BMW X5 vs Jeep Grand Wagoneer

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 overall 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 interior, while consistent with BMW's design language, was criticized for its overuse of black plastic, though it was balanced by leather and soft-touch materials. The M Sport models added a sporty flair with unique styling elements.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer shared its frame and body shell with the standard Wagoneer, offering traditional SUV styling with a tall hood and broad shoulders. It distinguished itself with a black roof, unique grille, and model-specific fascia. The Grand Wagoneer boasted a new body-on-frame architecture, independent suspension, and weight-saving materials like an aluminum hood. Inside, it offered high-end features such as 24-way power front seats, Nappa leather upholstery, and American Walnut wood trim. The interior was spacious and luxurious, with thoughtful touches like seat controls on the doors and a "Grand Wagoneer" badge on the dashboard.

The 2021 BMW X5 offered a range of powertrains, 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 M50i variant boasted a twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8, delivering 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, while the X5 M reached 600 hp, or 617 hp with the Competition Package. The new xDrive45e plug-in hybrid combined a 3.0-litre 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 dynamics were criticized for lacking the engaging handling expected from BMW. Fuel efficiency varied, with the X5 M being the least efficient at 15.7 L/100 km combined, while the xDrive45e achieved 4.7 litres-equivalent per 100 km when using both electricity and gas.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer was powered by a 6.4-litre Hemi V8, producing 471 horsepower and 455 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It featured standard four-wheel drive with the Quadra-Drive II system, offering five drive modes and a Quadra-Lift air suspension system for adjustable ride height. The Grand Wagoneer could accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in about six seconds, impressive for its 2,900-kilogram weight. Despite its power, the Grand Wagoneer was best driven at a leisurely pace, as its ride was bouncy at higher speeds, and its steering was imprecise. Off-road capabilities were strong, though its size limited its trail performance.

The 2021 BMW X5 made efficient use of space, with well-placed cupholders and a wireless phone charging pad. The seating was comfortable for short trips, though the front seats could feel hard after extended drives. The rear seats were spacious, and an optional third row was available. The split liftgate was easy to operate, and the air suspension allowed for vehicle height adjustment when loading cargo. Without the third row, the cargo area was ample, though slightly reduced in the xDrive45e model. However, the rear doors did not open wide, making access to the second row challenging.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer offered seating for seven with standard captain’s chairs or eight with an optional bench seat. It provided more third-row headroom and second-row legroom than competitors like the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator. Cargo space was generous, with 775 litres behind the third row and 2,007 litres with it stowed, though it fell short of rivals when all seats were folded. The Grand Wagoneer had a maximum towing capacity of 4,472 kilograms, slightly less than the standard Wagoneer due to its extra weight. Standard features included a sunroof and four-zone climate control, though forward visibility was limited by the hood.

The 2021 BMW X5 came equipped with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. However, CarPlay had connectivity quirks, often taking over music operations unexpectedly. Other standard features included a digital gauge cluster, a 10-speaker sound system, and a panoramic sunroof. Optional upgrades included a head-up display, a premium audio system, and ventilated seats. The iDrive system required some acclimatization but was user-friendly once familiar.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, dual touchscreens, and a McIntosh audio system. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and had a 4G-LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. Second-row passengers had their own touchscreen, and an optional rear-seat entertainment system added more screens. The Uconnect 5 system, with its Android-based OS, offered OTA updates but was noted for slow response times. The Grand Wagoneer also had a head-up display and optional passenger touchscreen for navigation control.

The 2021 BMW X5 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, 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 mostly 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 Wagoneer had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA. It came standard with a 360-degree camera system, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features included intersection collision assist and night vision. The Active Lane Management System combined adaptive cruise control with lane centring, though a hands-free version was planned for future release.