2019 BMW X5 vs 2019 Jeep Cherokee

The 2019 Jeep Cherokee shook off its polarizing past with a fresh design that appealed to a broader audience. The previous generation had a unique look, partly due to its Fiat-influenced design, making it stand out in a divisive way. For 2019, Jeep adopted a more conventional front-end design with the daytime running lights and headlights in a typical headlight-above/fog-light-below configuration. The rear also saw changes, with the license plate repositioned to the center of the rear hatch for a more traditional look.

Inside, the Cherokee carried over its sensible and logical control layout from previous years, mimicking the downsized Grand Cherokee. The cabin offered a blend of form and function with ample storage solutions, such as deep front door pockets, a tray by the shifter, and a deep center console. The trims available included Latitude, Latitude Plus, Limited, Trailhawk, Overland, and Trailhawk Elite, each with its own set of features, from the base model’s 7-inch Uconnect touchscreen to the luxury Overland’s hands-free power liftgate and 19-inch polished aluminum wheels.

In contrast, the 2019 BMW X5 displayed an aggressive and angular design, marked by dual 12.3-inch screens housing the updated iDrive infotainment system. While the exterior styling resonated with a more modern and refined aesthetic, the interior sometimes fell short unless you opted for premium options like the glass and ceramic buttons and switches. Leather upholstery was standard, but even then, some found the materials lacking compared to rival luxury brands.

The 2019 Jeep Cherokee offered several engines. The base 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine produced 180 horsepower and 171 pound-feet of torque, available on the Latitude, Latitude Plus, and front-wheel-drive Limited. The more robust 3.2-liter V6, generating 271 horsepower and 239 pound-feet of torque, was standard on the 4-wheel-drive Limited, Overland, and Trailhawk trims and optional on other trims. The new 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine provided 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, available across the lineup except for the base Latitude.

For off-road enthusiasts, the Cherokee offered multiple 4-wheel-drive systems—Active Drive I for basic needs, Active Drive II with low-range capability, and Active Drive Lock with a locking rear differential exclusively for the Trailhawk. The Cherokee handled well on roads, absorbing bumps and providing responsive cornering. Its off-road capabilities were commendable, especially with the Trailhawk’s advanced suspension and red tow hooks. Towing capacity reached up to 4,500 pounds for the V6 and 4,000 pounds for the turbocharged engine, rivaling some mid-size SUVs.

The 2019 BMW X5’s performance shined with its turbocharged engines. The xDrive40i's 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder produced 335 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque, boasting a rapid 0-60 mph time of around 5.3 seconds. The xDrive50i’s 4.4-liter V8 delivered 456 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque, cutting the 0-60 mph time to about 4 seconds. An 8-speed ZF automatic transmission accompanied both engines, praised for its smoothness and efficiency. The X5 rode on BMW’s Cluster Architecture platform, harmonizing strength, lightweight materials, and performance. The optional air suspension allowed adjustable ride height, enhancing both comfort and sportiness.

The 2019 Jeep Cherokee’s interior layout focused on functionality, with easy-to-reach controls and ample storage. Despite its strengths, the Cherokee fell short in cargo space, offering just 25 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 54 cubic feet with the seats folded down. These figures lagged behind competitors like the Honda CR-V, which provided 37 to 75 cubic feet.

Meanwhile, the 2019 BMW X5 excelled in space and versatility. The cargo area offered 33.9 cubic feet with the seats up and expanded to 72.3 cubic feet with the rear seats down. The split rear tailgate and air suspension made loading and unloading easier. Interior space was generous, providing comfortable seating for adults, though the optional third row was best suited for short trips or younger passengers.

The 2019 Jeep Cherokee equipped the Latitude and Latitude Plus trims with a 7-inch Uconnect touchscreen, while higher trims featured an 8.3-inch version. The Uconnect system, updated for 2019, offered crisp graphics, improved responsiveness, and user-friendly drag-and-drop customization. Features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, ensuring connectivity and convenience.

In contrast, the 2019 BMW X5 offered a mixed bag of technological experiences. The iDrive interface, housed in dual 12.3-inch screens, was daunting at first but offered robust functionality once learned. Gesture control and voice commands often struggled with accuracy, especially for users with accents. The Driving Assistance Plus package aimed to provide limited hands-off driving but fell short in real-world testing, often overcorrecting and failing to maintain smooth lane discipline. However, the adaptive cruise control and the Extended Traffic Jam Assistant received high marks for their reliability in stop-and-go traffic scenarios. Optional features like the Parking Assistant Plus, night-vision system, and top-tier Bowers & Wilkins Diamond surround sound system added luxury and convenience, provided drivers were willing to invest in these pricey add-ons.

The 2019 Jeep Cherokee included standard safety features like front and side-impact airbags, a reversing camera, electronic stability control, electronic roll mitigation, hill-start assist, keyless entry with a panic button, and trailer-sway control. Optional packages added advanced features such as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-path detection, rear parking sensors, forward-collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, adaptive cruise control, and a self-parking feature.

The 2019 BMW X5 featured a new brake-by-wire system, essential for its semi-autonomous driving capabilities. While initially confusing, this system offered nearly natural braking feedback. The X5 received a 4-star rating from NHTSA, with top scores in side crash tests, and earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation. Standard and optional safety features provided robust protection, though issues with high-speed autonomous driving features persisted.