BMW X5 vs Jeep Grand Wagoneer

The 2021 BMW X5 was a testament to BMW's renowned craftsmanship, fitting seamlessly into the brand's lineup of true SUVs. Its design, characterized by the iconic kidney grille and unmistakable body shape, ensured it was instantly recognizable as a BMW. However, this familiarity also meant it could blend in with other BMW models in a crowded parking lot. The X5 featured full adaptive LED headlights and a choice between matte aluminum or high-gloss black finishes, depending on the trim. The M Sport models added a sporty flair with body-color matched trims and unique styling elements. Inside, the X5's interior was consistent with BMW's design language, utilizing parts common across the brand's vehicles. While the interior was not lacking in quality, with leather and soft-touch materials, the abundance of black plastic was prone to collecting dust. The M Sport models offered a more aggressive interior design, with exclusive features like an M sports steering wheel and unique trim strips.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer shared its frame and body shell with the standard Wagoneer, resulting in a similar traditional SUV styling. However, the Grand Wagoneer distinguished itself with a standard black roof, unique hood, front fascia, and grille. The grille featured laser-etched knurling, and the wheel center caps were protected by acrylic glass. Underneath, the Grand Wagoneer boasted a new body-on-frame architecture with independent suspension and weight-saving materials like an aluminum hood and doors. Inside, it shared some styling features with the Wagoneer but offered more convenience features and higher-quality materials. The Grand Wagoneer included 24-way power front seats with memory and massage functions, Nappa leather upholstery, and optional higher-grade Palermo leather. The interior also featured aluminum and American Walnut wood trim, with seat controls placed high on the doors for a touch of luxury.

The 2021 BMW X5 offered a range of powertrain options, all paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base X5 sDrive40i/xDrive40i was equipped with a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine, delivering 335 horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque. The X5 M50i featured a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8, producing 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, while the X5 M offered 600 hp, increasing to 617 hp with the Competition Package. The X5 xDrive45e plug-in hybrid model achieved 389 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque, with a 30-mile all-electric range. Despite its power, the X5's steering dynamics were not as engaging as expected, with a tendency to wobble at higher speeds. The cabin was quiet, and the suspension absorbed road imperfections well. Charging the X5 was convenient, with a five-hour charge time on a Level 2 charger and an EPA-estimated 400-mile driving range.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer was powered by a 6.4-liter Hemi V8, producing 471 horsepower and 455 lb-ft of torque. It featured cylinder deactivation for improved fuel economy and was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Grand Wagoneer accelerated from zero to 60 mph in six seconds, impressive for its size. It came standard with a Quadra-Drive II four-wheel-drive system, including a two-speed transfer case and electronic limited-slip differential. The Quadra-Lift air suspension system allowed for adjustable ride height, enhancing off-road capability and highway efficiency. The Grand Wagoneer offered 10 inches of ground clearance and could ford up to 24 inches of water. Despite its power, the Grand Wagoneer was best driven at a leisurely pace, as its ride could be bouncy at higher speeds, and the steering was imprecise.

The 2021 BMW X5 made efficient use of space, with well-placed cupholders and a wireless phone charging pad. The seating was comfortable for short trips, but the front seats could feel hard after extended periods. The rear seats were spacious, accommodating two adults comfortably, and an optional third row was available. The split liftgate was easy to operate, and the vehicle height adjustment button facilitated loading cargo. Without the third row, the X5 offered ample cargo space, although the xDrive45e had slightly less due to its battery. However, the rear doors did not open very wide, making it challenging to move children and cargo in and out.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer seated seven with standard second-row captain’s chairs or eight with an optional third-row bench seat. It offered more third-row headroom and second-row legroom than competitors like the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator. With all three rows in place, it provided 27.4 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 70.9 cubic feet with the third row stowed. The maximum cargo space was 94.2 cubic feet, slightly less than its rivals. The Grand Wagoneer had a towing capacity of 9,850 pounds, slightly less than the standard Wagoneer due to its extra weight. It featured a standard sunroof, four-zone automatic climate control, and large storage bins. The standard 360-degree camera system aided visibility, although the hood limited forward visibility.

The 2021 BMW X5 came with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system had connectivity issues with Apple CarPlay, often taking over musical operations unexpectedly. Standard features included 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 upgrades included remote start, a head-up display, quad-zone automatic climate control, a wireless smartphone charger, massaging seats, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and premium audio systems. The iDrive system required some acclimation but was user-friendly once familiar.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, dual touchscreens, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and a McIntosh audio system. It supported simultaneous pairing for two Bluetooth-enabled phones and had a 4G-LTE WiFi hotspot. Second-row passengers had a 10.25-inch touchscreen for climate control, and an optional rear-seat entertainment system added two 10.1-inch screens. The Grand Wagoneer had a larger touchscreen than the standard Wagoneer, with a second screen for seat massagers. It could be equipped with a 10.25-inch touchscreen for the front passenger, Amazon Alexa connectivity, and Fire TV for Auto. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system featured an Android-based operating system and over-the-air updates, although the screen response was slow, and the instrument cluster graphics were plain.

The 2021 BMW X5 was equipped with a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, parking sensors, rain-sensing wipers, fatigue alert, lane departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. However, the Driving Assistance Professional Package had issues with adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping, particularly in bright sunlight or rain. The X5 received nearly all Good ratings from the IIHS and a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, despite being subject to seven recalls.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA. It came standard with a 360-degree camera system, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, intersection collision assist, and rear parking sensors. Optional features included a driver-attention monitor, night vision, traffic-sign recognition, and two levels of driver-assistance systems. Active Driving Assist combined adaptive cruise control with automated lane centering, requiring hands-on driving, with a hands-free version planned for future release.