2021 BMW X7 vs 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L

The 2021 BMW X7 was a standout in the luxury SUV segment, often seen navigating the bustling streets of Los Angeles. It was known for its superior interior quality, surpassing that of the Cadillac Escalade, and offered a prestigious presence that outshone competitors like the Infiniti QX80 and Lincoln Navigator. The X7 boasted advanced technological features that were more sophisticated than those found in the Lexus LX 570, and its visual appeal was significant when compared to the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class. Despite its impressive attributes, the choice of a luxury SUV often came down to personal preference, and the X7 was no exception.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, on the other hand, was a model of elegance and practicality. Its extended length allowed for a third row of seats, making it a versatile option for families. The Grand Cherokee L maintained Jeep's iconic design elements, such as the seven-slot grille and U-shaped wheel arches, while incorporating modern touches like slimmer, brighter lighting. The interior was luxurious, with high-quality materials and a layout that rivaled that of a Mercedes. The Grand Cherokee L was available in various trims, each offering a distinct level of sophistication and style, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a blend of luxury and utility.

The 2021 BMW X7 xDrive40i was powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine, delivering 335 horsepower and 331 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with an eight-speed sport automatic transmission and BMW’s xDrive AWD system. The X7 featured BMW’s eBoost mild-hybrid technology, which included a 48-volt starter/generator and battery, aimed at improving fuel efficiency and responsiveness. Despite these enhancements, the X7’s fuel economy ratings were slightly lower than the previous year, with an EPA rating of 19 mpg city, 24 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined. The X7 was capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds, offering a smooth and serene driving experience. However, its handling was sometimes hindered by excessive body motions, despite the optional Dynamic Handling Package.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered two engine options: a 3.6-liter V6 and a 5.7-liter V8, both paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The V6 produced 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, which was found to be insufficient for the vehicle's weight, especially when fully loaded. The V8, available on higher trims, offered 357 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque, providing a more satisfying performance. The Grand Cherokee L also offered a 4xe plug-in hybrid option, combining a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with electric motors for a total of 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. The V6 achieved an EPA-estimated 18 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined, while the V8 was less efficient. The Grand Cherokee L excelled in ride comfort and handling, with an optional air suspension and multiple ride height settings, making it a versatile choice for various driving conditions.

The 2021 BMW X7 offered a luxurious interior with features like heated and ventilated front seats, premium Merino leather upholstery, and a five-zone climate control system. The front seats were exceptionally comfortable, and the second-row captain's chairs provided ample comfort as well. The third-row seats were surprisingly accommodating for adults, although accessing them required some maneuvering of the power seats. The X7 offered 48.6 cubic feet of cargo space with the third row folded and 90.4 cubic feet with the second row down, which was less than some competitors.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, known for its simplicity and user-friendly interface. The system included physical switches for climate and audio controls, ensuring ease of use. The Grand Cherokee L offered ample space in all three rows, with the third row being suitable for adults. The interior was equipped with a panoramic roof, multiple USB ports, and optional second-row captain's chairs. However, the air vents were found to be insufficient in directing airflow, requiring the fan to be kept on high, which was noisy.

The 2021 BMW X7 came equipped with the Live Cockpit Professional digital instrumentation and iDrive 7.0 infotainment system, both featuring 12.3-inch displays. The system included Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, along with enhanced SiriusXM 360L and Connected Package Pro. The X7 also offered wireless smartphone charging, a natural voice-recognition system, and gesture control, although the latter was inconsistent. The head-up display was a useful feature, but it was difficult to see with polarized sunglasses.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered a range of advanced technology features, especially in the upper trims. These included massage modes for the front seats, a head-up display, night vision, a 360-degree camera system, and an Active Driving Assist system. The navigation system was integrated into the instrument panel, providing a clear view of upcoming turns. The Grand Cherokee L also offered optional touchscreens for rear-seat passengers and a range of driver assistance features, such as adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist.

The 2021 BMW X7 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety technologies, with additional features available in the optional Driving Assistance Professional Package and Parking Assistance Package. These included evasive-steering assist, traffic-jam assist, and semi-automated parking assist. The X7’s advanced driving assistance systems were generally effective, although there were instances where the lane-maintenance technology was less reliable.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L had not yet been tested by major safety organizations, but it came standard with a range of safety features, including driver and passenger knee airbags, a rear seat alert, and trailer sway control. The Grand Cherokee L also offered various driver aids, such as adaptive cruise control and blind spot monitoring.