2022 BMW X3 vs 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe made a statement with its distinctive appearance and sound. It closely resembled a regular Wrangler, with subtle differences like a "4xe" badge and blue accents. The power port at the windshield base was a notable feature. When the battery was charged, the Wrangler 4xe operated silently, except for the pedestrian notification system, which drew attention during a trip to Yosemite National Park. The Rubicon trim, painted in Firecracker Red, was well-equipped with over $13,000 in options, bringing the price to $66,690. Inside, the Wrangler 4xe maintained its rugged simplicity, with blue seat stitching and PHEV-specific gauges. The interior was practical, with controls laid out for functionality, and robust grab handles hinted at its off-road capabilities. While it offered more comfort than previous models, luxury and refinement were not its focus.

The 2022 BMW X3 presented a refreshed exterior design with a slightly more aggressive stance. The kidney grille was larger, and the headlights were slimmer, featuring adaptive full LEDs. The rear showcased new taillights with a black surround and pincer claw-shaped brake light LEDs. The updated rear included larger exhaust tips and a new bumper. The X3 offered various exterior options, including an M Sport Package and new metallic colors. Inside, the X3 boasted a clean and efficient design, with dark oak wood trim, power-adjustable front Sport seats, and tri-zone climate control. The SensaTec synthetic leather upholstery was standard, with Vernasca leather as an option. The interior featured ambient lighting with 11 color combinations, and the redesigned center console improved accessibility to controls.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe combined a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with two electric motors and a 17-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack. It offered 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, allowing it to reach 60 mph in six seconds. The battery provided an estimated 21 miles of electric driving, with a combined efficiency rating of 49 MPGe. In hybrid mode, it achieved 20 mpg combined, with a total range of 370 miles. The Wrangler 4xe featured three powertrain modes: Hybrid, Electric, and e-Save, allowing drivers to optimize power and efficiency. During a road trip to Yosemite, the Wrangler 4xe demonstrated its capabilities, with regenerative energy capturing and a total of 757 miles covered, averaging 19.1 mpg.

The 2022 BMW X3 featured an eight-speed automatic transmission across all models. The X3 sDrive30i and xDrive30i were powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 248 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Both models achieved 0-60 mph in six seconds. The sDrive30i offered an EPA-rated 23 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined, while the xDrive30i achieved 21 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 24 mpg combined. The X3 M40i featured a 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine with a mild-hybrid system, producing 382 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. It reached 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. The M40i's fuel economy was 21 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined. The mild-hybrid system provided additional power but did not improve fuel economy.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe's interior was designed for practicality, with high door sills and grab handles for easier entry and exit. The driving position was classic Wrangler, offering a clear view over the hood. The center console had limited storage due to the hand-brake and transfer case lever. Rear-seat space was adequate, with air conditioning vents, USB ports, and MOLLE-style storage straps. Cargo volume measured 27.7 cubic feet, with a swing-out tailgate and flip-up rear glass window. The Wrangler's design allowed for creative parking solutions, but accessing cargo could be challenging.

The 2022 BMW X3 offered a spacious interior with seating for five adults. The rear seats featured a 40/20/40-split, providing ample cargo space. The SensaTec seats were comfortable, with Vernasca leather as an upgrade. The X3's sport seats were supportive, with adjustable thigh-support cushions. The redesigned center console improved ergonomics, with a larger infotainment system and accessible controls. The X3's cargo area was cavernous, accommodating multiple bags and equipment. A power tailgate was standard, with hands-free opening as an option.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe featured a Uconnect infotainment system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and navigation. The system was intuitive but showed signs of aging in terms of load time and graphics. The Wrangler 4xe's technological advancements were primarily related to its plug-in hybrid powertrain and 4WD system. The Trip Summary data panel provided charging time estimates, and blue charging indicator lights displayed the battery status.

The 2022 BMW X3 came with BMW Live Cockpit Plus and iDrive 7 telematics, featuring a 5.1-inch instrument panel and 10.25-inch infotainment screen. The system included navigation, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Amazon Alexa integration. An optional Live Cockpit Professional offered larger screens and cloud-based navigation. The X3's infotainment system was customizable, with multiple control options. A 12-speaker HiFi sound system was standard, with a Harman Kardon surround sound system available for M40i models. The X3 offered various tech packages, including a Convenience Package and a Premium Package.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe offered advanced driving assistance systems, including blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and adaptive cruise control. The LED headlights with automatic high beams were effective but rated Marginal by the IIHS. The Wrangler received a four-star frontal-impact crash-test rating and a three-star rollover rating from the NHTSA. The IIHS rated the Wrangler's small-overlap, frontal-impact protection for the driver as Marginal.

The 2022 BMW X3 received a five-star crash safety rating from the NHTSA. It featured adaptive LED headlights, a rearview camera, adaptive cruise control, and active blind-spot monitoring. The X3 offered a Parking Assistance Package and a Driving Assistant Professional Package, which included advanced safety features like traffic jam assistance and active lane-keep assist. The X3's safety features were comprehensive, providing a high level of protection.