2022 Jeep Wrangler vs 2021 Lexus RX

The 2021 Lexus RX showcased a modern design aesthetic with its large grille, angular headlamps, shapely body, and floating roof. Inside, it featured sumptuous seating with perforated leather upholstery, though the center console design was considered bland and dated. The RX was available in five variants, including the performance-focused RX F Sport and the extended-body RXL with a third row of seating. Standard exterior features included 18-inch aluminum wheels, LED lighting, and rear privacy glass, with available upgrades like 20-inch wheels and triple-beam LED headlights. The interior offered a range of amenities from standard NuLuxe-trimmed seats to available semi-aniline leather upholstery and heated second-row seats.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler, particularly the High Tide special edition, was based on the four-door Sport S trim and featured a raised suspension, LED exterior lighting, and a body-color hardtop with a Sunrider Fliptop. The High Tide stood out with its Xtreme Recon package, which included a 1.5-inch suspension lift, 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels, and 35-inch BF Goodrich tires. Inside, the Wrangler's seats were comfortable with durable cloth upholstery, but the interior was basic with plastic and rubber materials dominating. Visibility varied, with some areas offering excellent views and others being compromised by design elements like the 35-inch spare tire. Rear-seat passengers faced entry and exit difficulties but found agreeable accommodations once inside.

The 2021 Lexus RX, RXL, and RX F-Sport were 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 Hybrid models combined a 3.5-liter V6 with three electric motors, producing 308 horsepower. The front-wheel-drive RX 350 achieved 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway, while the RX Hybrid managed up to 31 mpg in the city. The RX offered a comfortable and dynamic driving experience, with the F Sport Handling package adding adaptive variable suspension and sportier features. The RX accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 7.7 to 7.9 seconds, depending on the drivetrain.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine with eTorque mild-hybrid electrification, producing 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. The eight-speed automatic transmission was a mandatory $4,000 option, and the Selec-Trac full-time 4WD system was included. The Wrangler's fuel economy was rated at 21 mpg combined, but real-world driving with the Xtreme Recon Package modifications resulted in an average of 16.8 mpg. The Wrangler's driving experience was unique and immersive, with a rough-and-tumble feel, loud cabin noise, and touchy brakes. It excelled in off-road conditions but required frequent fuel stops and constant steering corrections.

The 2021 Lexus RX was a highly functional SUV with seating for five in the two-row models and up to seven in the three-row RXL variants. Front and second-row seats offered ample space, while the third row was tight. Cargo space in the two-row RX was 18.4 cubic feet behind the second row and 56.3 cubic feet with the seats folded. The three-row RXL provided just 7.5 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 58.5 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. A power liftgate was standard, with a hands-free option available.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide's raised suspension made entry and exit challenging, especially for shorter individuals. The driver's seat had a manual height adjuster, but it required frequent re-adjustment. The Wrangler's seats were comfortable, and the interior featured durable materials with some padded spots. Visibility varied, with some areas offering excellent views and others being obstructed. Rear-seat passengers faced similar entry and exit difficulties but found agreeable accommodations once inside. Cargo space was 31.7 cubic feet behind the rear seat, expanding to 72.4 cubic feet with the rear seat folded. The tailgate was heavy due to the 35-inch spare tire, requiring caution when opening.

The 2021 Lexus RX came standard with dual-zone automatic climate control, an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, satellite radio, HD Radio, a WiFi hotspot, six USB ports, and a nine-speaker sound system. Upgrades included a 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless charging, navigation, and a 15-speaker Mark Levinson surround-sound system. The infotainment system featured a touchpad controller, which took up valuable center console space and was not as refined as competitors' systems. Steering-wheel controls were user-friendly, but the RX lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide, based on the Sport S trim, featured a 7-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The optional Uconnect 8.4 infotainment system offered upgrades like satellite radio, connected services, and an Alpine premium sound system. Our test vehicle included remote engine starting, satellite radio, passive keyless entry, and single-zone automatic climate control with a new air filtration system. The Cold Weather Group added heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, extending the open-air driving season.

The 2021 Lexus RX received the IIHS Top Safety Pick designation with Good marks on crashworthiness tests. The NHTSA rated the RX 350, RX 350L, and RX 450h with four out of five stars overall and five stars for side-impact crashworthiness. Standard safety features included a rearview camera, 10 airbags, enhanced vehicle stability control, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. The Lexus Safety System+ 2.0 suite included a pre-collision system, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and road sign assist. The RX lacked hands-off piloting-like software found in some competitors.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide included the Safety Group and Advanced Safety Group. The Safety Group added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking sensors. The Advanced Safety Group included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and automatic high-beam headlights. The Wrangler received a three-star rating for rollover resistance from the NHTSA and Marginal ratings from the IIHS for small overlap crash-test protection and side-impact test. Headlight performance was rated Poor for standard lights and Marginal for LED upgrades.