2022 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 iconic kidney grille to the body shape, ensured it was unmistakably a BMW. The X5 featured full adaptive LED headlights, matte aluminum grilles, and satin aluminum finishes on standard xLine models, while M Sport models boasted body-color matched trims and high-gloss black accents. The interior, though familiar across BMW models, was well-crafted with leather and soft-touch materials, despite an abundance of dust-collecting black plastic. M Sport models added unique, aggressive styling elements.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, introduced as a longer version of the standard Grand Cherokee, featured an 11.4-inch extension to accommodate a third row of seats. Its design maintained Jeep's recognizable elements like the seven-slot grille and U-shaped wheel arches, with modernized lighting and improved paint finish. The high-end Summit and Summit Reserve trims added black roofs, larger wheels, and more chrome. The interior was luxurious, with dual high-resolution screens, real wood, aluminum, and quilted Nappa leather, offering a Mercedes-like quality without shared parts. The spacious cabin, even in the third row, was complemented by a panoramic roof and ample USB ports, though the air vents were somewhat inadequate.

The 2021 BMW X5 offered a variety of powertrains, all paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base X5 sDrive40i/xDrive40i featured a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine producing 335 horsepower and 330 pound-feet 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-kilowatt-hour 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 expected, with steering issues at both low and high speeds. However, the cabin was quiet, and the suspension absorbed road imperfections well. Charging the plug-in hybrid was convenient, with a five-hour charge time on a Level 2 charger and an EPA-estimated 400-mile range.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered two familiar engines: a 3.6-liter V6 with 293 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, and a 5.7-liter V8 with 357 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, both paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The V6 struggled with the vehicle's weight, requiring high revs and producing noticeable engine noise. The V8, available only on higher trims, provided better performance and a pleasing sound. The plug-in hybrid 4xe, with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a 17.3-kilowatt-hour battery, offered 375 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. The Grand Cherokee L's chassis was impressive, with excellent ride composure and steering feel, and the optional air suspension provided adjustable ride heights for different driving conditions. The vehicle's towing capacity was up to 7,200 pounds with 4WD.

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 became hard on longer drives. The rear seats were spacious enough for adults, and an optional third row was available. The split liftgate and vehicle height adjustment button made loading cargo easier. The X5's cargo area was spacious, though slightly reduced in the plug-in hybrid model. However, the rear doors did not open very wide, making it difficult to move children and cargo in and out.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system with a sleek interface and physical switches for climate and stereo controls. The Laredo and Altitude trims had an 8.4-inch touchscreen, while higher trims had a 10.1-inch touchscreen. The Grand Cherokee L offered ample space in all rows, with second-row captain's chairs standard and a 60/40 split bench seat optional. The panoramic roof and large windows enhanced the cabin's spacious feel, though the air vents were insufficient. The vehicle also had a large bin for wireless phone charging and a big central cubby under the armrest.

The 2021 BMW X5 came with 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 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 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered premium features on upper trims, including multiple massage modes for the 16-way power adjustable front seats, a head-up display, night vision with pedestrian and animal detection, a 360-degree camera system, and an Active Driving Assist system. The navigation system integrated with the instrument panel, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were wireless. New for 2022 were an optional 10.3-inch touchscreen for the front passenger and dual 10.1-inch touchscreens with Amazon Fire TV for rear passengers. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, forward automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and rear parking sensors. Higher trims offered additional features like automatic parking, front cross-traffic alert, driver attention monitor, and traffic sign recognition.

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 sunny or rainy conditions. 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 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L had not yet been tested by the NHTSA or IIHS. Standard safety features included driver and passenger knee airbags, a rear seat alert, trailer sway control, and various driver aids. The vehicle also offered advanced safety features on higher trims, such as automatic parking, front cross-traffic alert, driver attention monitor, and traffic sign recognition.