2022 Jeep Wrangler vs 2023 Lexus GX

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler offered buyers a choice between the classic two-door or the more practical four-door model. Depending on the selection, buyers could choose from a variety of powertrains, including a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, gasoline V6, turbodiesel V6, gas V8, or plug-in hybrid. The standard six-speed manual transmission could be upgraded to an eight-speed automatic. Four-wheel drive (4WD) was standard, with multiple systems available depending on the trim level. The Wrangler came in four core trim levels: Sport, Sport S, Sahara, and Rubicon, with numerous special editions. The High Tide special edition, based on the four-door Sport S trim, added features like LED exterior lighting, a body-color hardtop with a Sunrider Fliptop, and a Gorilla Glass windshield. The Xtreme Recon package, standard on the High Tide, included a 1.5-inch suspension lift, 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels, and 35-inch BF Goodrich T/A KO2 tires.

The 2023 Lexus GX had a commanding presence with its huge spindle grille, 8.1 inches of ground clearance, and a total height of 74.2 inches. The GX Black Line Special Edition returned for 2023, limited to 3,000 units and available in three paint colors: Obsidian, Eminent White Pearl, and Nori Green Pearl. The GX’s dimensions seemed to shrink when viewed from the side, with a short 109.8-inch wheelbase and minimal overhangs. The interior, while featuring some luxury touches like heated and cooled front seats and a power-retracting steering wheel, was marred by a disappointing amount of plastic material. Despite this, the GX’s design leaned sleeker compared to Toyota’s current blocky designs, making it easier to place in technical driving situations.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide was equipped with a 3.6-liter V6 engine with eTorque mild-hybrid electrification, producing 285 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 260 pound-feet of torque at 4,800 rpm. The eight-speed automatic transmission was a mandatory $4,000 option, and the test vehicle also had the optional Selec-Trac full-time 4WD system. The EPA estimated 21 mpg in combined driving for the eTorque V6, but the Xtreme Recon Package modifications reduced this to an average of 16.8 mpg over a week of testing. The Wrangler’s driving experience was unique and immersive, with a rough-and-tumble feel, loud cabin noise, and frequent fuel stops. Despite these quirks, the Wrangler’s off-road capabilities and open-top driving experience made it a beloved choice for many.

The 2023 Lexus GX was defined by its 4.6-liter V8 engine, producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. While not the most powerful on paper, the V8 provided a satisfying linear power delivery and a distinctive sound. The GX had a 6,500-pound towing capacity but lagged behind other SUVs in fuel economy, with EPA estimates of 15 mpg city, 19 highway, and 16 combined. The GX’s weight made it roll through corners, but the roll felt predictable and controllable. The Torsen torque-sensing limited-slip differential and Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) enhanced its off-road capabilities, making it a user-friendly choice for various terrains.

Getting in and out of the 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide was challenging, especially with its raised suspension. The manual height adjuster for the driver’s seat required regular re-adjustment. The Wrangler’s seats were comfortable, with durable cloth upholstery and a mix of plastic and rubber interior materials. Visibility was a mixed bag, with some areas requiring leaning forward to see traffic lights and the 35-inch spare tire blocking part of the rear view. Rear-seat passengers faced similar entry and exit difficulties but found agreeable accommodations once inside. Storage options were limited, with a small tray on the dashboard, a deep center console box, and a narrow glove compartment. The tailgate, with the heavy 35-inch wheel, required caution when opening on hills or when parallel parked. The Wrangler Unlimited offered 31.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat, expandable to 72.4 cubic feet with the rear seat folded.

The 2023 Lexus GX offered plenty of cubby space for small items, with a deep center console bin, a handy space ahead of the shifter, and conveniently placed cupholders. The GX retained physical controls with hard buttons, making it easier to use than haptic-touch interfaces. The center console lid had sliding mechanisms for adjustable armrests, and the second row was comfortable with captain’s chairs or a three-across bench seat. However, the third row was too tight for regular use, suitable only for emergencies. The side-hinged trunk door required muscle to open and offered a narrow 11.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row. Folding the third row expanded the space to 46.7 cubic feet, and with both the second and third rows folded, the GX offered 64.7 cubic feet of cargo space.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide, based on Sport S trim, had a relatively basic infotainment system with a 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The optional Uconnect 8.4 infotainment system offered upgrades like satellite radio, connected services, and a navigation system, but the test vehicle’s setup was sufficient for most needs. Wind noise could affect Siri’s effectiveness. The Wrangler High Tide also 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.

The 2023 Lexus GX’s infotainment technology, revamped for the 2022 model year, already felt dated. The 10.3-inch touchscreen was an improvement, with integrations like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. The Lexus Remote Touch Interface (RTI) was still present but unnecessary due to the improved touchscreen. The GX included three years of Lexus Enform Remote and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium stereo. However, the touchscreen lagged, and the graphics were not as crisp as those in competing models. The GX’s off-road capabilities were impressive, with a real 4WD system, downhill assist, hill-start assist, traction control, and stability control. The Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) and Off-Road Package further enhanced its off-road performance.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide included both the Safety Group and the Advanced Safety Group. The Safety Group added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking sensors, while the Advanced Safety Group included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and automatic high-beam headlights. The Wrangler’s safety ratings were mediocre, with a three-star rating for rollover resistance from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Marginal ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in crash tests. The Wrangler’s safety features were optional rather than standard, and its ratings suggested it needed to be driven with extra care.

The 2023 Lexus GX had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, but it was originally engineered for the 2010 model year. Despite this, the GX included advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) like automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control, parking assist, and automatic high beams. While missing some top-end features, the GX’s safety features were significantly newer than its body design.