2021 Jeep Wrangler vs 2020 Lexus RX

The 2020 Lexus RX underwent a significant refresh, enhancing its appeal both inside and out. The updates were more than just minor tweaks, as the styling changes allowed the RX to stand out in a competitive market. Despite its age, the RX maintained a stylish edge over its Toyota counterparts. The exterior featured standard 18-inch wheels, slimmer headlights, and L-shaped taillights, with optional triple-beam LED headlights. The grille was redesigned to resemble other Lexus models, and new paint colors like Moonbeam Beige Metallic and Nori Green Pearl were introduced. The rear received a fresh look with dual exhausts, a rear diffuser, and updated reflectors, along with an available hands-free tailgate. Inside, the RX offered a well-appointed cabin with various interior color and material combinations, including wood and satin-brushed aluminum trim. The F Sport appearance package added unique elements like a steering wheel, shift knob, and 20-inch wheels, enhancing the SUV's sporty appeal. The leather-wrapped surfaces exuded luxury, while the center stack, though functional, appeared dated compared to industry trends.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler retained its iconic styling, with features like circular headlights, a seven-slat grille, and exposed bolts and hinges. The Wrangler's design was unmistakable, resembling a toy truck for adults. Depending on the trim level, the Wrangler could sport different looks, with options for painted or exposed fenders, soft tops, or hardtops. The Wrangler's interior was not as comfortable as car-based SUVs, with an upright seating position and limited legroom. However, for the right driver, these characteristics added to its charm. The Wrangler Unlimited offered trims like Sport, Sport S, Sahara, and Rubicon, each with unique features. The Sport trim was basic, while the Sport S added creature comforts. The Sahara was more street-oriented, and the Rubicon catered to off-road enthusiasts. The Rubicon 392, with its Hemi V8, stood out with its power and off-road capabilities, featuring a raised hood and large hood scoop.

The 2020 Lexus RX 350 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 350L variant had slightly reduced power at 290 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid RX 450h combined the V6 with an electric motor, achieving 308 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque. The RX 450hL had a similar setup but with 259 horsepower from the gasoline engine and 165 horsepower from an electric motor. The RX hybrid models featured an electronically-controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive. The RX was not particularly athletic, taking 7.9 seconds to reach 60 mph, but it offered a smooth driving experience. The RX 350 achieved an EPA-estimated 23 mpg combined, while the RX 450h excelled in fuel economy with 30 mpg combined. The F Sport models featured adaptive variable suspension and sport electric power steering, enhancing agility. The RX offered various drive modes, including Normal, Eco, and Sport, with additional options for hybrid and F Sport models.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler offered a diverse powertrain lineup, including gas, diesel, mild-hybrid, and a Hemi V8. The standard 3.6-liter V6 produced 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, available with a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission. Other powertrains included a mild-hybrid eTorque variant, 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 featured three 4WD systems: Command-Trac, Select-Trac, and Rock-Trac, catering to different off-roading needs. The Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid offered 275 hp and up to 22 miles of electric range. The Rubicon 392, with its 6.4-liter V8, delivered 470 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque, transforming the Wrangler into an off-road powerhouse. The 392 featured a beefed-up frame, a 2-inch lift with Fox shock absorbers, and upgraded brakes, along with a dual-mode performance exhaust for an exhilarating driving experience.

The 2020 Lexus RX's interior was not as minimalist or stylish as its German competitors, but it was functional. The two-row RX model comfortably accommodated four adults, while the three-row RX-L's third row was best for small children or pets. The cabin was spacious in its two-row configuration, with comfortable front seats and good visibility, though the A-pillar could obstruct views. The RX's cargo area was smaller than rivals, with a high load floor limiting space. The RX 350L and 450hL also had less cargo space compared to competitors like the Lincoln Aviator. A hands-free liftgate was available on RX 350 and 450h models and standard on RX-L versions.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler offered various top options, including the zipper-less Sunrider soft-top, premium black cloth soft top, and tan soft top. The Freedom top was a three-piece hardtop with removable panels, available in black or body color. The Rubicon 392 featured the Sky one-touch power top, a power-retractable canvas panel for easy open-air driving. The Wrangler's cabin was functional, with a small center console bin, glovebox, and in-door cargo nets. It also had drain plugs for easy cleaning. The Wrangler Unlimited provided 31.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 72.4 cubic feet with the seats folded, comparable to smaller crossovers.

The 2020 Lexus RX's infotainment system was often criticized, but improvements were made for 2020. The standard 8.0-inch display and optional 12.3-inch touchscreen were moved closer to the driver. Despite this, the system remained difficult to navigate. However, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and other integrations provided workarounds. The RX featured a center console touchpad with improved responsiveness. The SUV had six USB ports and a standard 12-speaker audio system, with an optional 15-speaker Mark Levinson system.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler Sport came with a basic 5-inch screen, while the 7-inch Uconnect screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto was optional on the Sport S and standard on other trims. The 8.4-inch Uconnect screen offered crisp graphics and intuitive controls. The Rubicon 392 featured a color TFT screen in the instrument panel and an off-road camera for trail visibility. The Wrangler's infotainment system was user-friendly, with radio toggles on the steering wheel.

The 2020 Lexus RX came with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, including adaptive cruise control and automatic high beams. Blind-spot monitoring was available, and a rearview camera was standard. The RX also featured daytime bicyclist detection, low-light pedestrian detection, road-sign assist, and lane-tracing assist. The RX received good safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, though not as high as newer models.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler offered optional safety features like forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. However, lane-departure warning was not available. A backup camera with dynamic guidelines was standard. The Wrangler also had a live tire-pressure monitoring system, useful for off-roading.