2025 BMW X5 vs 2025 Jeep Wrangler

The 2025 BMW X5 had gracefully evolved, maintaining its distinctive proportions while incorporating intriguing details. The cab-rearward profile and rounded fender arches were complemented by arrow-shaped lighting elements in the headlights and taillights, which featured a three-dimensional shape. The front fascia was somewhat busy, but the twin-kidney grille remained reasonably sized. The optional M Sport Package added sportier bumpers and Shadowline trim, with further upgrades available in the M Sport Professional version. The X5 celebrated its 25th anniversary with a limited-production Silver Anniversary Edition, showcasing unique trim options and an off-road package. Inside, the X5's interior represented a gradual evolution of BMW's aesthetic, with a curved dashboard display and quality materials, though it lacked the opulence of some competitors.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler Sport S, encountered as a rental in Honolulu, presented a stark contrast with its black-on-black color scheme, which was less than ideal for a tropical climate. However, once behind the wheel with the windows down and roof panels removed, the color became irrelevant. The Wrangler was available in various trims, including the powerful Rubicon 392 with a 470-horsepower V8 engine. Our Sport S model featured a few options, including a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Despite its nearly $50,000 price tag, the Wrangler's interior emphasized function over form, with durable materials and a focus on utility. Its design drew upon themes of American freedom, rooted in its military vehicle heritage and off-road capability.

The 2025 BMW X5 offered a range of powertrain options, starting with the RWD X5 sDrive40i and AWD X5 xDrive40i, both powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine producing 375 horsepower and 398 pound-feet of torque. This allowed the X5 to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds. The AWD-only X5 M60i xDrive featured a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine with 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, achieving a zero to 60 mph time of 4.2 seconds. Both models shared an eight-speed automatic transmission and a 48-volt mild hybrid system. The X5 plug-in hybrid, the xDrive50e, combined the inline-six engine with a larger electric motor, delivering a total system output of 483 hp and 516 lb-ft, with an estimated zero to 60 mph time of 4.6 seconds and up to 39 miles of all-electric range. The Silver Anniversary Edition included the xOffroad Package, enhancing its off-road capabilities.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler offered a standard 3.6-liter V6 engine with a six-speed manual transmission, or an optional turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission, producing 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The turbocharged engine was more fuel-efficient, with an EPA rating of 21 mpg in combined driving. During our evaluation in Hawaii, the four-cylinder Wrangler achieved an average fuel economy of 19.2 mpg. The Wrangler's standard four-wheel drive, high ground clearance, and generous approach and departure angles made it well-suited for off-road adventures. However, its three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA was a concern. The ride was rough, with slow steering and sloppy handling, but the Wrangler's off-road prowess was undeniable.

The 2025 BMW X5 was a two-row, five-seater SUV with generous passenger space, though not class-leading. It offered slightly less first-row legroom than some competitors but provided more headroom. The sport seats were comfortable and supportive, though the lack of real leather upholstery and front-seat ventilation was noticeable given the X5's price. The X5 offered 33.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 72.3 cubic feet with the second row folded. Its split tailgate design was a standout feature, providing convenience for loading and unloading. The X5's 7,200-pound towing capacity was competitive for its class.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler's high ground clearance and narrow door openings made entry and exit challenging. The front seats were comfortable, with cloth upholstery and heated options available. Rear-seat legroom was adequate, but taller passengers needed to be cautious of plastic hooks on the front seatbacks. Storage space was limited, with small bins and cupholders for stashing items. The Wrangler's cargo area was accessible through a tailgate and rear window, offering 31.7 cubic feet of space, expandable to 72.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. However, accessing the cargo area could be cumbersome, especially with the spare tire mounted on the tailgate.

The 2025 BMW X5 featured a curved dashboard display with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch infotainment touchscreen, running BMW Operating System 8. The system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a rotary controller, touchscreen, voice recognition, and gesture control. The instrument cluster layout was distinctive and easy to read, with a prominent speed readout. Augmented reality navigation and digital key connectivity were notable additions, enhancing the X5's technological offerings.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler's Uconnect 5 infotainment system included a 12.3-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio preparation. The system was easy to use, even with the roof panels removed. The Convenience Group pack added a 7-inch digital display between the analog gauges, providing access to various information. Rear parking sensors were available in the Active Safety Group option pack, aiding in reversing maneuvers.

The 2025 BMW X5 came standard with Active Driving Assistant, including lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and forward collision warning. The optional Driving Assistance Professional Package added Highway Assistant, a hands-free system for steering at speeds up to 85 mph. The X5 earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS and a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with five stars in side crash tests.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler added side curtain airbags for the front and rear seats as standard equipment. Optional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, forward collision warning with automatic braking, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high-beam headlights. The Wrangler received a four-star frontal-impact rating and a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA. The IIHS rated the Wrangler as Good in side-impact protection and moderate overlap frontal-impact tests, but Marginal in the small overlap frontal-impact test.