2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2021 BMW X5

The 2021 BMW X5 was a testament to BMW's renowned craftsmanship, fitting seamlessly into the brand's SUV lineup. Its design was unmistakably BMW, from the iconic kidney grille to its body shape, ensuring it stood out as a luxury SUV. However, this familiarity also meant it could blend in with other BMW models in a crowded parking lot. The X5 featured full adaptive LED headlights and a choice of matte aluminum or high-gloss black finishes, depending on the trim. The M Sport models added a sporty flair with body-coloured trims and unique styling elements. Inside, the X5's interior was consistent with BMW's design language, featuring switches and dials from the brand's parts bin. While the interior was not lacking in quality, with leather and soft-touch materials, the abundance of black plastic was prone to collecting dust. The M Sport models offered a more aggressive interior styling, including an M sports steering wheel and exclusive trim strips.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L was a longer version of the standard Grand Cherokee, designed to accommodate third-row seating. Its extended wheelbase provided more legroom and wider rear doors, making it a practical choice for families. The Grand Cherokee L maintained Jeep's recognizable design elements, such as the seven-slot grille and U-shaped wheel arches, while modernizing the lighting and improving paint finish and panel fit. The interior was luxurious, with high-resolution screens, real wood, and Palermo leather seating, offering a premium feel. Despite its higher price compared to competitors, the Grand Cherokee L's interior quality was reminiscent of a Mercedes. The spacious cabin, even in the third row, and features like a panoramic roof and ample USB ports made it comfortable for long journeys. However, the air vents were small, requiring the fan to be on high, which could be noisy.

The 2021 BMW X5 offered a range of powertrain options, all paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base xDrive40i model featured a 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine, delivering 335 horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque, with all-wheel drive as standard. The X5 M50i boasted a twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8, producing 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, while the X5 M offered up to 617 hp with the Competition Package. The new xDrive45e plug-in hybrid model combined a 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine with a 24-kWh battery, achieving 389 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque, and offering up to 50 km of all-electric range. The X5's driving dynamics were not as engaging as other BMW models, with steering issues at higher speeds and a lack of the brand's signature connected drive experience. The cabin was quiet, with minimal road and engine noise, and the suspension absorbed bumps well. Charging the xDrive45e was convenient, with a five-hour charge time on a Level 2 charger and a total driving range of about 600 km. Fuel efficiency varied across models, with the xDrive45e rated at 4.7 litres-equivalent per 100 km when using both electricity and gas.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered two engine options: a 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 and a 5.7-litre V8, both paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. In Canada, four-wheel drive was standard, with three different systems available. The V6 engine, producing 293 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, felt underpowered for the vehicle's size, especially when fully loaded. The V8, available on higher trims, offered 357 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, providing a more satisfying driving experience. The V6's fuel efficiency was rated at 13.0 L/100 km city, 9.4 highway, and 11.3 combined, while the V8 was less efficient at 16.7 L/100 km city, 10.9 highway, and 14.1 combined. The Grand Cherokee L's chassis was impressive, with excellent ride composure and steering feel. The optional air suspension offered five ride height settings, enhancing both on-road comfort and off-road capability. The Grand Cherokee L's driving modes adjusted various systems for different terrains, but it was best suited for on-road comfort rather than rough trails.

The 2021 BMW X5 made efficient use of space, with front cupholders positioned conveniently and a wireless phone charging pad out of the driver's line of sight. The centre console featured buttons and dials that were difficult to differentiate at night. Seating was comfortable for short trips, but the front seats could feel hard after extended periods. The rear seats were spacious enough for two adults, and an optional third row was available. The X5's climate controls were easy to manage, and the split liftgate with power functionality made loading cargo convenient. The vehicle height adjustment button on the liftgate was particularly useful for loading heavy items. Without the third row, the cargo area was spacious, though the xDrive45e offered slightly less space. Moving children and cargo in and out of the second row was somewhat challenging due to the narrow door openings.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, known for its simplicity and sleek graphics. Physical switches for climate and stereo controls were easy to use, with a satisfying tactile feel. The central rotary shifter was intuitive, and there was ample storage space, including a wireless phone charging bin. The Laredo and Altitude trims came with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, while higher trims offered a 10.1-inch screen. The Grand Cherokee L provided generous space in all rows, with the third row accommodating average adults comfortably. Captain's chairs were standard in the second row, with a bench seat option available. A panoramic roof and multiple USB ports enhanced the cabin experience, though the air vents were small, requiring the fan to be on high. The Grand Cherokee L's interior was well-suited for long journeys, with a focus on comfort and practicality.

The 2021 BMW X5 came equipped with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Apple CarPlay system had connectivity issues, often taking over musical operations unexpectedly. Standard features included a digital gauge cluster, a 10-speaker sound system, voice recognition, Bluetooth, five USB ports, navigation, HD Radio, satellite radio, automatic climate control, a panoramic sunroof, and remote start. Optional upgrades included a head-up display, quad-zone climate control, a wireless smartphone charger, ventilated and massaging seats, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and premium audio systems. The iDrive system required some acclimation but was user-friendly once familiar.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered a range of advanced features, particularly on upper trims. These included massage modes for the front seats, a head-up display, night vision, a 360-degree camera system, and Active Driving Assist. The navigation system integrated with the instrument panel, providing a detailed view of upcoming turns. Adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, forward collision warning, and other driver aids were standard. The Summit trims added features like automatic parking, intersection collision assist, and a rear-facing camera for monitoring the second and third rows. The Summit Reserve trim featured a 19-speaker McIntosh audio system, while lower trims had simpler stereo options.

The 2021 BMW X5 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety and driver assistance features, including blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warning. However, the Driving Assistance Professional Package had issues with adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping, particularly in bright sunlight or light rain. The X5 received nearly all Good ratings from the IIHS and a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, despite being subject to seven recalls.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L had not yet been tested by the NHTSA or IIHS. Standard safety features included driver and passenger knee airbags, trailer sway control, and various driver aids. The Grand Cherokee L's safety equipment was comprehensive, but its lack of official safety ratings left some uncertainty.