2021 BMW X3 vs 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee, despite its decade-old design, maintained a timeless appeal. It showcased traditional Jeep styling cues like a 7-slot grille and trapezoidal fenders, giving it a balanced appearance suitable for both rugged trails and upscale settings. This versatility made it attractive to a diverse range of buyers. Prices for the Grand Cherokee started at $32,150 for the Laredo and went up to $52,495 for the Summit, with high-performance SRT and Trackhawk versions priced at $68,895 and $87,400, respectively. The tested Grand Cherokee Limited X, priced at $53,275, featured a ventilated hood design, sport-themed front bumper, and 20-inch aluminum wheels, giving it a mild-custom appearance.

In contrast, the 2021 BMW X3, introduced in its third generation in 2018, received updates in 2020, including a plug-in hybrid model and M performance variants. The redesign refined the X3 formula, giving it the exterior and interior presence of larger, more expensive BMW models. The X3's exterior resembled a downsized BMW X5, while the interior featured the same cold, mechanical styling found across the BMW lineup. Although not as aesthetically pleasing as the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, the X3's dash was more functional. Trims for the 2021 X3 included sDrive30i, xDrive30i, M40i, and the xDrive30e plug-in hybrid, with the high-performance X3 M covered separately.

The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee came equipped with a standard 295-horsepower, 3.6-liter V6 engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, offering satisfying acceleration and an EPA-rated 21 mpg in combined driving. However, the test vehicle achieved 19.4 mpg. For those seeking more power, three V8 engines were available: a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 with 360 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 in the SRT with 475 hp and 470 lb-ft, and the supercharged 6.2-liter V8 in the Trackhawk with 707 hp and 645 lb-ft, capable of 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds. The Grand Cherokee's off-road capabilities were highlighted by the Trailhawk model, while the Limited X featured the Quadra-Trac II 4WD system. On pavement, the Grand Cherokee's driving dynamics were mixed, with impressive grip but excessive suspension movements and average steering and brakes.

The 2021 BMW X3 sDrive30i and xDrive30i featured a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 248 horsepower, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The sDrive30i had rear-wheel drive, while the xDrive30i came with all-wheel drive. The xDrive30e plug-in hybrid produced 288 hp and offered brisk acceleration, with a 17-mile electric-only range and a recharge time of about 3.5 hours using a 240-volt Level 2 charger. The M40i trim boasted a 382-hp twin-turbo inline-six engine, delivering robust acceleration and responsive cornering. For those seeking even more performance, the X3 M model offered 473 hp.

The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered seating for five and cargo space of 36.3 cubic feet behind the backseat, expanding to 68.3 cubic feet with the backseat folded down. Heated and 8-way power-adjustable front seats ensured comfort, though the Limited X lacked ventilated seats. The thick, leather-wrapped steering wheel was a pleasure to grip, and rear passengers enjoyed adequate legroom, air conditioning vents, and USB ports. Interior storage was decent, with a handy tray in the center console and sizable door-panel bins.

The 2021 BMW X3 provided up to 62.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 28.7 cubic feet with the seats in use. A power liftgate was standard, with a hands-free option available. The X3 offered impressive space for all passengers, with plenty of headroom and legroom in the front row and adult-friendly rear seats. The driver and front passenger benefited from real buttons and dials, complementing the main touchscreen and reducing the learning curve for new users.

The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee featured the Uconnect infotainment system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, SiriusXM satellite radio, and SiriusXM Guardian connected services. A 4G LTE WiFi data plan supported up to eight devices. The test vehicle had a 9-speaker Alpine premium sound system, with a 19-speaker Harman Kardon system available in higher trims. Unique to Jeep's Uconnect was the Off-Road Pages app, providing information for off-roading excursions, and Performance Pages for the SRT and Trackhawk models.

The 2021 BMW X3 came standard with a 10.2-inch touchscreen running the iDrive infotainment system, which was user-friendly compared to other luxury systems. Apple CarPlay was standard, while Android Auto was optional. Other options included wireless device charging, a fully digital instrument panel, and a 16-speaker Harman Kardon premium stereo system. Gesture control was also available, allowing basic controls through hand movements.

The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered three collections of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS). ProTech I, standard on all trims, included a reversing camera, parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. ProTech II added low-speed forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. Advanced ProTech II included full-speed forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, semi-autonomous parking assist, and rain-sensing wipers. The Grand Cherokee received a 4-star overall rating from the NHTSA and Marginal and Poor ratings from the IIHS for driver and front passenger protection, respectively.

The 2021 BMW X3 came standard with advanced driver-assistance features such as automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, and lane departure warning. It also included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and front-and-rear parking sensors. Optional safety features included adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, headlights that bend with the road, and a head-up display.