a range of powertrains, starting with a standard 295-horsepower, 3.6-litre V6 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This setup provided satisfactory acceleration and a fuel consumption rating of 11.3 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. For those seeking more power, the Grand Cherokee offered three V8 engines, including a 707-horsepower supercharged 6.2-litre V8 in the Trackhawk model, capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds. The Grand Cherokee's off-road capabilities were highlighted by the Trailhawk model, equipped with all-terrain tires and advanced 4WD systems. However, its on-road dynamics were mixed, with impressive grip but average steering and braking performance.

The 2021 BMW X5 provided a variety of powertrain options, all paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base xDrive40i model featured a 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine producing 335 horsepower. The M50i variant boasted a twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 with 523 horsepower, while the X5 M offered up to 617 horsepower with the Competition Package. The new xDrive45e plug-in hybrid model delivered 389 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque, with an all-electric range of up to 50 kilometres. Despite its power, the X5's driving dynamics were less engaging than expected, with steering issues at higher speeds and a lack of the connected drive experience typically associated with BMW.

The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee accommodated five passengers, with cargo space measuring 1,028 litres behind the rear seats and 1,934 litres with them folded. The front seats were heated and power-adjustable, though ventilation was not available in the Limited X trim. Rear passengers enjoyed adequate comfort and amenities like air conditioning vents and USB ports. Interior storage was decent, with thoughtful touches like grocery bag hooks on the front seatbacks.

The 2021 BMW X5 made efficient use of space, with comfortable seating for short trips, though the front seats could feel hard over longer journeys. The rear seats were spacious enough for two adults, and an optional third row was available. The X5's split liftgate and vehicle height adjustment feature facilitated easy loading of cargo. However, the doors did not open wide, making it challenging to move children and cargo in and out of the second row. The xDrive45e model offered slightly less cargo space due to its battery placement.

The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee featured the Uconnect infotainment system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, navigation, and smartphone integration. While the system was user-friendly, the SUV's ride could make it difficult to select virtual buttons accurately. The Off-Road Pages app provided valuable information for off-roading enthusiasts. An optional 9-speaker Alpine audio system was available, though not as impressive as the 19-speaker Harman Kardon system in higher trims.

The 2021 BMW X5 came equipped with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system included a digital gauge cluster, a 10-speaker sound system, and various connectivity features. Optional upgrades included a head-up display, premium audio systems, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The iDrive system required some acclimation but was intuitive once familiar.

The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered three ADAS packages, with features like blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. However, its crash-test ratings were less impressive, with a 4-star overall rating from the NHTSA and mixed results from the IIHS.

The 2021 BMW X5 included a comprehensive suite of safety features, such as blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. However, the Driving Assistance Professional Package had issues with lane-keeping and adaptive cruise control, particularly in bright sunlight or rain. The X5 received mostly Good ratings from the IIHS and a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA.