2023 Jeep Wrangler vs 2022 Lexus GX

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 Black Line Special Edition turned heads with its Black Onyx color, freed from chrome for a sleek, modern look. However, keeping it clean was a struggle as it quickly collected dust and looked worn. Despite being a 2022 model, its design looked anachronistic, reminiscent of the 2002 GX 470, although the latest version featured updated LED headlights and the signature Lexus spindle grille. Inside, the quality was unmistakably Lexus with refined, silky materials and a smooth, quiet environment, marred only by the GX’s outdated design cues.

Contrasting with the Lexus, the 2023 Jeep Wrangler JL emphasized ruggedness with its boxy, curve-free design. Available in two-door and four-door configurations, the Wrangler's design screamed off-road capability with hinges and latches drawing eyes to its no-nonsense aesthetic. Its windshield folded down and various top options allowed myriad open-air experiences, enhanced further by practical touches like wide fenders adorned with the American flag and accessible tailgate. Our tester, painted in the eye-catching new Reign purple color, combined functionality with flair. Inside, the Wrangler was practical, sporting a clean, straightforward dashboard with easy-to-clean materials but sorely lacking in comfort and storage amenities.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 was a hefty SUV, tipping the scales at 5,126 pounds and equipped with a 4.6-liter V8 engine producing 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of torque. It could tow up to 6,500 pounds and delivered a leisurely 7.8-second sprint to 60 mph. However, its shape—reminiscent of a shoebox—resulted in poor aerodynamics and a modest fuel economy of 16 mpg combined. The GX's Kinetic Dynamics Suspension System (KDSS) significantly enhanced its on-road stability and off-road maneuverability. Nevertheless, its steering was slow and heavy, and its brake pedal was overly sensitive, making smooth driving a challenge.

By comparison, the 2023 Jeep Wrangler catered to varied off-road preferences with a range of engines. The base V6 offered 285 horsepower, and the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder provided 270 horsepower. The Wrangler’s diesel engine produced 260 horsepower but a whopping 442 lb-ft of torque, while the Rubicon 392's 6.4-liter V8 cranked out 470 horsepower. A plug-in hybrid model, the 4xe, introduced electrification to the Wrangler lineup. Our review sample, the Rubicon 392, roared to life with exhilarating acceleration, hitting 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds and excelling off-road with a 58:1 crawl ratio. However, its on-road performance was hampered by inadequate brakes and vague steering, which took some getting used to.

Inside the 2022 Lexus GX, drivers found a commanding view from a 10-way power-adjustable seat. Its narrow width and short length made it easy to navigate various environments, although the steering was slow. The Black Line Special Edition’s NuLuxe upholstery, black ash wood trim, and heated and ventilated seats added comfort, though the narrow rear doors made access to the back seat cumbersome. The third row was uncomfortable for adults and raised cargo space issues. With all seats up, cargo capacity was a mere 11.6 cubic feet, expanding to 46.7 cubic feet with the third row down, and maxing out at 64.7 cubic feet with both rear rows stowed—limited by the high load floor and side-swinging tailgate.

In contrast, the 2023 Jeep Wrangler provided reasonable front seat comfort but lacked ventilated seats, even with the optional cold-weather package. Rear seating was cramped, and small-item storage was severely lacking. The Wrangler offered 72.4 cubic feet of total cargo space, slightly edged out by the Ford Bronco. Its various roof configurations, from removable hard top panels to the Sunrider and Sky One-Touch tops, provided versatile open-air experiences. Charging points were plentiful with USB-A, USB-C ports, and a 115-volt outlet, but storage was still a hindrance.

The 2022 Lexus GX showcased a much-needed 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Positioned at the center for easy access, it integrated Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and navigation. Though the old Remote Touch Interface remained, it was less essential for navigation. The system also included a CD player, WiFi hotspot, and Lexus Enform connected services. However, the stereo controls' odd placement below the off-roading controls and their shallow design detracted from usability.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler offered the latest Uconnect infotainment system on a 7-inch or an optional 8.4-inch touchscreen. Despite the initial complexity, Uconnect provided essential off-road information and seamless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. Off-road pages supplied crucial data like power distribution and pitch and roll, enhancing utility. While Jeep offered useful features like a forward-facing camera and auxiliary switches, it lacked more advanced digital functionalities, keeping the tech simple and effective.

The 2022 Lexus GX, structurally unchanged for over a decade, lacked comprehensive crash-test ratings. Lexus Safety System+ came standard, offering adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. Though equipped with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, it missed modern aids like lane-keeping assist and Level 2 semi-autonomous driving, focusing on simple yet effective safety measures.

Conversely, the 2023 Jeep Wrangler offered minimal standard safety features, with essentials like blind-spot monitoring and forward-collision warning available only on the top 392 model or through optional packages. The Wrangler received mixed safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, scoring moderately well in crash worthiness but poorly for headlight performance and rollover risk. Customizable safety settings and adaptive cruise control tried to fill some gaps, yet lane-keeping assist was notably absent.