2021 Jeep Wrangler vs 2020 Lexus GX

The 2020 Lexus GX had a design that was starting to show its age. Introduced in 2002 and redesigned for the 2010 model year, the GX received some new design tweaks over the years, including the garish hourglass grille that became a staple in the Lexus lineup. Despite its decade-old design, the GX maintained a rugged capability that was shared with the Toyota 4Runner, making it a true sport utility vehicle. The interior of the GX also reflected its age, with a large, chunky center console and big buttons that were reminiscent of early 2010s Lexus cabin styling. However, this basic and functional design worked well for a rugged SUV like the GX.

In contrast, the 2021 Jeep Wrangler retained its iconic styling that had remained largely unchanged over the years. The Wrangler's design featured circular headlights, a seven-slat grille, exposed bolts and hinges, and protruding bumpers and fenders, giving it a toy truck-like appearance. The Wrangler offered different looks depending on the trim level, with options for painted or exposed fenders, soft tops, or hardtops. The interior of the Wrangler was functional, with a small center console bin, glovebox, and effective in-door cargo nets. The Wrangler Unlimited provided 31.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and up to 72.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2020 Lexus GX was powered by a 4.6-liter V8 engine that produced 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and standard 4-wheel drive (4WD). While these specs might not impress compared to modern V6 or turbocharged engines, the V8 offered a swell of power that was unmistakable in real-world driving. The GX featured light yet responsive steering and a self-leveling air suspension that provided a smooth and composed ride. The GX's 4WD system made it highly capable off-road, and it could tow up to 6,500 pounds. However, its fuel economy was not impressive, with an average of 16.3 mpg observed during testing.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler offered a variety of powertrains, including a standard 3.6-liter V6 with 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, available with either a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission. Other powertrains included a mild-hybrid eTorque variant of the V6, a 270-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine, and a 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 with 260 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque. The Wrangler also introduced a plug-in hybrid variant, the 4xe, with 275 hp and up to 22 miles of electric range. The Rubicon 392 featured a 6.4-liter V8 engine with 470 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque, turning the Wrangler into an off-road supercar. The Wrangler's 4WD systems, including Command-Trac, Select-Trac, and Rock-Trac, provided excellent off-road capability.

The 2020 Lexus GX offered second-row captain's chairs on the Premium and Luxury trims, with the Luxury trim also featuring power-folding third-row seats. The GX provided 64.7 cubic feet of cargo space with all rear seats folded, which was less than some competitors. The GX's side-opening rear hatch was unique but not particularly advantageous, although the separately opening rear window/hatch was a convenient feature.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler offered multiple options for cloth and hardtops, including the zipper-less Sunrider soft-top, premium black cloth soft top, and classic-looking tan soft top. The Freedom top was a three-piece hardtop with removable panels, available in black or body color. The Sky one-touch power top on the Rubicon 392 provided a convenient way to enjoy the open-air Jeep experience. The Wrangler's cabin was functional, with drain plugs for easy cleaning and 31.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 72.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2020 Lexus GX featured an older touchscreen infotainment system that was simpler and more user-friendly than modern Lexus setups. However, it lacked Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which might be a dealbreaker for some drivers.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler's base Sport trim came with a basic 5-inch screen, but higher trims offered a 7-inch or 8.4-inch Uconnect screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The larger screens had crisp graphics and intuitive layouts, and the Wrangler also featured a color TFT screen in the instrument panel and an off-road camera on the Rubicon 392.

The 2020 Lexus GX came standard with the Lexus Safety System+, which included forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. It also featured blind-spot monitoring and an available surround-view camera. The GX's great visibility, with massive windows and mirrors, added to its safety.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler offered optional modern driver-assistance features, including forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, parking sensors, and blind-spot monitoring. However, lane-departure warning was not available. The Wrangler also featured a live tire-pressure monitoring system and a backup camera with dynamic guidelines.