2021 BMW X3 vs 2022 Jeep Wrangler

The 2021 BMW X3, part of the third generation introduced in 2018, received significant updates in 2020, including a plug-in hybrid model and M performance variants. This generation of the X3 aimed to refine the small SUV formula, offering an exterior and interior presence reminiscent of larger, more expensive BMW models. The X3's exterior resembled a downsized BMW X5, while the interior featured the brand's signature cold, mechanical styling. Although not as aesthetically pleasing as the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, the X3's dashboard was more functional.

The 2021 BMW X3 came in several trims: sDrive30i, xDrive30i, M40i, and the xDrive30e plug-in hybrid. Standard features 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, and a hands-free power liftgate. The M40i trim added 19-inch alloy wheels, 14-way power-adjustable front seats, unique exterior styling, and an M Sport suspension.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler required buyers to choose between the classic two-door or the more practical four-door model. Engine options included a turbocharged four-cylinder, gasoline V6, turbodiesel V6, gas V8, or plug-in hybrid powertrain, with the turbo-four and V6 engines coming standard with a six-speed manual transmission. Four-wheel drive (4WD) was standard, with multiple systems available depending on the trim level.

The Wrangler came in four core trim levels: Sport, Sport S, Sahara, and Rubicon, with numerous special editions offering various top options. The High Tide special edition, based on the four-door Sport S trim, added LED exterior lighting, a body-color hardtop with a Sunrider Fliptop, a Gorilla Glass windshield, sand-and-slush floor mats, and High Tide or Beach hood decals. The Xtreme Recon package included a 1.5-inch suspension lift, revised shock tuning, 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels, 35-inch BF Goodrich T/A KO2 tires, and a 4.56 rear axle ratio.

The 2021 BMW X3 offered a range of powertrains. The sDrive30i and xDrive30i featured a turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 248 horsepower, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The sDrive30i had rear-wheel drive (RWD), while the xDrive30i came with all-wheel drive (AWD). The xDrive30e plug-in hybrid delivered 288 horsepower and a 17-mile electric-only range, with recharging times of 3.5 hours using a 240-volt Level 2 charger or almost 12 hours with a 120-volt outlet. The M40i trim boasted a 382-horsepower twin-turbo inline-six engine, offering robust acceleration and responsive cornering. For those seeking even more power, the X3 M performance model provided 473 horsepower.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine with eTorque mild-hybrid electrification, producing 285 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 260 pound-feet of torque at 4,800 rpm. The eight-speed automatic transmission was a mandatory $4,000 option, and the Selec-Trac full-time 4WD system was also included. The EPA estimated a combined fuel economy of 21 mpg for the Wrangler Unlimited with the eTorque V6, but the Xtreme Recon Package modifications reduced this to an average of 16.8 mpg over a week of driving.

Driving the Wrangler was a unique experience, characterized by frequent stops at gas stations, a loud cabin, vague steering, a rough ride, touchy brakes, and a tendency to squeal or spin tires when cornering. Despite these traits, the Wrangler offered an immersive driving experience, especially with the top and doors removed, allowing drivers to fully engage with their surroundings.

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, making it one of the most spacious options in the small luxury SUV segment. A power liftgate was standard, with a hands-free power liftgate available as an option. The X3 offered ample headroom and legroom for front-row passengers, along with a commanding driving position. Rear seats were comfortable for adults, even on longer trips. The driver and front passenger benefited from real buttons and dials, complementing the main touchscreen and reducing the learning curve for new users.

Getting into and out of the 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide was challenging, especially with its raised suspension. The manual height adjuster for the driver's seat required frequent re-adjustment due to its location. The Wrangler's seats were comfortable, with durable cloth upholstery and a mix of plastic and rubber interior materials. The driving position was close to the steering wheel, dashboard, and windshield, requiring some acclimation. Visibility varied, with some areas offering excellent views and others being compromised by the High Tide's 35-inch spare tire and small side mirrors.

Rear-seat passengers faced similar entry and exit difficulties, but once inside, they found agreeable accommodations with air conditioning vents, cupholders, and large grab handles. Storage options were limited, with netting on the lower door panels, a small tray on the dashboard, a deep center console box, and a narrow glove compartment. The tailgate, with its heavy 35-inch wheel, required careful handling, especially on hills or when parallel parked. The Wrangler Unlimited offered 31.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat, expanding to 72.4 cubic feet with the seat folded down.

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. The combination of touch operation and the iDrive dial in the center console catered to different user preferences. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, with Android Auto available as an option. Additional 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 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide, based on the Sport S trim, featured a 7-inch touchscreen display with Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The optional Uconnect 8.4 infotainment system offered upgrades such as satellite radio, connected services, a WiFi hotspot, and a navigation system, bundled with an Alpine premium sound system. Despite the smaller screen, the Wrangler's infotainment system met basic needs, with options like remote engine starting, satellite radio, passive keyless entry, and single-zone automatic climate control with a new air filtration system. The Cold Weather Group added heated front seats and a heated steering wheel.

The 2021 BMW X3 came standard with 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 safety features included adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, headlights that bend with the road, and a head-up display.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide included both the Safety Group and the Advanced Safety Group. The Safety Group added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking sensors, while the Advanced Safety Group included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and automatic high-beam headlights. Despite these features, the Wrangler's crash-test ratings were subpar. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave it a three-star rating for rollover resistance, and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) rated it Marginal in several tests, including the small overlap crash-test and side-impact test. Headlight performance was rated Poor for standard lights and Marginal for LED upgrades.