2021 Lexus RX vs 2020 Jeep Wrangler

The 2020 Jeep Wrangler was a vehicle that stood out on the road with its iconic design. It featured circular headlights, a seven-slat grille, and a boxy style that was unmistakably Jeep. The Wrangler's industrial look was further enhanced by exposed hinges and bolts, and its removable top added to its rugged persona. Inside, the Wrangler embraced a retro aesthetic with circular climate vents and gauges, focusing on utility over luxury. The various trims, from the basic Sport to the off-road-ready Rubicon, offered a range of features, with the Rubicon boasting a lifted suspension and mud-terrain tires for serious off-road enthusiasts.

In contrast, the 2021 Lexus RX showcased a modern design aesthetic with its large grille, angular headlamps, and floating roof. The interior was luxurious, featuring sumptuous seating and perforated leather upholstery. The RX was available in five variants, including the performance-focused RX F Sport and the extended-body RXL with a third row. The RX's design updates from the previous year remained, with elongated headlights and a refined front end. Standard features included 18-inch aluminum wheels and LED lighting, with options for 20-inch wheels and triple-beam LED headlights. The interior was well-appointed, offering a range of materials and seating configurations, though the center console design was considered dated.

The 2020 Jeep Wrangler offered a range of engine options, starting with a 3.6-liter V6 producing 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. A 6-speed manual transmission was standard, with an 8-speed automatic available. A turbocharged 4-cylinder engine provided 270 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, while a new 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel delivered 260 hp and an impressive 442 lb-ft of torque. The diesel engine excelled in low-speed torque, making it ideal for off-road adventures. However, the Wrangler's on-road performance was less refined, with significant road noise and a rough ride compared to car-based SUVs. Fuel economy for the diesel engine was 22 mpg city, 29 highway, and 25 combined, offering a marked improvement over the gas-powered versions.

The 2021 Lexus RX was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine delivering 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The RX Hybrid models combined a V6 with three electric motors, producing 308 hp and featuring an electronic continuously variable transmission (e-CVT). The RX offered a comfortable and composed ride, with tuning adjustments enhancing its dynamic capabilities. The F Sport Handling package added adaptive suspension and sportier features. Fuel economy for the RX 350 FWD was 20 mpg city, 27 highway, and 23 combined, while the RX Hybrid achieved up to 31 mpg city and 28 highway. The RX's performance was characterized by its smooth ride and luxury-oriented features, though it lacked the sporty edge of some competitors.

The 2020 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, a four-door variant, was known for its versatility and off-road capability. It featured removable doors, a fold-down windshield, and a droppable roof, with options for both soft and hard tops. The Wrangler offered 72 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear bench lowered, though this was less than many less-capable SUVs. The Wrangler's interior was designed for utility, with a focus on rugged features rather than comfort.

The 2021 Lexus RX provided a functional and spacious interior, with the two-row models seating five and the three-row RXL seating six or seven. Front and second-row seating offered ample space, while the third row was tight. Cargo space in the RX was limited compared to traditional SUVs, with 18.4 cubic feet behind the second row and 56.3 cubic feet with seats folded. The RXL offered 7.5 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 58.5 cubic feet with seats folded. A power liftgate was standard, with a hands-free option available.

The 2020 Jeep Wrangler featured a basic 5-inch touchscreen infotainment system in the Sport and Sport S trims, with Bluetooth and USB connectivity. The Rubicon and Sahara trims offered a 7-inch touchscreen with Uconnect, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. An 8.4-inch Uconnect system with navigation, HD Radio, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot was available, along with an Alpine premium audio system.

The 2021 Lexus RX came standard with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, dual-zone climate control, and a nine-speaker sound system. Upgrades included a 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless charging, and a 15-speaker Mark Levinson surround-sound system. The infotainment system featured Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa, though the Remote Touch controller was less intuitive than some competitors' systems.

The 2020 Jeep Wrangler included standard safety features such as airbags, electronic roll mitigation, and a backup camera. Optional safety packages added rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The Wrangler's safety features were essential given its unique sightlines and off-road focus.

The 2021 Lexus RX received the IIHS Top Safety Pick designation, with Good marks in crashworthiness tests. The RX came equipped with 10 airbags, blind-spot monitoring, and the Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, which included features like automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assist. While comprehensive, the RX's safety suite lacked the advanced hands-off systems found in some newer luxury vehicles.