2021 BMW X7 vs 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The 2021 BMW X7 was a standout in the luxury SUV segment, often seen navigating the streets of metropolitan Los Angeles. It boasted superior interior quality compared to the Cadillac Escalade, more prestige than the Infiniti QX80 or Lincoln Navigator, and advanced technology over the Lexus LX 570. Its visual presence was significant, rivaling the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class. Despite its impressive attributes, personal preference played a crucial role in choosing among its competitors.

Three versions of the X7 were available, with the xDrive40i starting at $74,900, the M50i at $99,800, and the Alpina BX7 at $141,300. The test vehicle, an X7 xDrive40i, featured luxurious elements like 22-inch aluminum wheels, premium leather, and a suede headliner, totaling $91,745. Its massive grille was a defining feature, fitting for its size, and its styling was both traditional and glamorous, securing its place atop BMW’s SUV lineup.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee, redesigned for a fresh look, echoed Jeep’s design traditions while introducing a two-row version of the previous year’s Grand Cherokee L. It offered a range of trims from Laredo to Summit Reserve, with prices from $37,390 to $63,365. The Grand Cherokee was praised for its versatility, whether chosen for simplicity, off-road capability, or luxury.

Its design paid homage to the classic 1963 Wagoneer, with a forward-leaning grille and tapered roof pillars. Inside, it mirrored the Grand Cherokee L, with quality materials even in the base Laredo trim. The Summit Reserve trim offered luxury features like quilted leather and a high-end audio system. Despite some reflective issues with gloss black controls, the Grand Cherokee provided a satisfying blend of style, comfort, and functionality.

The 2021 BMW X7 featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with 335 horsepower and 331 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and xDrive AWD. Its eBoost mild-hybrid technology aimed to enhance fuel efficiency, though EPA ratings showed a slight decrease to 19 mpg city, 24 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined. The X7 accelerated to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds, offering smooth and serene driving with advanced suspension systems for comfort and stability.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered RWD or 4WD with a choice of a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 293 horsepower or a 5.7-liter V8 with 357 horsepower. The V6 allowed for a 6,200-pound tow rating, while the V8 increased it to 7,200 pounds. Three 4WD systems were available, with Quadra-Drive II providing serious off-road capability. Fuel economy ranged from 17 to 21 mpg, depending on the engine and drivetrain. The Trailhawk trim excelled off-road with features like Quadra-Lift air suspension and Selec-Terrain driving modes.

The 2021 BMW X7 offered a luxurious interior with heated and ventilated seats, a five-zone climate control system, and premium leather upholstery. Front and second-row comfort was exceptional, and the third-row was surprisingly accommodating for adults. Cargo space was limited behind the third row but expanded to 90.4 cubic feet with seats folded.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee provided comfort across all trims, with heated and ventilated seats and a panoramic sunroof enhancing the cabin experience. Visibility improvements were notable, especially for off-roading. Rear-seat space was tight, but cargo capacity was generous, with 37.7 cubic feet behind the back seat and 70.8 cubic feet with seats folded.

The 2021 BMW X7 featured Live Cockpit Professional with a 12.3-inch display and iDrive 7.0 infotainment system, now including Android Auto. It offered wireless charging, voice recognition, and gesture control, though the latter was inconsistent. A head-up display was available but difficult to see with polarized sunglasses.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee was a tech powerhouse with Uconnect 5, offering a responsive interface and over-the-air updates. It included a head-up display, Night Vision, and multiple touchscreens. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with options for a high-end audio system and passenger interactive display.

The 2021 BMW X7 came with standard safety technologies, with optional packages adding features like evasive-steering assist and traffic-jam assist. The ADAS was generally impressive, though it had occasional issues with lane maintenance and automated lane changes.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee featured a robust ADAS suite and a structure made of high-strength materials. It introduced Intersection Collision Assist and Active Driving Assist for semi-autonomous driving. A hands-free version of Active Driving Assist was expected in 2022.