In one corner: the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk – complete with a big, simple and highly effective supercharged V8, over 700 horsepower, and an exhaust note like fireworks. In the other: the BMW X5 M, a more refined and techy take on the modern rocket-ute that's just as brutally quick. In the middle? You, the shoppers, checkbook in hand, with some important decisions to make.Though both machines are among the fastest combustion-powered SUVs ever built, a look at used market pricing reveals a surprise: despite the X5 M's higher original sticker price and complex engineering, it's the cheaper used buy on your page, often by tens of thousands of dollars. Does that make it the better buy for you? Read on. What You'll Pay For A Peak Combustion SUV Today BMWFor an apples-to-apples comparison on pricing, we're narrowly focusing on the market for BMW X5 M and Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk models from the 2020 and 2021 model years. These were the only two model years when the single-generation Trackhawk battled the third-generation X5 M before Jeep discontinued it.BMWA Timeline Of Bavarian Brawn Versus American Firepower2006: Launch of the original Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 (WK) with the 6.1L Hemi V8 2010: Launch of the first BMW X5 M (E70) featuring the twin-turbocharged S63 "hot-vee" V8 2012: Introduction of the second-generation Grand Cherokee SRT8 (WK2) with the 6.4L Hemi V8 2014: Jeep rebrands the model as "Grand Cherokee SRT", ditching the "8" and adds the 8-speed ZF transmission. 2015: Launch of the second-generation BMW X5 M (F85) with 567 hp. 2018: Launch of the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk with the 707-hp supercharged Hellcat V8 2020: Launch of the third-generation BMW X5 M (F95) and the 617-hp Competition variant. 2021: Final production year and discontinuation of the Jeep Trackhawk and SRT 2024: BMW X5 M gets new S68 mild-hybrid engine JeepThe lowest-priced X5 M models from 2020 and 2021 can be had between $41,000 and $50,000, with odometer readings expected in the 80,000 to 100,000-mile ballpark. In that same price and model year range, you're not likely to find a second-hand Trackhawk at all without some damage, extreme high mileage, or a branded title. In fact, the opening price of a non-sketchy Trackhawk of the same vintage looks to be about $65,000 with a similar odometer reading. Translation? At five years old with 85,000 miles of use, you can expect to pay up to $20,000 more for the Jeep.StellantisFor an X5 M, shoppers will typically be spending well into the mid-$50,000 range for a unit with less than 70,000 miles of use. A similar odometer reading from a Grand Cherokee Trackhawk could run you $70,000 or more, easily a $20,000 premium. If you can stretch your budget up into the mid-to-high 60s, you'll find used copies of the X5 M with 25,000 to 40,000 miles of former use. That sort of odometer reading on a similar Trackhawk could push pricing well towards $90,000, easily a premium of $20,000 or more, once again.BMW The lowest-mileage 2020 and 2021 BMW X5 M models on offer today often have under 20,000 miles, with pricing from about $70,000 to $75,000. A similar odometer reading on a used Trackhawk of the same year could cost you the better part of $100,000.Don't forget, you'll be paying for these machines again at the pumps in a big way. Both of these SUV monsters drink premium gas, with the X5 M achieving slightly better overall fuel economy and slightly lower fuel costs. Most shoppers can plan to spend $300 to $400 a month on fuel. Two Very Different Approaches To Very Big Horsepower Output BMWThe X5 M's 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine uses a hot-vee configuration to maximize turbocharger response time and support its compact and lightweight powertrain. This cutting-edge design has helped BMW's V8 engines squeeze out maximum power from a small package for decades. Direct fuel injection, 32 variable valves, and the top-mounted turbocharger setup are among its key technical feats.JeepThe Trackhawk makes more power with a much simpler approach. The supercharged 6.2-liter V8 has one camshaft (not four), conventional port fuel injection, and a great big supercharger as its power adder of choice. With some heavy-duty 4x4 engineering in its gene pool, the SRT V8 is built to be strong, simple, and extremely durable – meaning extreme performance variations like the one used in the Trackhawk can really crank up the boost. The result is not only a major advantage in on-paper output and a lead in acceleration figures versus the X5 M, but an engine that should prove simpler for owners to care for as it ages. The Rockstar Driving Experience Comes Standard StellantisBoth of these machines give drivers plenty of new things to try, and ensure they have a great time trying them. From selectable drive modes to launch control starts to adaptive suspension systems that can switch from "Touring" to "Track Weapon" on the fly, both the X5 M and Grand Cherokee Trackhawk are designed to be a ridiculous thrill ride for their operator when required, but also approachable enough for everyday use.We caught up with CarBuzz Senior Editor, Gerhard Horn to ask him for his opinions about the two vehicles, and which he reckons is the better buy."I had two opportunities to drive the Grand Cherokee Trackhawk," he said. "The first was in Austria, where the entire two-lane road was just big enough to accommodate one obscenely large SUV. I'll never forget the speed limit sign that said 40 mph, because after just a few seconds of keeping my foot flat I was (allegedly) doing triple that speed."The Trackhawk is a stupidly powerful SUV, but not without its flaws. On paper, the Jeep was supposed to embarrass the X5, but that's not what happened."The way the X5 M covered ground reminded me of an Aston Martin Rapide, only faster and without the drama." – Gerhard Horn, CarBuzz Senior Editor"The second time I met up with the Trackhawk was at a drag strip, parked next to a BMW X5 M that I had been testing for a week. On paper, the Jeep was supposed to embarrass the X5, but that's not what happened."Why? Well, the Jeep has a very cool launch control system that allows you to set the rpm at which you want to launch. The only problem was that if we set it above 3,000 rpm, the brakes weren't strong enough to hold it back. It's an incredible machine, but it lacks the finesse of the X5 M, which is more of an oversized grand tourer."I don't actually think there is a wrong or right answer here because these two cars will appeal to two different people. The BMW wants to blend in, while the Trackhawk wants to shout and let you know it has 700 horses. It's just a pity that in the real world it couldn't do much with all that power."2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk front, three-quarterBoth machines are among the best-selling performance models in their respective automaker's lineups, as they should be: these rocket-propelled playthings are both family and pet-ready, happy to handle winter and light off-road conditions, and ready to support current or future towing needs.Looking for an additional alternative? Don't forget the standard Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT: it can tow the same 7,200 pounds as the other machines on your page, and is both cheaper than the Trackhawk and less complex than the X5 M. Sources: BMW, Jeep