2021 Jeep Wrangler vs 2022 Lexus NX

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler retained its iconic styling, characterized by circular headlights, a seven-slat grille, exposed bolts and hinges, and protruding bumpers and fenders. Depending on the trim level, the Wrangler could take on different looks, with options for painted or exposed fenders, soft top or hardtop, and other individual styling touches. Despite these variations, the core elements that made a Wrangler unmistakable remained intact. Inside, the Wrangler was not designed for comfort but rather for rugged charm. The upright seating position, limited legroom, and manually adjusted seats were all part of its appeal to the right type of driver.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus NX offered a more refined and modern design. The NX was unmistakably a Lexus, thanks to its jutting spindle grille and new block lettering on the tailgate. The redesigned NX was longer, wider, and taller than its predecessor, providing more passenger and cargo space. The interior featured NuLuxe simulated leather in most models, with real leather and open-pore wood trim in the Luxury trim. The F Sport trim added sport-bolstered seats and unique interior touches, while the overall design aimed for a minimalist and decluttered look. However, some controls integrated into the large touchscreen were not immediately intuitive.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler offered a variety of powertrains, 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 either a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission. Other options included a 270-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 with 260 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque, and a plug-in hybrid variant called the Wrangler 4xe, which made 275 hp and offered 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 Rubicon 392 also included beefed-up frame-rails, a 2-inch lift with Fox shock absorbers, and upgraded brakes.

The 2022 Lexus NX offered two electrified versions: the NX 350h hybrid with 239 horsepower and an EPA-estimated 39 mpg in combined driving, and the NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid with 302 hp and an estimated 36 miles of pure electric range. The NX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The base NX 250 had a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, available with front-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive. The NX 350 F Sport added Sport S, Sport+, and Custom driving modes, along with an adaptive variable sports suspension and 20-inch wheels. The NX 350 Luxury offered a softer and more relaxed driving character, with an estimated 25 mpg in combined driving.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler offered multiple options for cloth tops and hardtops, including the zipper-less Sunrider soft-top, a premium black cloth soft top, and a classic-looking tan soft top. The Freedom top was a three-piece hardtop with removable panels, available in black or body color with optional insulated panels. The Sky one-touch power top, featured on the Rubicon 392, was a power-retractable canvas panel that operated at speeds up to 60 mph. The Wrangler's cabin was functional, with a small center console bin, glovebox, and in-door cargo nets. It also featured drain plugs for easy cleaning. 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 2022 Lexus NX offered more interior room for passengers and cargo, though it felt more intimate and cozy from the driver's seat. The NX was comfortable, especially with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The F Sport trim provided better bolstering for the front seats, while rear-seat passengers enjoyed roomy accommodations with rear air conditioning vents, heated cushions, and USB ports. The NX's panoramic glass sunroof extended over the back seat, and the Luxury trim included a Thematic Ambient Illumination system with 14 themes. The NX provided 22.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seat and 46.9 cubic feet with the back seats folded.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler Sport came with a basic 5-inch screen for radio and vehicle settings. 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 was also available, offering crisp graphics and easy-to-read layouts. The Rubicon 392 featured a color TFT screen in the instrument panel and a clever off-road camera nestled between the front grille slats, providing a clear view of the trail ahead.

The 2022 Lexus NX took a significant leap forward with its new Lexus Interface infotainment system. A 9.8-inch touchscreen display was standard, with a 14-inch screen as an optional upgrade. Both versions included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Voice Assistant technology, and readiness for five connected service subscription plans. A 10-speaker sound system was standard, with a 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium surround system available. The new Voice Assistant and Intelligent Assistant systems responded to natural voice commands, and the NX included a complimentary three-year trial subscription to its new Drive Connect service. Additional technologies included a digital mirror, a 10-inch head-up display, and a digital key capability.

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

The 2022 Lexus NX came standard with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which included advanced features like Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist, Oncoming Vehicle Detection, Oncoming Pedestrian Detection, and Curve Speed Management. The NX also featured an Emergency Driving Stop System, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and Safe Exit Assist technology. Premium trim added rear pedestrian detection, an adaptive front lighting system, semi-autonomous parking assist, and rear cross-traffic braking. The Vision Package included a panoramic view monitoring system, front cross-traffic alert, and lane-change assistance.