2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs 2021 BMW X5

The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee, despite its decade-old design, maintained a timeless appeal. It featured traditional Jeep styling cues such as 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 model 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, showcased a Slate Blue Pearl exterior with a ventilated hood, sport-themed bumper, and 20-inch aluminum wheels.

In contrast, the 2021 BMW X5 exemplified high-quality craftsmanship typical of the brand. The X5's design, from its kidney grille to its body shape, was unmistakably BMW, though it risked blending in with other BMW models. The X5 featured full adaptive LED headlights and various trim options, including the sporty M Sport styling with body-color matched trim and high-gloss black accents. Wheel sizes ranged from 19 to 22 inches, depending on the trim. Inside, the X5's interior was consistent with BMW's design language, featuring an abundance of black plastic, leather, and soft-touch materials. M Sport models included unique styling elements like an M sports steering wheel and model-exclusive trim strips.

The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee came standard with a 295-horsepower, 3.6-liter V6 engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, delivering 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 360-hp 5.7-liter Hemi V8, a 475-hp 6.4-liter Hemi V8 in the SRT, and a 707-hp supercharged 6.2-liter V8 in the Trackhawk, which could accelerate from 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds. The Grand Cherokee offered various 4WD systems, with the Limited X featuring the Quadra-Trac II 4WD system. While the Grand Cherokee excelled off-road, its on-road dynamics were mixed, with impressive grip but excessive suspension movements and average steering and brakes.

The 2021 BMW X5 offered multiple powertrain options, all paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base X5 sDrive40i/xDrive40i featured a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine producing 335 hp and 330 lb-ft of torque. The X5 M50i came with a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 delivering 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, while the X5 M offered 600 hp, increasing to 617 hp with the Competition Package. The new X5 xDrive45e plug-in hybrid combined a 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine with a 24-kWh battery, achieving 389 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque, and up to 30 miles of all-electric range. The X5's driving dynamics were less engaging than other BMW models, with steering issues at high speeds and a lack of the brand's signature connected drive experience. However, the cabin remained quiet and comfortable, with the air suspension effectively absorbing road imperfections.

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. The front seats were heated and 8-way power-adjustable, though ventilated seats were not available in the Limited X trim. The thick, leather-wrapped steering wheel and padded armrests added to the comfort. Rear passengers, including children, found the seats comfortable, with adequate legroom and rear air conditioning vents. Interior storage was decent, with a handy tray in the center console and sizable door-panel bins.

The 2021 BMW X5 made efficient use of space, with cupholders positioned at the front of the center console and a wireless phone charging pad. The front seats were comfortable for short trips but felt hard after extended periods. Heated seats and armrests worked well, and the rear seats provided ample comfort for children and adults. The X5 offered an optional third row, though it was not tested. The split liftgate and vehicle height adjustment button facilitated easy loading of cargo. The X5's cargo area was spacious, though the xDrive45e model offered slightly less space due to the battery. Moving children and cargo in and out of the second row was somewhat challenging due to the narrow door openings.

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, though a 19-speaker Harman Kardon system was available in higher trims. The Uconnect system included Off-Road Pages for off-roading information and Performance Pages for performance metrics in the SRT and Trackhawk models.

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, a 10-speaker sound system, voice recognition, Bluetooth, five USB ports, navigation, HD Radio, satellite radio, automatic climate control, a proximity key, and a panoramic moonroof. Optional features included remote start, a head-up display, quad-zone automatic climate control, a wireless smartphone charger, massaging seats, a Wi-Fi hot spot, a 16-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, a 20-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system, rear sunshades, and a dual-panel panoramic roof. The iDrive system required some acclimation but was user-friendly once familiar.

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 X5 came standard with blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, rain-sensing windshield wipers, fatigue and focus alert, lane departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. The Driving Assistance Professional Package included adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality, though it had issues with reacting to stopped traffic and lane-keeping in sunlight and rain. The X5 received nearly all Good ratings from the IIHS and a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, despite being subject to seven recalls.