2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe vs 2020 Lexus GX

The 2020 Lexus GX, despite its age, continued to sport the distinctive hourglass grille design that had become a hallmark of the Lexus lineup. This design, while controversial on some models, seemed to fit the GX better than its larger sibling, the LX. The GX's exterior updates were minimal, maintaining a decade-old design that shared its rugged platform with the Toyota 4Runner. This connection to the 4Runner meant the GX retained its off-road capability, a feature that outweighed the need for frequent design changes.

Inside, the GX's cabin was a throwback to the early 2010s, with a large, chunky center console and big buttons that were operable even with work gloves. The interior, while outdated, worked well for a rugged SUV. The GX was available in three trims: the 460, 460 Premium, and 460 Luxury, each offering a range of features from leather upholstery and power sunroof to advanced navigation and rear-seat entertainment systems. CarGurus recommended the base 460 trim for its well-rounded standard features.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe, on the other hand, made its presence known with subtle yet distinctive design cues like a "4xe" badge and sky blue accents. The plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) looked almost identical to a regular Wrangler, save for the power port at the base of the windshield. The Wrangler 4xe's silent operation in electric mode turned heads, especially in places like Yosemite National Park.

Inside, the Wrangler 4xe retained the classic Wrangler look with some modern touches. The interior featured more soft-touch materials than expected, with leather seats and padded door panels. The layout was practical, with controls for the transmission, emergency brake, and transfer case lever easily accessible. The Wrangler 4xe's interior was functional and comfortable, though it lacked the luxury and refinement found in other SUVs.

The 2020 Lexus GX 460 was powered by a 4.6-liter V8 engine, producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and standard 4-wheel drive (4WD). While these figures might not impress compared to modern V6 or turbocharged engines, the V8 provided a satisfying swell of power in real-world driving. The GX's light yet responsive steering and self-leveling air suspension offered a smooth and composed ride, capable of handling potholes and corners with ease.

The GX's 4WD system made it a formidable off-road vehicle, with various modes and controls for different terrains. It could tow up to 6,500 pounds and had a tight turning radius of 19 feet, making it surprisingly maneuverable in urban settings. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, with an EPA rating of 15 mpg city, 19 highway, and 16 combined. During testing, the GX averaged 16.3 mpg.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe combined a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with two electric motors and a 17-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack. This setup provided an estimated 21 miles of pure electric driving and a combined efficiency rating of 49 MPGe. When used as a hybrid, the Wrangler 4xe offered 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, accelerating to 60 mph in six seconds.

The Wrangler 4xe featured three powertrain modes: Hybrid, Electric, and e-Save. Hybrid mode maximized power or efficiency based on the situation, while Electric mode allowed for pure electric driving. e-Save mode preserved battery power for specific situations. During testing, the Wrangler 4xe averaged 20.8 mpg on a road trip and 19.1 mpg over a four-day period, covering 757 miles with 120.9 of them on electricity.

The 2020 Lexus GX offered second-row captain's chairs on the Premium and Luxury trims, with the latter also featuring power-folding third-row seats. These captain's chairs provided easy access to the third row and a natural barrier between passengers. However, getting into the third row was challenging for adults. With all rear seats folded, the GX offered 64.7 cubic feet of cargo space, less than some competitors. The side-opening rear hatch was unique but not particularly advantageous, though the separately opening rear window was a useful feature.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe's high door sills and lack of side steps on the Rubicon trim made entry and exit challenging, especially for shorter passengers. Inside, the Wrangler 4xe offered a classic driving position with clear views over the hood. The center console had limited storage due to the hand-brake and transfer case lever. Rear-seat space was adequate, with air conditioning vents, USB ports, and a 115-volt power outlet available.

Cargo volume in the Wrangler 4xe measured 27.7 cubic feet behind the back seat, with a maximum of 72.4 cubic feet when the back seat was folded. The swing-out tailgate and flip-up rear glass window could be inconvenient in tight spaces, but they were part of the Wrangler's charm. The storage bin under the load floor housed the charging cord, and the Alpine sound system's subwoofer and hardtop storage bag took up additional space.

The 2020 Lexus GX's infotainment system was outdated but functional, featuring a true touchscreen with large buttons for audio, navigation, and climate controls. However, it lacked Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which might be a dealbreaker for some. The simplicity of the system was a plus for those who preferred a straightforward interface.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe's Uconnect infotainment system featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, and SiriusXM Guardian connected services. The system was intuitive but showed signs of aging in terms of load time, responsiveness, and graphics. The Trip Summary data panel provided charging time estimates, and the blue charging indicator lights on the dashboard were helpful for monitoring charging status.

The 2020 Lexus GX came standard with the Lexus Safety System+, which included forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. Blind-spot monitoring and a surround-view camera were also available. The GX's high driving position and large windows provided excellent visibility, enhancing overall safety.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe offered advanced driving assistance systems through the Safety Group and Advanced Safety Group packages. These included blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and automatic high beams. The Wrangler's LED headlights received a Marginal rating from the IIHS, while the standard headlights were rated Poor. The Wrangler had a four-star frontal-impact crash-test rating and a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA.