2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer vs 2026 BMW X5

The 2026 BMW X5 lineup offered a range of models, including the rear-wheel-drive sDrive40i and several all-wheel-drive options like the xDrive40i, xDrive50e, M60i, and X5 M Competition, with prices spanning from $69,750 to $132,450. The X5 M60i test vehicle, priced at $109,200, featured a striking Manhattan Green paint, 22-inch wheels, and luxurious Merino leather upholstery. Its design echoed elements from the original X5, with wide kidney grilles and a four-element headlight array, maintaining a balance between appealing and conventionally attractive. Inside, the X5 aimed for simplicity with a panoramic curved display and minimized controls, enhanced by metallic accents and carbon fiber inlays. The quality of materials and construction was evident, especially at night with ambient lighting and an illuminated panoramic Sky Lounge LED sunroof, making the X5 feel special.

The 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer, refreshed four years into its lifecycle, retained its upright stance and large windows but introduced a modern vibe with an illuminated grille inspired by the all-electric Wagoneer S. The new Upland trim added utility with front recovery hooks without compromising elegance. Inside, the Grand Wagoneer boasted a modern design with strong horizontal lines and a 12-inch infotainment screen, complemented by redundant HVAC and audio controls. The seats, though plain in appearance, offered comfort and adjustability, making long drives pleasant. The cabin's premium materials, like Nappa and Palermo leather, and solid construction, such as the gearshift dial, contributed to a high-quality feel. Overall, the Grand Wagoneer impressed with its fit and finish, providing a luxurious experience.

The 2026 BMW X5 offered a variety of powertrains, with the M60i model featuring a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine and a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. This setup delivered 532 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque, allowing the SUV to accelerate to 60 mph in just 4.2 seconds. The xDrive AWD system and 22-inch wheels with Pirelli P Zero performance tires ensured smooth power delivery. However, the M60i's fuel efficiency was a concern, with an EPA rating of 19 mpg and observed figures ranging from 16.4 to 21.1 mpg. Despite its hefty 5,355-pound weight and high center of gravity, the X5 M60i handled well, thanks to its dynamic M Adaptive suspension and M Sport brakes. While not suited for off-roading, the X5 offered a maximum towing capacity of 7,200 pounds.

The 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer came standard with a 3.0-liter Hurricane twin-turbo inline six-cylinder engine, producing 420 horsepower and 468 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided smooth and effortless power, even for the 6,000-pound SUV. Although the Grand Wagoneer experienced a power downgrade for 2026, the standard-output Hurricane engine still delivered satisfactory performance. Additionally, a range-extended electric powertrain was slated for the Grand Wagoneer, offering an estimated 647 horsepower and 620 pound-feet of torque, with a total range of over 500 miles. Despite its large size, the Grand Wagoneer was agile and easy to drive, with its size helping to absorb road imperfections. The SUV remained quiet, with minimal tire and wind noise, and offered comfortable seating for long drives.

The 2026 BMW X5 accommodated five passengers in two rows, with the M60i model offering highly adjustable front seats, including thigh and upper back support. Standard features included a heated steering wheel and heated and ventilated front seats, with massage as an option. The four-zone automatic climate control system, while effective, lost some efficiency at traffic lights due to the engine start/stop system. Rear-seat comfort was acceptable, with ample headroom but limited leg support for taller adults. The X5 provided 33.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 72.3 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The split-opening power liftgate added convenience, though accessing items near the back seat could be challenging for shorter individuals.

The 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer excelled as a people mover, offering three rows of seating with ample leg and hip room. The optional second-row bench seat allowed for up to eight passengers, with the third row accommodating three people comfortably. While using the third row reduced cargo space to 27.9 cubic feet, the long-wheelbase version increased it to 42.6 cubic feet. The Grand Wagoneer could tow up to 10,000 pounds when properly equipped. Standard features included three-zone automatic climate controls, heated-and-ventilated front seats, and power-operated front seats. The Upland model also featured Quadra-Lift air suspension, front recovery hooks, skid plates, and all-terrain tires for light off-roading.

The 2026 BMW X5 featured a BMW Curved Display with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 14.9-inch touchscreen. The iDrive 8.5 infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and a cloud-based navigation system. A conversational digital assistant was available, though it required disconnecting smartphones for optimal performance. The Bowers & Wilkins audio system delivered exceptional sound quality. While the infotainment screen offered numerous menus, it was best navigated when stationary.

The 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer came equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 12-inch touchscreen display, and a 10.25-inch digital cluster. Additional features included a wireless phone charger, hands-free power liftgate, and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. Higher trims offered a front console cooler, digital rearview mirror, and a 23-speaker McIntosh sound system. However, the wireless phone charger struggled to charge an iPhone 16, and the 12-inch infotainment screen felt small for the vehicle's size. Adjustable pedals were no longer available for 2026.

The 2026 BMW X5 came standard with high-beam assist, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, active blind-spot monitors, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors. The optional Driving Assistance Professional Package added adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, and hands-free driving capabilities. The X5 received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.

The 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer included lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitors, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors. Available features included automated parking assist, a head-up display, and a surround-view camera system. The Grand Wagoneer received mixed ratings from the IIHS and a four-star safety rating from the NHTSA.