2025 Jeep Wrangler vs 2024 BMW X5

The 2024 BMW X5, last redesigned in 2019, maintained a timeless appeal, although the M Sport treatment was not universally appreciated, giving it a station wagon-like appearance. The test vehicle featured optional 21-inch “741M” wheels with staggered-width summer tires, which were considered a worthwhile upgrade despite the potential cost of tire replacement. The X5 offered a range of powertrains, including a turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine, a turbo-six PHEV powertrain, and a turbocharged V8 engine, with the high-performance X5 M Competition variant. The xDrive50e M Sport Pro specification test vehicle came in Brooklyn Grey paint and included every available equipment package. The 2024 model received a light styling refresh, aligning it with other BMW models, and introduced the BMW Curved Display instrumentation and infotainment screen, modernizing the interior while retaining high-quality materials and construction.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler Sport S, encountered during a rental experience, was a black-on-black-on-black hardtop with dark grey wheels, which was not ideal for a tropical climate. Despite the colour combination, the Wrangler's appeal lay in its design rooted in a World War II military vehicle and its capability to traverse various terrains. The Wrangler was available in multiple trims, including Sport, Sport S, Willys, Sahara, Rubicon, and Rubicon X, with the Rubicon 392 discontinued in Canada after 2024. The Sport S model had a few options, including a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with an automatic transmission, bringing the MSRP in Canada to $66,070. The Wrangler's interior featured grey fabric dashboard trim, metallic accents, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, emphasizing function over form. Despite its lack of sophistication compared to modern cars, the Wrangler remained popular for its rugged design and off-road capabilities.

The 2024 BMW X5 introduced new mild-hybrid six-cylinder and V8 engines, with significant enhancements to the xDrive50e PHEV's electric range and power output. The PHEV featured a more powerful electric motor integrated into the eight-speed automatic transmission and a 19.2 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, doubling the maximum AC charging rate to 7.4 kW. The xDrive50e offered 63 km of electric-only driving, with a combined fuel consumption of 10.6 L/100 km. It produced 483 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, accelerating to 96 km/h in 4.6 seconds. The PHEV was praised for its driving dynamics, with adaptive damping air suspension and excellent handling. During testing, it achieved an average fuel economy of 6.0 L/100 km over 154 km, showcasing its efficiency and performance.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler offered a standard 3.6-litre V6 engine with a six-speed manual transmission or an optional turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission, producing 270 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. The turbocharged engine was more fuel-efficient, with a rating of 11.0 L/100 km in combined driving. During testing, the four-cylinder Wrangler achieved an average fuel economy of 12.3 L/100 km over 300 km. The Wrangler's standard four-wheel drive, high ground clearance, and narrow width provided benefits in various terrains, although its three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA was a concern. The ride was rough, with disconnected steering feel, but the Wrangler's off-road capabilities remained a highlight.

The 2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e functioned well as a midsize luxury SUV, accommodating five people in two rows of seats. The cargo area offered 937 litres, expanding to 2,016 litres with the rear seats folded. The split liftgate design provided a seating area but required stretching to reach deep cargo. The test vehicle featured BMW's Sensafin artificial leather upholstery, sport seats, and available 20-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed comfort with available upgrades, and the panoramic sunroof enhanced the view. The X5 no longer offered a third-row seat, requiring a step up to the BMW X7 for that feature.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler posed challenges for entry and exit due to its high ground clearance and narrow door openings. The Sport S trim's cloth upholstery was suitable for any climate, with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel available in the Convenience Group option pack. The Wrangler accommodated five people, but four were more comfortable, with rear-seat legroom adequate but limited by plastic hooks on the front seatbacks. Storage space was limited, with small items often placed in cupholders. The cargo area offered 897 litres, expanding to 2,050 litres with the rear seats folded, but accessing it required opening the tailgate and lifting the rear window.

The 2024 BMW X5 featured the BMW Curved Display, combining a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel with a 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The system ran BMW Operating System 8.5, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, connected services, and over-the-air updates. The Intelligent Personal Assistant, however, struggled with voice recognition tasks. The available head-up display and augmented video function for navigation were highlights, although the reduction in physical controls was less favourable.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler's Uconnect 5 infotainment system included a 12.3-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio preparation. The system remained bright and easy to use, even with the roof panels removed. The Convenience Group pack added a 7-inch digital display between analog gauges, passive entry, and a remote engine starting system. Rear parking sensors were available in the Safety Group option pack, aiding in reversing.

The 2024 BMW X5 offered the Highway Assistant hands-free driving assistance system, effective in dense or light traffic but occasionally causing irritation in moderate traffic. The system operated subtly, encouraging use. The X5 received high ratings from the IIHS, although lower headlight ratings prevented an IIHS safety award. The NHTSA gave the X5 a four-star overall crash-test rating.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler added side curtain airbags for front and rear seats, a significant safety upgrade. Advanced driver assistance systems were optional, with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert available on most trims. The Wrangler received a four-star frontal-impact rating and a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA. The IIHS rated the Wrangler Good for side-impact protection and moderate overlap frontal-impact test but Marginal for the small overlap frontal-impact test.