2022 BMW X3 vs 2022 Jeep Wrangler

The 2022 BMW X3 was available in four variants: sDrive30i, xDrive30i, M40i, and M. The sDrive30i was the only rear-wheel-drive model, while the others featured all-wheel drive. The 2022 model saw a slight exterior redesign, including a larger kidney grille and slimmer adaptive full LED headlights. The rear boasted new taillights with a black surround and pincer claw-shaped brake light LEDs. The updated rear also included larger exhaust tips and a new bumper. The X3 offered nine exterior finishes, with new colors Brooklyn Grey and Tanzanite Blue II replacing Glacier Silver and Sunstone. Standard 19-inch gray aluminum-alloy wheels were paired with all-season run-flat tires, and an aerodynamically-optimized 19-inch wheel was introduced for the sDrive30i and xDrive30i models.

The X3's interior featured a clean design with dark oak wood trim, an anthracite headliner, and eight-way power-adjustable front Sport seats. The cabin offered SensaTec synthetic leather upholstery, with an option for premium Vernasca leather. A panoramic moonroof was standard on the M40i and available for other models. Interior color choices varied by material and model, with ambient lighting offering 11 color combinations. The redesigned center console included a larger standard infotainment system, with an optional 12.3-inch touchscreen available.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler required buyers to choose between a two-door or four-door model, followed by a selection of powertrains, including a turbocharged four-cylinder, gasoline V6, turbodiesel V6, gas V8, or plug-in hybrid. The turbo-four and V6 engines came with a six-speed manual transmission, with an eight-speed automatic as an upgrade. Four-wheel drive was standard, with multiple systems available depending on the trim level. The Wrangler came in four core trims: Sport, Sport S, Sahara, and Rubicon, with numerous special editions offering various top options.

The High Tide special edition, based on the four-door Sport S trim, added LED exterior lighting, a body-color hardtop with a Sunrider Fliptop, a Gorilla Glass windshield, and High Tide or Beach hood decals. The Xtreme Recon package included a 1.5-inch suspension lift, 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels, 35-inch BF Goodrich T/A KO2 tires, and a 4.56 rear axle ratio. The High Tide model also featured a gasoline V6 engine with eTorque mild hybrid electrification, an automatic transmission, Selec-Trac full-time 4WD, and various option packages, bringing the MSRP to $58,845.

The 2022 BMW X3 featured an eight-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. The sDrive30i and xDrive30i models 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. The sDrive30i had an EPA-rated fuel economy of 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 M40i model 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 had an EPA rating of 21 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide had a 3.6-liter V6 engine with eTorque mild-hybrid electrification, producing 285 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 260 pound-feet of torque at 4,800 rpm. The eight-speed automatic transmission was a mandatory $4,000 option, and the Selec-Trac full-time 4WD system was also included. The EPA rated the Wrangler Unlimited with the eTorque V6 at 21 mpg combined, but the Xtreme Recon Package modifications resulted in an average of 17.6 mpg on the evaluation route and 16.8 mpg over a week of driving. The Wrangler's driving experience was unique, with a rough-and-tumble feel, frequent fuel stops, and a noisy cabin. However, it offered an immersive experience, especially with the top and doors removed.

The BMW X3 provided comfort and practicality with seating for five and ample storage space. The rear seats featured a 40/20/40-split, offering 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 an option for upgraded Vernasca leather. The redesigned center console included a larger standard infotainment system, with an optional 12.3-inch touchscreen available. The X3's sport seats were supportive, but the thigh-support cushion control handle could be an issue for some drivers.

The Jeep Wrangler High Tide's raised suspension made entry and exit difficult, especially for shorter individuals. The manual height adjuster for the driver's seat required regular re-adjustment. The seats were comfortable, with durable cloth upholstery and some soft, padded spots. Visibility was mixed, with excellent views in some areas and compromised views in others. Rear-seat passengers faced entry and exit difficulties but found agreeable accommodations once inside. Storage options were limited, with netting on the lower door panels, a small tray on the dashboard, and small but deep center console and glove compartments. The tailgate was heavy due to the 35-inch wheel, and cargo space was 31.7 cubic feet behind the rear seat, expanding to 72.4 cubic feet with the rear seat folded.

The BMW X3 featured BMW Live Cockpit Plus with iDrive 7 telematics, including a 5.1-inch color display instrument panel and 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 standard 12-speaker 205-watt HiFi sound system could be upgraded to a Harman Kardon surround sound system with 16 speakers. Other tech options included a Convenience Package and a Premium Package, adding features like keyless entry, a panoramic sunroof, lumbar support, heated seats, a head-up display, and gesture control.

The Jeep Wrangler High Tide, based on the Sport S trim, had a 7-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The optional Uconnect 8.4 infotainment system offered upgrades like satellite radio, connected services, and a navigation system, bundled with an Alpine premium sound system. Our test vehicle included remote engine starting, satellite radio, passive keyless entry, single-zone automatic climate control, and the new air filtration system. The Cold Weather Group added heated front seats and a heated steering wheel.

The 2022 BMW X3 received a five-star crash safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Standard safety features included adaptive LED headlights, 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 updated 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 Jeep Wrangler High Tide included the Safety Group and the Advanced Safety Group. The Safety Group added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking sensors. The Advanced Safety Group included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and automatic high-beam headlights. The Wrangler received a three-star rating for rollover resistance from the NHTSA and a Marginal rating for protection in the IIHS's left front small overlap crash-test evaluation. The Wrangler also received a Marginal rating in the new side-impact test and Poor to Marginal ratings for headlight performance.