2021 BMW X3 vs 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The 2021 BMW X3 represented the third generation of BMW's small luxury SUV, introduced originally in 2018 and updated in 2020 with notable features like a plug-in hybrid model and M performance variants. The 2018 redesign brought a significant refinement to the X3, giving this compact SUV a more luxurious feel similar to larger and more expensive BMW models. The exterior of the X3 closely resembled a downsized version of the BMW X5, providing an elegant and sporty look. Inside, the X3 displayed BMW's typical cold and mechanical interior styling. While it may not have been as visually appealing as the interiors found in Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, it offered a more functional dashboard design.

Trim levels for the 2021 BMW X3 included the sDrive30i, xDrive30i, M40i, and the xDrive30e plug-in hybrid. Additionally, BMW offered a high-performance X3 M variant. Standard features in the sDrive30i and xDrive30i included 18-inch alloy wheels, push-button start, synthetic leather upholstery, tri-zone climate control, a 10.2-inch infotainment system, navigation, and 10-way power-adjustable front seats. Optional features included genuine leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, a hands-free power liftgate, heated-and-ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and wireless device charging. The M40i trim came with many of these optional features as standard, alongside 19-inch alloy wheels, 14-way power-adjustable front seats, unique exterior styling, and an M Sport suspension.

By contrast, the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee's design still impressed even a decade after its fourth-generation introduction. Its rugged utility combined with upscale sophistication, featuring large wheels pushed to the corners under purposely flared fenders, created an iconic SUV appearance. The Grand Cherokee was versatile, fitting into multiple categories, whether as a mainstream, luxury, or performance SUV.

The 2021 Grand Cherokee offered a range of trims, from the affordable Laredo and Limited to the upscale Overland and Summit, including performance-oriented SRT and Trackhawk models and the off-road-focused Trailhawk. For 2021, minor updates were made to the Laredo and Limited trims, and new variants like the Laredo X and 80th Anniversary Edition were introduced, with prices spanning from approximately $35,000 to nearly $90,000.

The Summit trim test vehicle featured a 5.7-liter V8 engine with 4WD, extra-cost paint, the Platinum Series Group, and the Signature Leather-Wrapped Interior Package, amounting to an MSRP of $68,185. The Platinum Series Group added a premium look by toning down the standard glamor with body-color mirror caps, door handles, side sills, and lower bumpers, paired with a platinum chrome finish replacing the sparkly bits.

Inside, the Summit trim's interior boasted premium leather, genuine wood, real aluminum, and simulated suede for the headliner. The Indigo and Ski Gray color scheme provided a sharp contrast. Quilted seat bolsters and door panel trim, a thick-rimmed wood-and-leather steering wheel, and partially digital instrumentation added to the cabin's luxurious feel. However, despite the premium materials, the interior's aging design with old switchgear and non-flush panel fits clearly indicated the need for a redesign.

The 2021 BMW X3 sDrive30i and xDrive30i came with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivering 248 horsepower through an eight-speed automatic transmission. The sDrive30i featured rear-wheel drive, while the xDrive30i offered all-wheel drive, providing reliable pickup for city driving and highway speeds. The xDrive30e plug-in hybrid's powertrain produced 288 horsepower, delivering brisk acceleration, especially at low speeds, with a 17-mile electric-only range and a recharge time of about 3.5 hours using a 240-volt Level 2 charger or nearly 12 hours using a 120-volt outlet. For those seeking a true performance experience, the M40i's 382-horsepower twin-turbo inline-six engine offered robust acceleration and more responsive cornering abilities. The high-performance X3 M took it further with a 473-horsepower engine, catering to those with a need for speed and family space.

Meanwhile, the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee came standard with a 3.6-liter V6 engine generating 295 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, powering either the rear or all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. This setup enabled the Grand Cherokee to tow up to 6,200 pounds, adequately meeting most needs. For more power, the optional 5.7-liter Hemi V8 engine with the Quadra-Trac II 4WD system produced 360 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, providing a best-in-class towing capacity of 7,200 pounds. This engine added a satisfying rumble and roar typical of a V8 and included cylinder deactivation technology for improved fuel efficiency, though the EPA estimated just 17 mpg combined.

The Grand Cherokee’s Quadra-Trac II 4WD system included a two-speed transfer case, hill-descent control, and Selec-Terrain traction management with modes for Snow, Sand, Mud, Auto, and Rock. The standard Quadra-Lift air suspension on the Summit offered 4.1 inches of variability, lowering for efficiency on highways and raising to increase ground clearance for off-roading. This combination made the Summit adept at handling trails and mountainous terrain while maintaining a degree of comfort.

During daily driving, the Grand Cherokee Summit was speedy and responsive but could feel bouncy and wobbly due to its air suspension. Its tight turning radius was advantageous in both parking lots and off-road environments. The brakes performed well, and visibility was relatively clear, though advanced camera systems for better off-roading visibility were lacking.

The 2021 BMW X3 excelled in cargo capacity, offering up to 62.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded and 28.7 cubic feet with the seats in use, among the best in the small luxury SUV segment. A power liftgate came standard, with an optional hands-free power liftgate available. The X3 provided ample space for passengers, with plenty of headroom and legroom in the front row and rear seats suitable for adults even on long trips. The interior featured real buttons and dials to complement the touchscreen, enhancing ease of use.

In comparison, the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit featured supportive front seats with eight-way power adjustment and both heating and ventilation. The Signature Leather-Wrapped Interior Package enhanced the interior luxury, though it was priced at $4,995. The rear seats were comfortable, but taller adults might find legroom a bit snug, especially with the optional rear-seat entertainment system, which added a sense of claustrophobia. Large windows, a dual-pane panoramic sunroof, and light upholstery helped mitigate this. However, interior storage was limited, especially with the entertainment system taking up space in the center console bin.

In terms of cargo space, the Grand Cherokee provided 36.3 cubic feet behind the rear seat, expandable to 68.3 cubic feet with the seats folded. It featured thoughtful additions like a recessed bin for carrying bottles, additional storage around the spare tire, and practical cargo lighting. The power liftgate had a low-mounted closing button for easy access by shorter drivers. However, compared to the X3, the maximum cargo space was on the lower end for a midsize SUV.

The 2021 BMW X3 came standard with a 10.2-inch touchscreen running the intuitive iDrive infotainment system. It allowed for both touch and dial operation, catering to different user preferences. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, though Android Auto was optional. Additional options included wireless device charging, a fully digital instrument panel, a 16-speaker Harman Kardon premium stereo system, and gesture control for basic functions.

Conversely, the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee relied on the Uconnect 4C with Nav system, which provided a nearly flawless user experience with fast response, pleasing graphics, and separate stereo controls. Standard features encompassed navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, along with a Jeep Skill for Amazon Alexa. Additional services through SiriusXM included six months of satellite radio, five years of Traffic Plus and Travel Link, and a year of SiriusXM Guardian for remote access and emergency services.

Despite its age, the Grand Cherokee's voice recognition worked well, handling many features through voice commands. The Summit trim came with a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, delivering impressive sound quality. Beyond the infotainment system, the Grand Cherokee offered advanced 4WD systems and a collection of essential advanced driving assistance systems, though it remained relatively "tech lite" compared to newer models.

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

By contrast, although the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee earned a five-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for 4WD models, it fared poorly in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) tests, particularly in small-overlap, frontal-impact collisions. The Grand Cherokee with 4WD received marginal ratings for the driver and poor ratings for the front passenger in these tests. Its headlights also rated poorly unless upgraded to high-intensity discharge versions.

Despite these shortcomings, the Grand Cherokee offered numerous safety features, especially in the Summit trim with the ProTech II Package, which included adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic high-beam headlights. Additional features included a backup camera, parking sensors, and ParkSense parking assistance.