2021 Jeep Wrangler vs 2021 BMW X3

The 2021 BMW X3, part of the third generation introduced in 2018, received several updates in 2020, including a plug-in hybrid model and M performance variants. The 2018 redesign refined the X3's formula, giving it the exterior and interior presence of larger, more expensive BMW models. The X3's exterior resembled a downsized BMW X5, while its interior featured the same cold, mechanical styling found across the BMW lineup. Although not as aesthetically pleasing as the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, the X3's dash was more functional.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited maintained its iconic styling, recognizable by its circular headlights, seven-slat grille, exposed bolts, and protruding bumpers and fenders. Depending on the trim level, the Wrangler could take on different looks with painted or exposed fenders, soft top or hardtop, and other individual styling touches. Inside, the Wrangler was less comfortable than car-based SUVs, with upright seating, limited legroom, and seats adjusted using somewhat awkward ripcords. However, for the right type of driver, these features added to the Wrangler's charm.

The 2021 BMW X3 offered a range of powertrains. The sDrive30i and xDrive30i came equipped with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 248 horsepower, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The sDrive30i featured rear-wheel drive, while the xDrive30i had all-wheel drive. The xDrive30e plug-in hybrid delivered 288 horsepower and a 17-mile electric-only range, with recharging times of about 3.5 hours using a 240-volt Level 2 charger or almost 12 hours with a 120-volt outlet. For a more performance-oriented experience, the M40i featured a 382-horsepower twin-turbo inline-six engine, while the X3 M performance model boasted 473 horsepower.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler's powertrain lineup included gas, diesel, mild-hybrid power, and a Hemi V8. The standard 3.6-liter V6 produced 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, available with either a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission. Other powertrains included a mild-hybrid eTorque variant of the 3.6-liter V6, a 270-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine, and a 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 with 260 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque. The Wrangler also introduced a plug-in hybrid, the Wrangler 4xe, with 275 horsepower and up to 22 miles of electric range. The Rubicon 392 featured a 6.4-liter V8 engine with 470 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, turning the Wrangler into an off-road supercar.

The 2021 BMW X3 provided up to 62.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 28.7 cubic feet with the seats in use. A power liftgate was standard, with a hands-free power liftgate available as an option. The X3 offered ample space for all passengers, with plenty of headroom and legroom in the front row and adult-friendly rear seats. The driver and front passenger benefited from real buttons and dials to complement the main touchscreen, making the system user-friendly.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler offered multiple top options, including the zipper-less Sunrider soft-top, a premium black cloth soft top, and a classic-looking tan soft top. The Freedom top was a three-piece hardtop with removable panels, available in black or body color, with optional insulated panels. The Sky one-touch power top, featured on the Rubicon 392, was a power-retractable canvas panel that opened or closed in 18 seconds at speeds up to 60 mph. The Wrangler Unlimited provided 31.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and up to 72.4 cubic feet with the seats folded. The cabin featured functional elements like a small center console bin, glovebox, in-door cargo nets, and drain plugs for easy cleaning.

The 2021 BMW X3 came standard with a 10.2-inch touchscreen running the iDrive infotainment system, which was user-friendly compared to other luxury systems. The X3 included Apple CarPlay as standard, with Android Auto optional. Other options included wireless device charging, a fully digital instrument panel, and a 16-speaker Harman Kardon premium stereo system. Gesture control was also available, allowing basic controls through hand movements.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler Sport featured a basic 5-inch screen, with a 7-inch Uconnect screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto optional on the Sport S and standard on other trims. The 8.4-inch Uconnect screen was also available, offering crisp graphics and easy-to-read layouts. The Rubicon 392 included a color TFT screen in the instrument panel and a clever off-road camera nestled between the front grille slats, providing a clear view of the trail ahead.

The 2021 BMW X3 came standard with advanced driver-assistance features such as automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and front-and-rear parking sensors. Optional safety features included adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, headlights that bend with the road, and a head-up display.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler offered optional modern driver-assistance features like forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, parking sensors, and blind-spot monitoring. However, lane-departure warning was not available. The Wrangler included a backup camera with dynamic guidelines and a live tire-pressure monitoring system, useful for off-roading.