2023 Jeep Wrangler vs 2022 Lexus NX

When the redesigned 2022 Lexus NX went on sale in December 2021, it offered four model series: NX 250, NX 350, NX 350h, and NX 450h+. Available trims 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 NX 350 were not electrified, while the NX 350h was a hybrid and the NX 450h+ featured plug-in hybrid capabilities.

The NX 350 in F Sport and Luxury trims highlighted the company’s focus on design. Unmistakably a Lexus, the NX sported the iconic spindle grille, block lettering on the tailgate, and overall styling aligned with the Lexus IS sports sedan. Larger dimensions afforded more passenger and cargo space compared to its predecessor. Most NX models featured NuLuxe simulated leather, with the Luxury trim boasting real leather and open-pore wood trim. A panoramic sunroof was available for the first time.

The NX 350 F Sport distinguished itself with a mesh-pattern grille, body-color fender trim, 20-inch gloss black wheels, and black mirrors. Inside, it featured sport-bolstered seats, a black headliner, a unique F Sport steering wheel, dark interior trim, and alloy pedals. Unlike its predecessor, the 2022 NX adopted a minimalist interior design, keeping physical controls to a minimum and integrating many functions into a 14-inch touchscreen. This simplification, while sleek, occasionally made it difficult to quickly find and use some features. Notably, the electronic shifter on the center console was easy to acclimate to. Although overall quality was high, the turn signal felt somewhat inexpensive.

Conversely, the 2023 Jeep Wrangler JL generation stayed true to its rugged, angular design, available in two-door and four-door Unlimited versions. The Wrangler’s windshield folded down for an open-air experience, and the optional Dual-Door Group added half doors. Trademark features included wide fenders, a seven-slot grille, round headlights, and exterior hood latches. The tailgate swung out and the rear glass lifted for easy cargo access. A limited-edition Reign purple paint and new Earl gray color added unique touches in 2023.

Inside, the Wrangler focused on practicality, boasting easy-to-clean floor mats and seats, a body-colored dash, chunky HVAC controls, and a manual transfer case shifter. Jeep’s emphasis was on function rather than luxury, making it less suitable for those seeking ambient lighting or massaging seats.

Electrification was a key focus for the 2022 Lexus NX. The NX 350h combined 239 horsepower with an EPA-estimated 39 mpg, while the NX 450h+ offered 302 horsepower, a 36-mile all-electric range, and seamless gas-electric hybrid operation. The NX 350 featured a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and standard all-wheel drive (AWD).

On the road, the NX 350 F Sport’s adaptive variable sports suspension and 20-inch wheels provided a taut, responsive feel, while the Luxury trim favored comfort. Both trims reached 60 mph in 6.6 seconds, with the F Sport achieving observed fuel economy of 22.2 mpg and the Luxury 25.5 mpg. Lexus estimated 25 mpg combined for the NX 350. However, the 2.4-liter engine was less refined compared to German rivals, and the NX was not designed for off-roading, offering just 7.7 inches of ground clearance and shallow approach and departure angles.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler thrived off-road with solid axles, optional differential lockers, and an array of engine choices. Standard engines included a 285-hp V6 and a 270-hp turbocharged four-cylinder. Torque enthusiasts could opt for a 260-hp Ecodiesel V6 with 442 lb-ft of torque, while thrill-seekers favored the 470-hp Rubicon 392 with a 6.4-liter V8. The Wrangler 4xe, a plug-in hybrid, offered 21 miles of electric range.

The Wrangler Rubicon 392 featured in the review excelled in off-road performance, boasting 35-inch BFGoodrich KO2 All-Terrain tires, 17-inch wheels, a Selec-Trac transfer case with a low range, and an optional Xtreme Recon package with a 58:1 crawl ratio. On-road, however, the 392’s brakes and steering were less impressive, with underwhelming stopping power and vague steering. Other Wrangler trims had better-suited brakes and somewhat more precise steering.

The 2022 Lexus NX improved interior space but felt more intimate due to its new dashboard design. Front seats, particularly in F Sport trim, were comfortable with heating and ventilation options, and thoughtfully padded for the driver. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed roominess, air vents, heated cushions, and USB ports. Lexus claimed a 14% increase in cargo space, resulting in 22.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 46.9 cubic feet with seats folded.

In contrast, the Jeep Wrangler’s front seats were comfortable but lacked ventilation. The four-door model’s rear seat theoretically accommodated three people, though space was tight and access challenging due to small rear doors. Storage for small items was limited, with tiny glove and center boxes. Larger cargo space measured 72.4 cubic feet with rear seats folded, slightly beaten by the Ford Bronco. Wrangler’s flexibility shined with removable tops, including a hard top, Sunrider soft top, and the easily operated Sky One-Touch power soft top.

Wrangler provided ample charging points, with USB-A and USB-C ports in the front and rear, plus several 12-volt outlets and a 115-volt outlet in the center console.

The 2022 Lexus NX showcased advanced technology with its new Lexus Interface infotainment system. Users could enjoy large touchscreen displays, natural voice recognition, cloud-based features, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 9.8-inch touchscreen was standard, while a 14-inch screen was optional. The system banished the unpopular Remote Touch Interface, offering modern conveniences such as intelligent voice and navigation assistance, over-the-air updates, User Profiles, and digital key capability.

However, the large touchscreen rapidly collected fingerprints and dust, and the display cast reflections in bright light. The absence of a tuning knob was puzzling, given its presence in other Lexus models.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler featured a simpler approach with a 7-inch Uconnect touchscreen standard and an 8.4-inch optional. The system was initially overwhelming but proved intuitive with icons for various features. Jeep’s off-road pages provided detailed information for enthusiasts. While it included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the Wrangler lacked more advanced tech features like digital keys or comprehensive over-the-air updates.

The 2022 Lexus NX incorporated the comprehensive Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 (LSS+ 3.0), offering modern driver assistance and collision avoidance features. New additions included Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist, Oncoming Vehicle Detection, Oncoming Pedestrian Detection, and Curve Speed Management. The Emergency Driving Stop System provided additional safety by halting the vehicle if the driver became unresponsive. Premium trims added further safety enhancements like adaptive lighting, semi-autonomous parking assist, and additional cross-traffic alert systems.

Jeep Wrangler’s safety features were less impressive. Standard equipment included a rearview camera, electronic roll mitigation, and stability control. Advanced features like blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and rear cross-traffic alert were standard only on the Rubicon 392, and optional on other trims. Lane-keeping assist was not available. The Wrangler received mixed ratings from the IIHS and a four-star frontal crash rating from the NHTSA, with a three-star rollover rating.