2022 Jeep Wrangler 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, characterized by the iconic kidney grille and adaptive LED headlights, was unmistakably BMW, offering a sense of familiarity and luxury. The xLine models featured matte aluminum grilles and satin aluminum finishes, while the M Sport styling added a sporty flair with body-colour matched trims and high-gloss black accents. Inside, the X5's interior was consistent with BMW's design language, featuring leather and soft-touch materials, though it was criticized for its abundance of black plastic and parts-bin switches. The M Sport models boasted unique interior styling, including an M sports steering wheel and exclusive trim strips.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Wrangler was all about rugged practicality and off-road capability. Buyers had to choose between the classic two-door or the more practical four-door body style, with a variety of powertrains, including a turbocharged four-cylinder, gasoline V6, turbodiesel V6, gas V8, and a plug-in hybrid. The Wrangler's design was iconic, with its removable roof and doors, and it came in four core trim levels: Sport, Sport S, Sahara, and Rubicon, along with numerous special editions. The High Tide model, based on the Sport S trim, added features like LED exterior lighting and a Gorilla Glass windshield. The Wrangler's interior was basic, with durable cloth upholstery and a focus on functionality, including floor drain plugs for easy cleaning.

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 producing 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 with 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, while the X5 M delivered 600 hp, increasing to 617 hp with the Competition Package. The 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. Despite its power, the X5's steering and handling were criticized for lacking the connected drive experience expected from BMW, with dynamics more akin to a Lincoln.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler, equipped with a 3.6-litre V6 engine and eTorque mild-hybrid system, delivered 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and Selec-Trac full-time 4WD, the Wrangler was designed for off-road adventures. However, its fuel consumption was high, averaging 14.0 L/100 km over a week of driving. The Wrangler's driving experience was unique, with a rough-and-tumble feel, loud cabin noise, and touchy brakes, but it offered an immersive and adventurous ride. The Wrangler's off-road capabilities and open-top design made it a favourite for those seeking freedom and exploration, despite its compromises in comfort and refinement.

The 2021 BMW X5 made efficient use of space, with well-placed cupholders and a wireless phone charging pad. The seating was spacious and comfortable for short trips, though the front seats could feel hard on longer journeys. The rear seats accommodated two adults comfortably, and an optional third row was available. The X5's split liftgate and air suspension made loading cargo easy, with ample space in the cargo area, though the doors did not open very wide, making access to the second row slightly challenging.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Wrangler's raised suspension and added ground clearance made entry and exit difficult, especially for shorter individuals. The seats were comfortable, with durable cloth upholstery, and the driving position was close to the steering wheel and dashboard. Visibility varied, with some areas offering excellent views and others requiring adjustments. The rear seats provided agreeable accommodations for two adults, with air conditioning vents and grab handles. Storage was limited, with netting on door panels and small compartments. The Wrangler Unlimited offered 898 litres of cargo space, expanding to 2,050 litres with the rear seats folded.

The 2021 BMW X5 came equipped with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, along with a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 10-speaker sound system. Additional features included voice recognition, Bluetooth, five USB ports, navigation, and a panoramic sunroof. Optional upgrades included a head-up display, quad-zone climate control, and premium audio systems. The iDrive system required some acclimation but was user-friendly once familiar.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler, based on the Sport S trim, featured a 7-inch touchscreen display with Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The optional Uconnect 8.4 system offered satellite radio, connected services, and a navigation system. Our test vehicle included remote engine starting, satellite radio, and single-zone automatic climate control. The Cold Weather Group added heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, enhancing comfort during open-air driving.

The 2021 BMW X5 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, 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 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 Wrangler included the Safety Group and Advanced Safety Group, adding blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. However, the Wrangler's crash-test ratings were less impressive, with a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA and Marginal ratings from the IIHS. The Wrangler's safety features were optional, and its design required extra care when driving.