2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2021 BMW X5

The 2021 BMW X5 was a testament to BMW's high-quality craftsmanship, fitting seamlessly into the brand's true SUV range. Its design, from the kidney grille to the body shape, was unmistakably BMW, though this familiarity sometimes made it blend 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 elements 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 other BMW models, featuring a mix of leather and soft-touch materials, though it had an abundance of black plastic that easily collected dust. The M Sport models had unique, aggressive styling elements, including an M sports steering wheel and exclusive interior trim strips.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, on the other hand, was a new seven-passenger model distinct from the existing Grand Cherokee. It was an extended-length version of the upcoming 2022 Grand Cherokee, featuring a third-row seat and more cargo volume. The Grand Cherokee L's styling was a strong selling point, resembling a smaller version of the more expensive Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer models. It was instantly recognizable as a Jeep with its signature seven-slot grille and trapezoidal wheel arches. The Grand Cherokee L was available in multiple trims, from Laredo to Summit Reserve, with prices ranging from $36,995 to $64,235. The Summit trim, tested, featured quilted and perforated leather, real wood trim, and a host of technology, though some interior materials didn't quite match the high price tag.

The 2021 BMW X5 offered a variety of powertrain options, all paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base X5 sDrive40i/xDrive40i had a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine producing 335 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque. The X5 M50i featured a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 with 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, while the X5 M delivered 600 hp, or 617 hp with the Competition Package. The new X5 xDrive45e plug-in hybrid achieved 389 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque, with up to 30 miles of all-electric range. The X5's driving dynamics were a mixed bag; while it offered a smooth and quiet ride, its steering and handling at higher speeds were less engaging than expected from a BMW. The X5 xDrive45e's charging was convenient, taking five hours on a Level 2 charger, and it offered an EPA-estimated 400 miles of driving range when fully charged.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L came standard with a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and either RWD or one of three 4WD systems. The V6 had a maximum tow rating of 6,200 pounds and an EPA-estimated 21 mpg combined. An optional 5.7-liter V8 engine, available only with 4WD on higher trims, generated 357 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, increasing towing capacity to 7,200 pounds but reducing fuel economy to 17 mpg combined. The test vehicle, equipped with the V6 and 4WD, offered brisk acceleration but was loud when revved. The Grand Cherokee L's Quadra-Lift adaptive air suspension provided a smooth ride and capable handling, with various off-road modes and up to 10.9 inches of ground clearance. The Jeep's stiffer structure contributed to a solid feel, though the adaptive cruise control and steering assist systems had room for improvement.

The 2021 BMW X5 made efficient use of space, with well-placed cupholders and a wireless phone charging pad. The front seats were comfortable for short trips but felt hard after a few hours. The rear seats were spacious enough for two adults, and an optional third row was available. The climate controls were easy to manage, and the split liftgate with power functionality made loading cargo convenient. The X5's cargo area was spacious, though slightly reduced in the xDrive45e model. However, the rear doors did not open very wide, making it challenging to move children and cargo in and out of the second row.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L excelled in comfort, especially in the Summit trim, which featured heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats with 12-way power adjustment, a heated steering wheel, and a four-zone automatic climate control system. However, the dashboard vents were too small, making it difficult to cool the cabin quickly. The second-row captain's chairs provided ample legroom and comfort, with manual side window sunshades for added convenience. The third row was surprisingly comfortable for all but the tallest adults. The Grand Cherokee L's cargo space was competitive, with 17.2 cubic feet behind the third row, 46.9 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 84.6 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded. Practical storage space for front-seat occupants was limited, but second-row passengers had a useful storage console.

The 2021 BMW X5 came with a robust set of standard features, including a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and 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, proximity key, and a panoramic moonroof. Optional upgrades included remote start, a head-up display, quad-zone automatic climate control, a wireless smartphone charger, massaging seats, a Wi-Fi hotspot, a 16-speaker Harman Kardon premium 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 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured the new Uconnect 5 infotainment system, available with either an 8.4-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen. The test vehicle had the larger screen, which integrated well with the dashboard. Uconnect 5 offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Alexa compatibility, satellite radio, connected services, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The system also included a natural voice-recognition system with a programmable wake phrase. The optional 19-speaker McIntosh audio system provided excellent sound quality, though the logo's design felt out of place. Additional available features included a 10.25-inch digital instrumentation panel, a digital rearview mirror, a thermal-imaging night vision system, and a Fam Cam rear-seat monitoring system. The head-up display was visible even to drivers wearing polarized sunglasses.

The 2021 BMW X5 came with a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including 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. However, the Driving Assistance Professional Package had issues with adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping systems, particularly in bright sunlight and light rain. The X5 received nearly all Good ratings from the IIHS and a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, despite being the subject of seven recalls.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L introduced Active Driving Assist, a hands-on system combining adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance. While the adaptive cruise control worked well, the steering assist felt artificial. The system is expected to become hands-free in the 2022 model year. The Grand Cherokee L also featured Intersection Collision Assist, which could detect threats from either side at intersections and apply the brakes if necessary. Additional driver aids included Parallel and Perpendicular Park Assist. As of the review, crash-test ratings were unavailable, but the new model was expected to improve upon the old Grand Cherokee's safety performance.