2022 Jeep Wrangler vs 2022 Lexus NX

When the redesigned 2022 Lexus NX went on sale in December 2021, it was available in four model series: NX 250, NX 350, NX 350h, and NX 450h+. Depending on the model, trim levels included base, Premium, F Sport, and Luxury, with base prices ranging from $37,950 to $49,000, excluding the $1,075 destination charge. The NX 250 and turbocharged NX 350 were not electrified, while the NX 350h was a hybrid, and the NX 450h+ was a plug-in hybrid based on the Toyota Rav4 Prime. The review focused on the turbocharged NX 350 in F Sport and Luxury trims.

Design was a key focus for Lexus, and the NX featured a distinctive spindle grille and new block lettering on the tailgate. The 2022 model was longer, wider, and taller than its predecessor, offering more passenger and cargo space. Most NX models had NuLuxe simulated leather, while the NX Luxury included real leather and open-pore wood trim. The NX 350 F Sport stood out with a unique mesh-pattern grille, body-color fender trim, 20-inch gloss black wheels, and black mirrors. Inside, it featured sport-bolstered seats, a black headliner, and unique instrumentation. The interior design was minimalist, with many functions integrated into the available 14-inch touchscreen, which could be confusing for drivers initially. However, physical controls for frequently used functions remained, and the quality levels were generally high.

When shopping for a new Jeep Wrangler, buyers had to decide between the classic two-door or the more practical four-door model. Engine options included a turbocharged four-cylinder, gasoline V6, turbodiesel V6, gas V8, or plug-in hybrid powertrain. The turbo-four and V6 engines came standard with a six-speed manual transmission, with an eight-speed automatic as an upgrade. 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. Prices ranged from about $30,000 to $80,000, excluding the destination charge. The test vehicle was the new High Tide special edition model, based on the four-door Sport S trim, and included features like LED exterior lighting, a body-color hardtop with a Sunrider Fliptop, and a Gorilla Glass windshield. The High Tide also came with the Xtreme Recon package, which included a 1.5-inch suspension lift, 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels, 35-inch BF Goodrich T/A KO2 tires, and a 4.56 rear axle ratio. The test vehicle had a gasoline V6 engine with eTorque mild hybrid electrification, an automatic transmission, Selec-Trac full-time 4WD, and several option packages, bringing the MSRP to $58,845, including the $1,595 destination charge.

Electrification was a key focus for Lexus, and the 2022 NX offered two electrified versions. The NX 350h had a combined output of 239 horsepower and an EPA-estimated 39 mpg in combined driving. The NX 450h+ was a 302-hp plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) with an estimated 36 miles of pure electric range. The NX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder gas engine producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive (AWD). The NX 250 had a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine generating 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, with front-wheel drive (FWD) and an optional AWD.

The NX 350 F Sport added Sport S, Sport+, and Custom modes, along with an adaptive variable sports suspension and 20-inch wheels. The F Sport felt taut and lean on winding roads, while the NX 350 Luxury offered a softer driving character. Lexus claimed a 0-60 mph time of 6.6 seconds for the NX 350, with observed fuel economy of 22.2 mpg for the F Sport and 25.5 mpg for the Luxury. The NX 350 had a combined EPA estimate of 25 mpg. The new NX was a dynamic improvement over the previous model, but the turbocharged 2.4-liter engine didn't sound as refined as those in German rivals. Handling was impressive, with the F Sport better isolating impacts from sharp bumps. The NX had 7.7 inches of ground clearance, a 16-degree approach angle, and a 25-degree departure angle, limiting its off-road capabilities.

The Wrangler High Tide had 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 had the optional Selec-Trac full-time 4WD system. The EPA estimated 21 mpg in combined driving for the Wrangler Unlimited with the eTorque V6, but the Xtreme Recon Package modifications reduced this to an observed 17.6 mpg on the evaluation route and 16.8 mpg over a week and 435 miles of driving.

Driving a Wrangler was a unique and immersive experience, with loud cabin noise, vague steering, a rough ride, touchy brakes, and a tendency to squeal or spin tires around corners. Despite these traits, the Wrangler was loved for its off-road capabilities and the sense of freedom it provided. The Wrangler's character and capabilities heightened awareness and encouraged exploration, sparking a wide range of human responses from joy to irritation. The Wrangler was about escaping the daily grind and feeling free, but it required compromises in comfort, convenience, and refinement.

The new NX offered more interior room for people and cargo, but it felt more intimate and cozy from the driver's seat. The NX was comfortable, especially with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The F Sport trim had better-bolstered front seats, and Lexus thoughtfully padded the driver's door panel and center console. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed roomy accommodations, with rear air conditioning vents, heated cushions, and USB ports. The NX's panoramic glass sunroof extended over the back seat. The Luxury trim included a Thematic Ambient Illumination system with 14 themes, but this was not tested. The NX had 22.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seat, increasing to 46.9 cubic feet with the back seats folded down.

Getting into and out of a Jeep Wrangler was tough, especially with the High Tide's raised suspension. Shorter, less-limber people struggled, and the manual height adjuster for the driver's seat required regular re-adjustment. The Wrangler's seats were comfortable, with durable cloth upholstery and some soft, padded spots for arms and elbows. The driving position was close to the steering wheel, dashboard, and windshield, requiring acclimation. Visibility was mixed, with good views in some areas and compromised views in others. Rear-seat passengers faced the same entry and exit difficulties, but once aboard, they had agreeable accommodations with air conditioning vents, cupholders, and large grab handles. Storage was limited, with netting on the lower door panels, a small tray on the dashboard, a deep center console box, and a narrow glove compartment. The tailgate was heavy due to the 35-inch wheel, and opening it on hills or when parallel parked required caution. The Wrangler Unlimited had 31.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat, increasing to 72.4 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down.

The new Lexus Interface infotainment system was a significant improvement, with large touchscreen displays, natural voice recognition, music streaming, and cloud-based features. A 9.8-inch touchscreen was standard, with a 14-inch screen optional. Both versions included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Voice Assistant technology, and readiness for five connected service subscription plans. A 10-speaker sound system was standard, with a 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium surround system optional. The new Voice Assistant and Intelligent Assistant systems responded to either front-seat occupant, with a complimentary three-year trial subscription to Drive Connect service. Additional technologies included a digital mirror, a 10-inch head-up display, and a digital key capability. However, the 14-inch touchscreen collected fingerprints and dust, and there was no tuning knob.

The 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 offered upgrades like satellite radio, connected services, and a navigation system, but the test vehicle didn't have these. 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 NX included the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 (LSS+ 3.0) collection of technologies, with features like Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist, Oncoming Vehicle Detection, Oncoming Pedestrian Detection, and Curve Speed Management. The Emergency Driving Stop System brought the NX to a stop if the driver was unresponsive. The NX also had standard blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and Safe Exit Assist technology. Premium trim added rear pedestrian detection, an adaptive front lighting system, rain-sensing wipers, semi-autonomous parking assist, and rear cross-traffic braking. The Vision Package included a panoramic view monitoring system, front cross-traffic alert, and lane-change assistance.

The Wrangler High Tide included the Safety Group and the 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 had a three-star rating for rollover resistance from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a Marginal rating for protection in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) small overlap crash-test evaluation. The Wrangler also received a Marginal rating in the new side-impact test and Poor ratings for headlight performance.