2020 Jeep Compass vs 2021 BMW X5

The 2020 Jeep Compass was a handsome SUV that drew inspiration from the refined styling of the Grand Cherokee. It was available in four core trim levels: Sport, Latitude, Limited, and Trailhawk, with various packages and special edition upgrades to enhance its appeal. The base model started at $22,280, while a fully loaded Compass Limited with all-wheel drive and numerous options could reach $39,755. Despite its attractive design and upscale features, the Compass had some cost-cutting measures that detracted from its overall appeal, such as low-quality plastic components and flimsy parts. However, it was a significant improvement over the original Compass model, offering a more refined driving experience.

The 2021 BMW X5 was a luxury SUV that embodied the brand's high-quality craftsmanship. Its design was unmistakably BMW, featuring the iconic kidney grille and a sporty appearance, especially in the M Sport styling. The X5 came with full adaptive LED headlights and a range of wheel sizes from 19 to 22 inches. Inside, the X5's interior was consistent with BMW's design language, with an abundance of leather and soft-touch materials. However, the interior's sameness with other BMW models was evident, and the black plastic components were prone to collecting dust. The M Sport models offered unique styling elements, including an M sports steering wheel and exclusive interior trim strips.

The 2020 Jeep Compass was powered by a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, known as the Tigershark, which produced 180 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque. Despite its promising specifications, the engine was loud, slow, and fuel-thirsty, with the test vehicle averaging 23.1 mpg, falling short of the EPA's 25 mpg combined rating. The nine-speed automatic transmission often shifted harshly, and the automatic engine stop/start system was inconvenient in warm weather. While the Compass's suspension controlled body roll well, it allowed too much vertical motion and impact harshness. The steering was heavy and vague, and the brake pedal was sensitive. However, the Compass excelled in off-road conditions, especially in the Trailhawk trim, with features like added ground clearance and an Active Drive Low AWD system.

The 2021 BMW X5 offered a range of powertrain options, all paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base X5 sDrive40i/xDrive40i featured a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with 335 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque. The X5 M50i boasted a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 with 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, while the X5 M delivered 600 hp, increasing to 617 hp with the Competition Package. The X5 xDrive45e plug-in hybrid model achieved 389 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque, with a 30-mile all-electric range. The X5's steering dynamics were less engaging than expected, and the SUV's handling was more akin to a Lincoln. However, the cabin was quiet, and the suspension absorbed road imperfections well. Charging the X5 was convenient, and it offered a driving range of about 400 miles when fully charged.

The 2020 Jeep Compass offered a Luxury Seat Group option, adding premium leather, ventilated front seats, and a power-adjustable front passenger seat. The back seat was roomy, with air conditioning vents, a USB charging port, and a 115-volt power outlet for rear passengers. The Compass provided 27.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat, expanding to 59.8 cubic feet with the back seat folded down. However, the optional spare tire and Alpine subwoofer reduced cargo space. Interior storage was limited, and the cupholders were awkwardly positioned.

The 2021 BMW X5 made efficient use of space, with cupholders positioned at the front of the center console. The seating was spacious and comfortable for short trips, though the front seats could feel hard after extended periods. The rear seats accommodated two adults comfortably, and a third-row option was available. The X5's climate controls were easy to manage, and the split liftgate with full power functionality made loading cargo convenient. The X5 xDrive45e offered slightly less cargo space than the traditional X5, but the difference was negligible for most buyers. However, the rear doors did not open very wide, making it challenging to move children and cargo in and out of the second row.

The 2020 Jeep Compass featured an available Uconnect infotainment system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and 4G LTE WiFi connectivity. The system was intuitive and easy to use, though some features were embedded in menus rather than accessible via buttons. The voice recognition system worked well, and drivers could adjust stereo and climate controls using voice commands. The test vehicle also included a navigation system and an Alpine premium audio system.

The 2021 BMW X5 came with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, and a 10-speaker sound system. The standard features list included voice recognition, Bluetooth, five USB ports, navigation, HD Radio, satellite radio, automatic climate control, and a panoramic moonroof. Buyers could upgrade with options like remote start, a head-up display, quad-zone automatic climate control, and a premium audio system. The BMW iDrive system required some acclimation but was easy to navigate once familiar.

The 2020 Jeep Compass offered a range of optional safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic warning. The adaptive cruise control was overly sensitive, and the lane-keeping assist could be intrusive. The Compass received Good ratings from the IIHS, except for headlight performance, and mixed ratings from the NHTSA.

The 2021 BMW X5 came with standard safety features like blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warning. However, the adaptive cruise control system struggled to react to stopped traffic, and the lane-keeping system was affected by sunlight and rain. The X5 received Good ratings from the IIHS and a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, despite being subject to seven recalls.