2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe vs 2022 Lexus GX

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe made a statement with its distinctive sound and appearance. While it closely resembled a regular Wrangler, the 4xe stood out with its unique "4xe" badge, sky blue accents, and a power port at the windshield's base. When operating on battery power alone, the Wrangler 4xe was nearly silent, save for the pedestrian notification system's whine, which drew attention during its journey through Yosemite National Park. The test vehicle, a Firecracker Red Rubicon trim, was well-equipped with over $13,000 in options, bringing its price to $66,690. Inside, the Wrangler 4xe maintained the classic Wrangler look, with blue stitching and PHEV-specific gauges. The interior was practical, with controls laid out for functionality, and it offered more comfort than previous models, though luxury was not its forte.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus GX 460 Black Line Special Edition exuded a different kind of presence. The Black Line treatment eliminated most chrome, giving the SUV a sleek, dark appearance, especially in Black Onyx. However, the GX's design felt dated, reminiscent of its predecessors, despite modern touches like the spindle grille and LED headlights. Inside, the GX offered a high-quality cabin with a focus on comfort and refinement. The V8 engine provided a satisfying note, and the interior was quiet, with the GX's build quality living up to Lexus's reputation. The Black Line Special Edition featured NuLuxe upholstery, black ash wood trim, and a black headliner, adding a touch of sophistication to the interior.

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 delivered 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, allowing the Wrangler 4xe to accelerate to 60 mph in six seconds. The battery provided an estimated 21 miles of electric-only driving, with a combined efficiency rating of 49 MPGe. In hybrid mode, the EPA rated its fuel economy at 20 mpg combined, offering a total driving range of 370 miles. The Wrangler 4xe featured three powertrain modes: Hybrid, Electric, and e-Save, allowing drivers to optimize power and efficiency based on their needs. During testing, the Wrangler 4xe demonstrated its ability to regenerate energy on downhill grades, enhancing overall efficiency.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460, with its 4.6-liter V8 engine, produced 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain enabled the GX to reach 60 mph in 7.8 seconds and offered a towing capacity of 6,500 pounds. The GX's six-speed automatic transmission paired with a full-time 4WD system, distributing power 40/60 between the front and rear wheels. Despite its hefty curb weight and high drag coefficient, the GX achieved an EPA-estimated 16 mpg in combined driving. The Kinetic Dynamics Suspension System (KDSS) improved the GX's stability and handling, making it more agreeable to drive on and off-road. However, the GX's steering was slow and heavy, and the brake pedal was touchy, affecting the overall driving experience.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe's interior was designed for practicality and off-road capability. The high door sills and lack of side steps on the Rubicon trim made entry and exit challenging, especially for shorter passengers. Once inside, the Wrangler offered a comfortable driving position with clear visibility. The center console's design limited storage space, but rear passengers had access to air conditioning vents, USB ports, and a power outlet. Cargo space was limited to 27.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats, with a maximum of 72.4 cubic feet when the seats were folded. The Wrangler's swing-out tailgate and flip-up rear window added to its charm but could be inconvenient in tight spaces.

The 2022 Lexus GX provided an elevated driving position with a 10-way power-adjustable seat and excellent visibility. The GX's tall, narrow design made it easy to maneuver, but the steering required extra effort. The interior featured comfortable seating and physical controls, though some switchgear was outdated. The Black Line Special Edition added NuLuxe upholstery and black ash wood trim. Rear seat access was tricky due to narrow door openings, and the third-row seat was cramped and difficult to access. Cargo space was limited, with 11.6 cubic feet behind the third row and a maximum of 64.7 cubic feet with the second row folded. The side-swinging tailgate further complicated loading in tight spaces.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe Rubicon featured a Uconnect infotainment system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, and SiriusXM Guardian connected services. A WiFi connection was available, and the Alpine sound system provided adequate audio quality. However, the Uconnect system showed signs of aging, with slower load times and less responsive voice recognition. The Wrangler's technology also included helpful charging indicators and a Trip Summary data panel.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 introduced a new 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, eliminating the need for the outdated Remote Touch Interface. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and navigation, along with a CD player and Lexus Enform connected services. The GX's infotainment display offered a dual-screen view, and the voice recognition technology was quick and accurate. The stereo controls were awkwardly placed, but the overall system was an improvement over previous models. The GX also featured Intuitive Parking Assist and optional surround-view cameras.

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, and forward-collision warning. The Wrangler's LED headlights received a Marginal rating from the IIHS, and the SUV's frontal-impact protection for the driver was also rated Marginal. The NHTSA gave the Wrangler Unlimited a four-star frontal-impact rating and a three-star rollover resistance rating.

The 2022 Lexus GX lacked crash-test ratings due to its age, but it came equipped with Lexus Safety System+, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams. The GX also featured blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safety Connect services. However, it lacked some advanced safety technologies found in competitors, such as lane-keeping assist and semi-autonomous driving systems.