2022 Jeep Wrangler vs 2022 Lexus GX

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 Black Line Special Edition, evaluated in Black Onyx, was a striking vehicle that eradicated almost all chrome from its exterior, transforming it into a rolling black hole. Despite its modern touches like the signature Lexus spindle grille and triple-beam LED headlights, the GX still looked dated, reminiscent of its first-generation model from 2002. The interior, however, showcased Lexus's legendary craftsmanship with smooth, silky refinement and a quiet cabin, save for the faint roar of the standard V8 engine. The GX was available in Standard, Premium, and Luxury trims, with prices ranging from $56,700 to $66,210, including destination charges. The Black Line Special Edition, based on the GX 460 Premium, started at $60,535.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide special edition, based on the four-door Sport S trim, featured a body-color hardtop with a Sunrider Fliptop, LED exterior lighting, and a Gorilla Glass windshield upgrade. The standout feature was the Xtreme Recon package, which included a 1.5-inch suspension lift, 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels, and 35-inch BF Goodrich T/A KO2 tires. The Wrangler High Tide, equipped with a gasoline V6 engine with eTorque mild hybrid electrification, had an MSRP of $58,845, including the $1,595 destination charge. The Wrangler's rugged design and open-top driving experience made it a unique and immersive vehicle, though it came with compromises in comfort and refinement.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460, with a base curb weight of 5,126 pounds, was powered by a 4.6-liter V8 engine producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque at 3,500 rpm. This powertrain, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and a full-time 4WD system, allowed the GX to tow up to 6,500 pounds. Despite its tall and narrow design, the GX's Kinetic Dynamics Suspension System (KDSS) helped maximize wheel articulation off-road and reduce body motions on pavement. However, the GX's slow, heavy steering and touchy brake pedal made parking and driving in traffic challenging. The EPA fuel economy estimate was 16 mpg in combined driving, and the GX returned 16.8 mpg on the testing loop.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide, equipped with a 3.6-liter V6 engine with eTorque mild-hybrid electrification, produced 285 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 260 pound-feet of torque at 4,800 rpm. The eight-speed automatic transmission and Selec-Trac full-time 4WD system were mandatory options. The EPA estimated 21 mpg in combined driving, but the Xtreme Recon Package modifications resulted in an average of 17.6 mpg on the evaluation route and 16.8 mpg over a week of driving. The Wrangler's driving experience was unique and immersive, with a rough-and-tumble feel and a seemingly unquenchable thirst for fuel. The Wrangler's character and capabilities encouraged exploration and added a sense of excitement to the driving experience.

The 2022 Lexus GX offered an elevated driving position with a 10-way power-adjustable seat and clear outward visibility. The GX's tall, narrow, and short design made it easy to maneuver in various situations, though the slow steering required extra effort. The Black Line Special Edition featured NuLuxe upholstery, black ash wood trim, and a black headliner. The front seats were heated and ventilated, and the back seats were heated. However, the rear seat entry was tricky due to narrow door openings, and the third-row seat was challenging to access and uncomfortable for adults. The GX's cargo space was limited, with 11.6 cubic feet behind the third-row seat, 46.7 cubic feet with the third-row seat folded, and 64.7 cubic feet with the second-row seat folded.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide's raised suspension made entry and exit difficult, especially for shorter or less-limber individuals. The manual height adjuster for the driver's seat required regular re-adjustment. The Wrangler's seats were comfortable, and the cloth upholstery was durable. Visibility was a mixed bag, with excellent views in some areas and compromised views in others. The rear seat offered agreeable accommodations for two adults, but storage options were limited. The tailgate, with the 35-inch spare wheel, was heavy and required caution when opening. The Wrangler Unlimited provided 31.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat and 72.4 cubic feet with the rear seat folded.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 featured a new 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and navigation. The GX also had a CD player, a smartwatch-compatible Lexus app, and Lexus Enform connected services, including a WiFi hotspot. The stereo controls were awkwardly placed below the off-roading controls, making them harder to use. The infotainment display offered a dual-screen view, and the voice recognition technology was quick and accurate. The GX also included Intuitive Parking Assist, surround-view, and terrain-view cameras.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide, based on Sport S trim, had a 7-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The larger Uconnect 8.4 infotainment system, available as an option, offered satellite radio, connected services, and a navigation system. The Wrangler High Tide included remote engine starting, satellite radio, passive keyless entry, single-zone automatic climate control, and a new air filtration system. The Cold Weather Group added heated front seats and a heated steering wheel.

The 2022 Lexus GX, structurally a teenager, lacked crash-test ratings. However, it included Lexus Safety System+ with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. The GX also had blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safety Connect services with automatic collision notification and emergency calling. However, it lacked some modern safety technologies available in competitors.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide included the Safety Group with blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking sensors, and the Advanced Safety Group with 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. The Wrangler's headlight performance was rated Poor for standard lights and Marginal for LED upgrades.