2022 BMW X3 vs 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee was a testament to timeless design, maintaining its appeal over a decade after its debut. It combined rugged utility with upscale sophistication, featuring big wheels and flared fenders that gave it a balanced and artistic look. The Grand Cherokee's design contributed significantly to its success, as it managed to embody the essence of an SUV, whether it was a mainstream, luxury, or performance model. The lineup offered a range of trims from the affordable Laredo and Limited to the upscale Overland and Summit, with high-performance SRT and Trackhawk models and the off-road-ready Trailhawk. The Summit trim, in particular, boasted a luxurious interior with premium materials, though its aging design was evident in some outdated elements.

In contrast, the 2022 BMW X3 presented a more modern and aggressive exterior design, with a slightly larger kidney grille and adaptive full LED headlights. The rear featured new taillights with a unique design, and the overall look was complemented by larger exhaust tips and a redesigned bumper. The X3 offered a variety of exterior finishes and wheel options, with the M Sport Package adding sporty elements. Inside, the X3's cabin was clean and efficient, with a focus on comfort and practicality. It featured a range of materials and options, including a panoramic moonroof and ambient lighting, creating a pleasant atmosphere for occupants.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee came standard with a 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine, delivering 295 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered a towing capacity of up to 2,818 kilograms. For those seeking more power, the optional 5.7-litre Hemi V8 provided 360 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, with a best-in-class towing capacity of 3,300 kilograms. The V8 featured cylinder deactivation technology for improved efficiency, though fuel consumption remained high. The Grand Cherokee's Quadra-Trac II 4WD system and Quadra-Lift air suspension enhanced its off-road capabilities, while its tight turning radius and responsive brakes made it suitable for both urban and adventurous driving.

The 2022 BMW X3 xDrive30i was powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 248 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, with a 0-100 km/h time of 6.3 seconds. The M40i variant featured a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine with a mild-hybrid system, generating 382 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0-100 km/h in 4.5 seconds. The M40i offered a more dynamic driving experience with its sport brakes, adaptive suspension, and rear-oriented torque split. The mild-hybrid system provided additional power but did not significantly improve fuel efficiency. Overall, the X3 delivered a balanced performance, with the M40i offering a more exhilarating drive.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit featured a luxurious interior with quilted leather seats and a leather-wrapped interior. The front seats offered eight-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation, though the controls were integrated into the infotainment system, causing some distraction. The rear seat provided comfort but limited legroom for taller passengers, and the optional rear-seat entertainment system added to the sense of claustrophobia. The Grand Cherokee offered 1,028 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 1,934 litres with the seats folded. However, interior storage was limited, and the rear-seat entertainment system further reduced space.

The 2022 BMW X3 provided a spacious and comfortable interior, accommodating five adults with reasonable legroom. The rear seats featured a 40/20/40-split, offering ample cargo space for luggage and equipment. The X3's seats were comfortable, with the option to upgrade to Vernasca leather for added softness. The redesigned centre console improved ergonomics, with a larger infotainment system and intuitive controls. The X3's interior was well-appointed, with a focus on practicality and comfort for all occupants.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee featured the Uconnect 4C with Nav infotainment system, offering a user-friendly experience with fast response times and clear graphics. It included navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The system also provided access to SiriusXM services and voice recognition technology. The Summit trim came with a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, delivering excellent sound quality. While the Grand Cherokee offered essential tech features, it lacked the advanced digital capabilities of newer models.

The 2022 BMW X3 came equipped with BMW Live Cockpit Plus with iDrive 7, featuring a 10.25-inch infotainment screen and a 5.1-inch instrument panel. It included navigation, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, and a range of connected services. The optional Live Cockpit Professional upgraded both screens to 12.3 inches, offering a fully digital experience. The X3's infotainment system was customizable, with multiple control options, including voice activation and the iDrive controller. The standard audio system featured 12 speakers, with an optional Harman Kardon system available for the M40i. The X3 offered a comprehensive suite of tech features, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA for 4WD models, but its performance in IIHS tests was less impressive, with "Marginal" and "Poor" ratings in certain crash tests. The Grand Cherokee offered a range of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assistance. The Summit trim included the ProTech II Package, providing a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance systems.

The 2022 BMW X3 earned a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA, with previous IIHS tests naming it a Top Safety Pick+. The X3 featured a wide array of safety and driver-assistance systems, including adaptive LED headlights, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, active blind-spot monitoring, and forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection. Optional features included parking assistance, traffic jam assistance, and a 360-degree camera view, enhancing the X3's safety credentials.