2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs 2019 BMW X5

The 2019 BMW X5 presented a sophisticated mix of luxury and performance, targeting customers who desired a premium experience akin to driving a sedan. Although it was impossible for this 5,000-pound crossover SUV to capture the exact handling of a sedan, BMW’s emphasis since its inception was on-road prowess rather than off-road capability. This focus has paid off over the years, carving out a niche for the X5 as a smooth-riding, performance-oriented crossover. Critics of the original model bemoaned its lack of off-road skills, but BMW recognized early on that most consumers preferred smoother pavement rides over rugged trails.

The 2019 X5 started with a five-passenger configuration, which could be expanded to seven with an optional third row, though it offered limited space. When it came to power options, the X5 provided two turbocharged engine choices: a 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder for the xDrive40i, and a powerful 4.4-liter V8 for the xDrive50i. Each engine paired perfectly with the highly praised ZF 8-speed automatic transmission.

The xDrive40i's base price of $60,700 included an array of high-end features like adaptive LED lights, a panoramic sunroof, 19-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated front seats, a power liftgate, and advanced safety features such as adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking. Furthermore, BMW offered various packages to enhance the X5’s luxury, sportiness, or off-road capabilities, showing the brand’s flexibility in meeting customer demand.

In comparison, the 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee was known for its lasting design appeal despite being a decade old. Its iconic 7-slot grille, trapezoidal wheel arches, and range of aluminum wheel designs ensured it remained stylish and rugged. Starting with the Laredo trim at $31,945 plus a $1,495 destination fee, buyers looking for 4-wheel drive had to spend an additional $2,000.

Jeep offered the Grand Cherokee in a staggering 12 trim levels, each catering to different needs—from the stylish Altitude to the luxurious Summit and the performance-oriented Trackhawk. The Trackhawk, with its 707-horsepower engine, commanded prices exceeding $100,000 when fully loaded.

The Limited X trim, priced around $50,000, featured special heritage-pattern leather seats, unique 20-inch wheels, and performance elements from higher trims like SRT and Trackhawk. Although stylish, it was set back by some quality issues like hard plastic panels and an unsatisfactory interior build, resulting in mixed feelings about Jeep’s approach to luxury.

The 2019 BMW X5 excelled in delivering a refined and potent driving experience. Powered by a buttery-smooth, turbocharged, inline 6-cylinder engine, the xDrive40i generated 335 horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque. BMW’s 8-speed ZF automatic transmission received new programming, wider gear ratios, and new torsion dampers for improved efficiency and smooth shifting. This setup allowed the X5 to achieve 20 mpg city, 26 highway, and 22 combined mpg, reaching 60 mph in a touch over 5 seconds.

The available turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 in the xDrive50i delivered an exhilarating 456 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0 to 60 mph in around 4 seconds. The new Cluster Architecture platform, combining steel, aluminum, and carbon fiber, provided enhanced strength, reduced weight, and better performance. The optional air suspension could adjust ride height for better ground clearance or aerodynamics, significantly enhancing ride comfort and handling.

Conversely, the 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered multiple engine choices, starting with a 3.6-liter V6 making 295 horsepower. Higher trims could upgrade to a 360-hp 5.7-liter V8, a 425-hp 6.4-liter V8, or the jaw-dropping 707-hp supercharged 6.2-liter V8 in the Trackhawk. All engines paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, and trim-specific 4WD systems were available.

The Limited X’s Quadra-Drive II system provided full-time 4WD with low-range gearing and 8.6 inches of ground clearance. The Grand Cherokee handled everyday driving and off-road trails capably, though its fuel efficiency left much to be desired, averaging 17.4 mpg in city-heavy driving.

Its on-road demeanor was commanding, absorbing bumps and potholes effectively, though the heavy steering and slow response may not appeal to everyone. Braking performance lacked robustness under heavy load, requiring caution on steep descents unless opting for higher trims with upgraded brakes. The Trackhawk’s performance was astounding for an SUV, albeit at a significant cost and fuel consumption.

Inside, the 2019 BMW X5 featured a redesigned interior with aggressive angles and dual 12.3-inch screens housing the updated iDrive interface. While sleek, the base trim’s materials sometimes felt cheap compared to competitors. The upgraded trim options added luxury, but the seats were a mixed bag. Despite the thigh supports, they weren’t particularly comfortable for long drives, and the lack of seat ventilation contributed to discomfort. The $1,600 Luxury Seating package could remedy this with its ventilation, massage functions, and upgraded contouring.

Space was not an issue in the X5, with ample room for passengers and 33.9 cubic feet of cargo capacity, expandable to 72.3 cubic feet. The split rear tailgate facilitated easy loading, especially with the air suspension’s adjustable height. The X5 also had a considerable towing capacity of 7,200 pounds when properly equipped.

The 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered a roomy cabin suitable for families. The power-adjustable and heated front seats in the Limited X trim were comfortable, but rear passengers might find the hard plastic seatback panels uncomfortable. Despite such issues, the cabin provided good thigh support and convenient features like USB ports and a 115-volt power outlet for backseat passengers.

However, storage space was somewhat lacking, with limited door-panel bins and inconsistent center console space. Nonetheless, the cargo area offered a usefully shaped 36.3 cubic feet of volume, expandable to 68.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. While this was slightly less than the X5’s cargo capacity, it was respectable for an SUV of its class.

The 2019 BMW X5 delivered mixed results in technology. While the updated iDrive system was comprehensive and the 12.3-inch screens were visually appealing, the gesture controls were hit-or-miss, often failing to respond accurately. Additionally, the voice recognition struggled with accents, limiting its practicality.

The Driving Assistance Plus package offered semi-autonomous driving features but underperformed at high speeds, with lane wandering and inconsistent responses. However, the Extended Traffic Jam Assistant worked well in stop-and-go traffic. Other notable tech options included Parking Assistant Plus with a 3D camera, night vision, and high-quality audio systems ranging from the Harman Kardon stereo to the top-tier Bowers & Wilkins Diamond surround sound system.

In contrast, the 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee came standard with a 7-inch infotainment screen in the Laredo trim. Higher trims boasted an improved Uconnect system with better graphics, faster responses, and comprehensive features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a navigation system.

Pairing smartphones was straightforward, and the voice recognition system was adept at understanding commands, even those with specific prompts. The Grand Cherokee could be equipped with a 9-speaker Alpine system or an impressive 19-speaker Harman Kardon setup in higher trims like the Trackhawk, providing an excellent audio experience.

The 2019 BMW X5 garnered favorable safety ratings and featured advanced braking systems and driver-assistance technologies. It was among the first BMWs to use a brake-by-wire system, providing consistent performance with the option for M Sport brakes, achieving a stopping distance of 119 feet from 60 mph. However, the NHTSA awarded it 4 stars overall, while the IIHS gave it a Top Safety Pick+ status, recognizing it as a top performer in all safety tests.

The 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee, despite its older design, included modern safety tech like adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. My test vehicle had the Advanced Active Safety Group package, which performed effectively without being overly intrusive.

However, the Grand Cherokee’s safety ratings were disappointing. The IIHS rated it Marginal for small-overlap frontal impacts on the driver's side and Poor for the front passenger. Combined with the 3-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA for rear-drive models, it portrayed a picture of compromised crash safety for this otherwise robust SUV.