2022 BMW X3 vs 2022 Jeep Wrangler

The 2022 BMW X3 presented a refined and slightly aggressive exterior design, with a larger kidney grille and adaptive full LED headlights that were slimmer by a centimetre. The rear featured new taillights with a black surround and pincer claw-shaped brake light LEDs, adding a modern touch. The updated rear included larger exhaust tips and a new bumper, complemented by an M Sport Package for xDrive30i models, offering a sportier look. The X3 was available in nine finishes, with new metallic colours like Brooklyn Grey and Tanzanite Blue. Inside, the X3 offered a clean and efficient design, with options for wood trim, an anthracite headliner, and new perforated SensaTec synthetic leather upholstery. The interior was spacious, with adjustable front seats and a panoramic moonroof standard on the X3 M40i. Ambient lighting added to the cabin's appeal, providing a customizable atmosphere.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler required buyers to choose between a two-door or four-door body style, with various engine options including a turbocharged four-cylinder, gasoline-powered V6, turbodiesel V6, gas V8, or the Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid powertrain. The Wrangler came in four core trim levels: Sport, Sport S, Sahara, and Rubicon, with numerous special editions available. Our test vehicle, the High Tide model, was based on the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sport S trim and included options like LED exterior lighting, a body-colour hardtop with a Sunrider Fliptop, and a Gorilla Glass windshield upgrade. The Wrangler's interior was basic, with durable cloth upholstery and plastic and rubber materials. Despite its simplicity, the Wrangler offered a unique driving experience, with the ability to remove the top and doors for an open-air adventure.

The 2022 BMW X3 featured an eight-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. The xDrive30i model 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 X3 M40i boasted a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine with a mild-hybrid system, delivering 382 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. It achieved a 0-100 km/h time of 4.5 seconds. The M40i offered a more exhilarating driving experience with features like a flap-controlled sports exhaust system, sport brakes, and an adaptive suspension. The mild-hybrid system provided an additional 11 horsepower during acceleration but did not improve fuel efficiency.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler was equipped with a 3.6-litre V6 engine with eTorque mild-hybrid electrification, producing 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. It featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and the optional Selec-Trac full-time 4WD system. The Wrangler's fuel consumption was higher than expected, averaging 14.0 L/100 km during testing. The Wrangler's driving experience was unique, with a rough-and-tumble feel and a thirst for fuel. It offered an immersive experience, with the ability to remove the top and doors for an open-air adventure. The Wrangler's capabilities encouraged exploration, but it required frequent stops at the gas station and had a loud cabin with vague steering and touchy brakes.

The 2022 BMW X3 offered comfort and practicality, with seating for five and ample storage space. The rear seats featured a 40/20/40-split, providing enough cargo room for backpacks and equipment. The SensaTec faux-leather seats were comfortable, with the option to upgrade to Vernasca leather for added softness. The X3's interior was ergonomic, with a redesigned centre console and a larger infotainment system. The vehicle's controls were easily accessible, and the sport seats provided support for long drives.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler's interior was basic, with durable cloth upholstery and plastic and rubber materials. The driving position was close to the steering wheel and dashboard, requiring acclimation. Visibility was mixed, with some areas offering excellent views and others compromised. Rear-seat passengers faced entry and exit difficulties but found agreeable accommodations once inside. Storage was limited, with netting on the door panels and small compartments. The Wrangler Unlimited offered 898 litres of cargo space behind the rear seat, expanding to 2,050 litres with the rear seat folded.

The 2022 BMW X3 featured BMW Live Cockpit Plus with iDrive 7 telematics, including a 10.25-inch infotainment screen, navigation, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay compatibility. The optional Live Cockpit Professional offered larger screens and a fully digital experience. The X3's standard sound system included 12 speakers, with an optional Harman Kardon surround sound system available. Other tech options included comfort access keyless entry, a panoramic sunroof, and heated seats.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler's infotainment system was basic, with a 7-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The optional Uconnect 8.4 system offered upgrades like satellite radio and a navigation system. Our test vehicle included remote engine starting, satellite radio, and a passive keyless entry system. The Cold Weather Group added heated front seats and a heated steering wheel.

The 2022 BMW X3 received a five-star crash safety rating from the NHTSA. It included adaptive LED headlights, a rearview camera, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and active blind-spot monitoring. Optional features included parking assistance, traffic jam assistance, and active lane-keep assist.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler included the Safety Group and Advanced Safety Group, adding blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and forward-collision warning. The Wrangler received a three-star rating for rollover resistance from the NHTSA and a Marginal rating from the IIHS for crash protection. Safety features were optional, and the Wrangler required extra care when driving.