2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe vs 2021 Lexus GX

The 2021 Lexus GX retained its rugged and aggressive exterior styling, a testament to its decade-long presence in the market. Despite its age, the GX's design remained coherent, with the massive spindle grille and triple-beam LED headlights adding to its distinctive look. However, the interior did not match the modern luxury standards, with wood trim that felt like plastic and an abundance of actual plastic materials. While leather upholstery was standard, the overall interior ambiance was not as refined as expected from a luxury SUV.

In contrast, the 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe made a statement with its unique plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) features, such as the silent operation when running on electric power alone. The Wrangler 4xe maintained the classic Wrangler look, with minimal differences from the regular model, aside from the power port and blue accents. Inside, the Wrangler 4xe offered a familiar, utilitarian interior with some modern touches like blue seat stitching and special PHEV-related displays. The interior was practical, with robust grab handles and a straightforward layout, but it lacked the luxury and refinement found in other SUVs.

The 2021 Lexus GX was powered by a 4.6-liter V8 engine, delivering 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. While the V8 provided ample power for initial acceleration, the GX's hefty 5,130-pound weight made higher-speed maneuvers feel sluggish. The SUV's body-on-frame construction contributed to a less refined ride quality, with noticeable body roll and low grip in corners. However, the GX excelled in off-road capability, featuring a Torsen center differential, a standard 4WD system with a low range, and several driver aids for off-road adventures. It also boasted a towing capacity of 6,500 pounds.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe combined a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors and a 17-kilowatt-hour battery pack, producing a total of 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. The Wrangler 4xe offered three powertrain modes: Hybrid, Electric, and e-Save, allowing drivers to optimize power and efficiency. In Hybrid mode, the Wrangler 4xe could accelerate to 60 mph in six seconds. The PHEV system provided an estimated 21 miles of electric driving range and a total range of 370 miles. The Wrangler 4xe's off-road prowess was enhanced by its upgraded 4WD system with electronic lockers, making it a capable off-roader.

The 2021 Lexus GX's interior design showed its age, with limited legroom due to the upright dashboard and high center console. The steering wheel's odd angle and tall seating position added to the bus-like driving feel. While the GX offered excellent outward visibility, the third-row seating was cramped and difficult to access. Cargo space was limited, with only 64.7 cubic feet available with the second and third rows folded, making it more suitable as a two-row SUV.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe's interior was designed for practicality, with high door sills and grab handles aiding entry and exit. The driving position was classic Wrangler, offering a clear view over the hood and fenders. While storage space was limited due to the center console's layout, rear-seat passengers enjoyed amenities like air conditioning vents and USB ports. Cargo volume measured 27.7 cubic feet behind the back seat, with a maximum of 72.4 cubic feet when the rear seat was folded.

The 2021 Lexus GX was light on tech features, lacking Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The standard infotainment system had outdated graphics and limited functionality, but analog controls provided a straightforward interface. The available 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system was a highlight, but overall, the GX's tech offerings were minimal.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe featured a comprehensive Uconnect infotainment system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and navigation. The system was intuitive but showed signs of aging in terms of load time and graphics. The Wrangler 4xe also provided helpful data displays related to its PHEV powertrain, including charging status indicators.

The 2021 Lexus GX came with the Lexus Safety System+ bundle, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. However, it lacked some advanced safety features found in other Lexus models. The GX had not been rated by NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe offered advanced driving assistance systems, including blind-spot warning and adaptive cruise control. The Wrangler's LED headlights received a Marginal rating from IIHS, and the SUV had a four-star frontal-impact rating from NHTSA. However, the Wrangler's small-overlap frontal-impact protection for the driver was rated Marginal, with the vehicle tipping over in tests.