2022 BMW X3 vs 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L

The 2022 BMW X3 was available in four variants: sDrive30i, xDrive30i, M40i, and M, with the sDrive30i being the only rear-wheel-drive model. The rest were all-wheel-drive. The 2022 model featured a revised exterior design with a slightly more aggressive stance, a larger kidney grille, and a black sensor bar between the grilles. The headlights were adaptive full LEDs, slimmer by 0.4 inches, and the taillights were redesigned with a black surround and pincer claw-shaped brake light LEDs. The rear also saw larger exhaust tips and a new bumper. The X3 came in nine finishes, with new colors Brooklyn Grey and Tanzanite Blue II replacing Glacier Silver and Sunstone. Nineteen-inch gray aluminum-alloy wheels were standard, with an aerodynamically-optimized 19-inch wheel available for the sDrive30i and xDrive30i models. The M Sport Package added sportier design elements, while the Shadowline Package provided a black-out treatment for various exterior components.

Inside, the 2022 X3 featured a clean and efficient design, with dark oak wood trim, an anthracite headliner, eight-way power-adjustable front Sport seats, and new perforated SensaTec synthetic leather upholstery. The interior could be optioned with premium Vernasca leather. A panoramic moonroof was standard on the X3 M40i and available for other models. Interior color choices varied by material and model, with options for both SensaTec and genuine leather. Ambient lighting with 11 color combinations was also available, adding to the overall ambiance of the cabin.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L was 11.4 inches longer than the standard two-row Grand Cherokee, accommodating a third row of seats. The wheelbase was also stretched by five inches for more second-row legroom and wider rear doors. The exterior design blended the extra mass seamlessly, making the standard Grand Cherokee look truncated. The Grand Cherokee L featured the iconic seven-slot rectangular grille, U-shaped wheel arches, and a blunt front end, with modernized lighting and improved paint finish and panel fit. The high-end Summit and Summit Reserve trims added black roofs, larger wheels, and more chrome. For 2022, new exterior paint colors included Ember, Hydro Blue, and Midnight Sky.

The interior of the Grand Cherokee L was luxurious, with dual high-resolution screens, real wood, aluminum, quilted Nappa leather, and a faux-suede roof. The layout and materials felt premium, comparable to a Mercedes. The cabin offered ample space and comfort, with second-row captain's chairs standard and a 60/40 split bench seat optional. A panoramic roof, large windows, and multiple USB ports enhanced the travel experience. However, the air vents were small and didn't direct enough airflow, requiring the fan to be kept on high, which was quite loud.

The 2022 BMW X3 featured an eight-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters as standard. 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, with a 0-60 mph time of 6 seconds. Fuel economy for the sDrive30i was 23 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined, while the xDrive30i offered 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 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, with a 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds. The M40i was EPA-rated at 21 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered two familiar engines: a 3.6-liter V6 and a 5.7-liter V8, both paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and available in either rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. The V6 produced 293 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, while the V8 offered 357 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque. The V6 had an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 18 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined, while the V8 was rated at 14 mpg city, 22 mpg highway, and 17 mpg combined. The Grand Cherokee L also featured an optional 4xe plug-in hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a 17.3-kilowatt-hour battery pack and two electric motors, producing 375 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque.

The 2022 BMW X3 offered seating for five and ample storage space. The rear seats featured a 40/20/40-split, providing enough cargo room for backpacks and additional carry-on suitcases. A power tailgate was standard, with an optional hands-free opening. The SensaTec faux-leather seats were comfortable, with the upgraded Vernasca leather adding more softness. The X3's sport seats were supportive, and the bottom seat cushion could be extended for taller drivers. The redesigned center console featured a larger infotainment system, with a standard 10.25-inch screen and an optional 12.3-inch touchscreen. The lower area included the gear selector, iDrive controller knob, and driving function buttons, with a matte finish for a smudge-free appearance.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, with an 8.4-inch touchscreen and a 10-inch digital instrument panel on the Laredo and Altitude trims. The Limited, Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve trims came with a 10.1-inch touchscreen. The Grand Cherokee L offered plenty of space in all rows, with second-row captain's chairs standard and a 60/40 split bench seat optional. A panoramic roof, large windows, and multiple USB ports enhanced the travel experience. However, the air vents were small and didn't direct enough airflow, requiring the fan to be kept on high, which was quite loud.

The 2022 BMW X3 featured BMW Live Cockpit Plus with iDrive 7 telematics, including a 5.1-inch color display instrument panel and a 10.25-inch infotainment screen. Standard features included navigation, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, Amazon Alexa integration, two USB ports, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and various connected digital features. An optional Live Cockpit Professional enlarged both screens to 12.3 inches and provided a fully-digital experience. The X3 also offered a 12-speaker 205-watt HiFi sound system, with an optional Harman Kardon surround sound system producing 600 watts and featuring 16 speakers. Other tech options included a Convenience Package and a Premium Package, adding features like keyless entry, a panoramic sunroof, lumbar support, a heated steering wheel, heated front and rear seats, a head-up display, and gesture control.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered upper trims with premium features, 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 could take over the instrument panel, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were wireless. New for 2022, Jeep added an optional 10.3-inch touchscreen display for the front passenger and dual 10.1-inch touchscreens with Amazon Fire TV for rear-seat passengers. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, forward automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and rear parking sensors. The Summit trims also offered automatic parking, front cross-traffic alert, driver attention monitor, and traffic sign recognition.

The 2022 BMW X3 received a five-star crash safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It also added more safety features and driver-assistance systems, including adaptive LED headlights with automatic high beams, a rearview camera, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, active blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rear collision avoidance, park distance control with auto braking, forward-collision warning with pedestrian/cyclist detection, and active pre-collision protection systems. The available Parking Assistance Package added parking assistance plus, active park distance control, and a 360-degree surround camera view. The Driving Assistant Professional Package included traffic jam assistance, back-up assistant, front cross-traffic alert, a 3D assisted view display, active lane-keep assist with lane centering, and side collision avoidance.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L had not yet been tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Standard safety features included driver and passenger knee airbags, a rear seat alert for possible unattended passengers, trailer sway control, and various driver aids.