2021 BMW X7 vs 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee, despite its decade-old design, maintained a timeless appeal with its traditional Jeep styling cues, such as the 7-slot grille and trapezoidal fenders. Its balanced appearance made it suitable for both rugged trails and upscale environments, appealing to a diverse range of buyers. The Grand Cherokee's pricing started at $32,150 for the Laredo model and went up to $52,495 for the Summit, with high-performance versions like the SRT and Trackhawk priced at $68,895 and $87,400, respectively. The Limited X variant, tested at $53,275, featured a Slate Blue Pearl paint, a sport-themed front bumper, and 20-inch aluminum wheels, giving it a mild-custom look. However, the interior materials, especially in models priced over $50,000, were criticized for their excessive use of hard plastic, detracting from the overall premium feel.

In contrast, the 2021 BMW X7 exuded luxury and sophistication, standing out among its competitors with superior interior quality and technological sophistication. The X7 was available in three versions: the xDrive40i starting at $74,900, the M50i at $99,800, and the Alpina BX7 at $141,300. The test vehicle, an xDrive40i, was equipped with 22-inch aluminum wheels, premium leather, and a host of option packages, bringing its price to $91,745. The X7's massive grille, while controversial, suited its large SUV stature, and its styling conveyed traditional BMW cues with a touch of glamour. Inside, the X7 shared design elements with the X5 but offered high-quality materials and intuitive technology, creating a luxurious and comfortable environment for its occupants.

The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee came standard with a 295-horsepower, 3.6-liter V6 engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, providing 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, including a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 with 360 hp, a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 in the SRT with 475 hp, and a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 in the Trackhawk with 707 hp. 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 excessive suspension movements and average steering and brakes.

The 2021 BMW X7 xDrive40i featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with 335 horsepower and 331 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed sport automatic transmission and BMW's xDrive AWD system. The eBoost mild-hybrid technology aimed to improve fuel economy, but the X7's EPA ratings dropped to 19 mpg city, 24 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined. The X7 accelerated to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds, offering ample power. Despite its size, the X7's driving dynamics were smooth and serene, with the Dynamic Handling Package enhancing maneuverability and stability. However, excessive body motions were noted, and the X7's weight was evident on highways and canyon roads.

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. The front seats were heated and power-adjustable, but lacked ventilation. Rear passengers enjoyed adequate comfort, with air conditioning vents and USB ports. Interior storage was decent, with thoughtful touches like grocery bag hooks on the front seatbacks.

The 2021 BMW X7, equipped with the Cold Weather and Luxury Seating Packages, provided a decadent interior with heated and ventilated front seats, massaging functions, and premium leather upholstery. The second-row captain's chairs were exceptionally comfortable, though access could be challenging due to long rear doors. The X7's third-row seat accommodated adults, with a five-zone climate control system ensuring comfort. Cargo space measured 48.6 cubic feet with the third-row folded and 90.4 cubic feet with the second-row down, though these figures were not class-leading.

The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee featured the Uconnect infotainment system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and more. While Uconnect was user-friendly, the Grand Cherokee's ride could make selecting virtual buttons challenging. The system included Off-Road Pages for off-roading information and Performance Pages for performance metrics in SRT and Trackhawk models.

The 2021 BMW X7 boasted the Live Cockpit Professional digital instrumentation and iDrive 7.0 infotainment system, both with 12.3-inch displays. The system included Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM 360L, and Connected Package Pro. Wireless charging, voice recognition, and gesture control were also available, though the latter was inconsistent. The iDrive system was user-friendly but could be distracting while driving. A head-up display was included, though visibility was limited with polarized sunglasses.

The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered three ADAS packages, with ProTech I standard on all trims, including a reversing camera, parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. ProTech II added forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and more, while Advanced ProTech II included adaptive cruise control and semi-autonomous parking assist. Despite these features, the Grand Cherokee received a 4-star overall rating from NHTSA and poor ratings from IIHS in certain tests.

The 2021 BMW X7 came standard with comprehensive safety technologies, with additional features available in the Driving Assistance Professional and Parking Assistance Packages. The Driving Assistance Professional Package included evasive-steering assist, traffic-jam assist, and more, while the Parking Assistance Package offered semi-automated parking assist and a surround-view camera. The X7's ADAS was generally impressive, though some issues were noted with lane-maintenance technology.