2021 Jeep Renegade vs 2022 Lexus GX

The 2021 Jeep Renegade, introduced in 2015, drew inspiration from the iconic Wrangler SUV, featuring a boxy profile, circular headlights, and an upright seven-slat grille. By 2021, it retained the design refresh from 2019, with some previously optional features becoming standard. Inside, the Renegade offered a modern, functional cabin with an upright center stack reminiscent of the Wrangler, making controls easily accessible. It came in various trims, including Sport, Jeepster, Latitude, Upland, 80th Anniversary, Islander, Limited, and Trailhawk, each offering unique features and equipment.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus GX 460 Black Line Special Edition presented a bold, blacked-out exterior, eliminating most chrome elements. Despite its modern touches, the GX's design felt dated, resembling its first-generation predecessor. Inside, the cabin boasted high-quality materials and a quiet atmosphere, with the standard V8 engine providing a satisfying note. The GX was available in Standard, Premium, and Luxury trims, with the Black Line Special Edition based on the Premium trim. Prices ranged from $56,700 to $66,210, including destination charges.

The 2021 Jeep Renegade offered two engine options: a base 2.4-liter four-cylinder producing 180 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque, and an upgraded turbocharged 1.3-liter four-cylinder with 177 horsepower and 210 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, available in front-wheel drive (FWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD). While neither engine was particularly spirited, the turbocharged option provided better torque and refinement. The Renegade's ride quality was solid, with impressive maneuverability and visibility, making it a great city car. The Trailhawk trim, with its off-road capabilities, was the only one to earn Jeep's "Trail Rated" designation.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460, with a base curb weight of 5,126 pounds, featured a 4.6-liter V8 engine producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and a full-time 4WD system, allowed the GX to tow up to 6,500 pounds. Despite its high drag coefficient of 0.35, the GX achieved an EPA fuel economy estimate of 16 mpg in combined driving. The Kinetic Dynamics Suspension System (KDSS) enhanced the GX's ride and handling, making it stable and secure. However, the slow steering and touchy brake pedal detracted from the overall driving experience.

The 2021 Jeep Renegade offered 50.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 18.5 cubic feet with them in use, above average for the subcompact SUV segment. Its tall, boxy design provided ample headroom in both rows, with great legroom in the front seats. The Renegade featured numerous storage solutions, including a foldable front passenger seat for added versatility.

The 2022 Lexus GX provided an elevated driving position with a 10-way power-adjustable seat and clear visibility. Despite its tall and narrow design, the GX was easy to maneuver. The Black Line Special Edition featured NuLuxe upholstery, black ash wood trim, and triple-zone automatic climate control. However, the rear seat access was challenging, and the third-row seat was cramped and eliminated cargo space. The side-swinging tailgate further complicated loading, with limited cargo space behind the third row and a higher load floor when stowed.

The 2021 Jeep Renegade came with a standard 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with an optional 8.4-inch screen on mid-tier trims. Both screens ran the intuitive Uconnect system, featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A Kenwood premium audio system was available.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 introduced a new 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, eliminating the need for the outdated Remote Touch Interface. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and navigation. The GX also featured a CD player, a Lexus app, and Enform connected services. However, the stereo controls were awkwardly placed, making them difficult to use. The infotainment display offered a dual-screen view, and the voice recognition technology was quick and accurate.

The 2021 Jeep Renegade made several safety features standard, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-path detection. However, the Trailhawk trim lacked emergency braking. Despite these features, the Renegade received only four out of five stars from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The 2022 Lexus GX, lacking crash-test ratings, relied on the standard Lexus Safety System+, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. It also featured blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safety Connect services. However, it lacked some advanced safety technologies found in competitors.