2022 Jeep Wrangler vs 2022 Lexus RX

The 2022 Lexus RX was available in several trims, including the base 350, F Sport, and L for its gas powertrain, with a hybrid model known as the RX 450h. The RX 350 and F Sport accommodated five passengers, while the L trim offered a three-row, 7-passenger configuration. The RX's design, refreshed in 2020, maintained a modern and sporty appearance, standing out with its aggressive styling among competitors like the Audi Q5 and BMW X5. The exterior featured sharp character lines and angular elements, creating a striking yet balanced design. The F Sport trim, in particular, added a performance-oriented look with 20-inch wheels and unique front fascia, enhancing its sporty appeal.

Inside, the RX continued the luxury theme with a variety of color combinations and materials, including NuLuxe synthetic leather and Scored Aluminum in the F Sport models. Despite the high-quality feel, the center stack appeared dated, and the seats, especially in the F Sport, lacked comfort and adjustability. The limited-edition Black Line trim offered exclusive styling elements and was available in a limited number of units. Overall, the RX provided a high-fashion exterior and a luxurious interior, though some aspects of comfort and design felt outdated.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler offered a choice between the classic two-door and the more practical four-door models, with various powertrains including a turbocharged four-cylinder, gasoline V6, turbodiesel V6, gas V8, and plug-in hybrid. The Wrangler came in four core trims: Sport, Sport S, Sahara, and Rubicon, with numerous special editions like the High Tide model. This special edition, based on the four-door Sport S trim, included features like LED exterior lighting, a body-color hardtop, and the Xtreme Recon package with a suspension lift and 35-inch tires.

The Wrangler's interior was basic, with durable cloth upholstery and a driving position that required acclimation. Visibility varied, with some areas offering excellent views while others were compromised. Rear-seat passengers faced entry and exit challenges but found comfortable accommodations once inside. Storage options were limited, and the tailgate, with its heavy spare tire, required careful handling. Despite its rugged nature, the Wrangler provided a unique and immersive driving experience, appealing to those seeking adventure and off-road capability.

The 2022 Lexus RX 350 was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, while the hybrid RX 450h combined the V6 with electric motors for a total of 308 horsepower. All RX models featured an eight-speed automatic transmission, with front-wheel drive standard on the RX 350 and all-wheel drive available. The hybrid RX came exclusively with all-wheel drive. Despite the F Sport designation, the RX lacked true sporty performance, with an engine note more akin to a turbocharged four-cylinder and unimpressive acceleration. The F Sport Handling package added features like adaptive variable suspension and a Sport+ drive mode, but the changes in driving dynamics were minimal.

The RX excelled in comfort and cabin quietness, providing a smooth ride and isolating road noise effectively. Fuel efficiency for the RX 350 was estimated at 20 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined, with slight variations for all-wheel drive and the three-row L model. The RX 450h hybrid offered better fuel economy, with 30 mpg combined. Overall, the RX prioritized comfort and efficiency over performance.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine with eTorque mild-hybrid electrification, producing 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. The eight-speed automatic transmission was a mandatory option, and the Selec-Trac full-time 4WD system was included. The Wrangler's fuel economy was rated at 21 mpg combined, but real-world driving with the Xtreme Recon Package resulted in lower figures, averaging 16.8 mpg over a week of testing.

The Wrangler's driving experience was unique, with a rough ride, vague steering, and a noisy cabin. However, these traits were part of its charm, offering an immersive and adventurous experience. The Wrangler excelled off-road, providing a sense of freedom and exploration. Despite its shortcomings in comfort and refinement, the Wrangler's character and capabilities made it a beloved choice for off-road enthusiasts.

The 2022 Lexus RX offered a spacious interior with 99.8 cubic feet of passenger volume in the standard two-row configuration, comfortably seating four adults. The three-row L models shared the same wheelbase, resulting in limited space for the third row. Cargo space in the standard RX was 16.0 cubic feet behind the second row, expanding to 32.6 cubic feet with the seats folded. The L models offered 7.45 cubic feet with all seats up, increasing to 58.48 cubic feet with both rear rows down. The RX featured thoughtful interior elements like a smartphone slot and adjustable-height cup holder, though the rear seats did not fold completely flat.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide's raised suspension made entry and exit challenging, especially for shorter individuals. The interior featured durable cloth upholstery and a driving position close to the steering wheel and windshield. Visibility varied, with some areas offering excellent views and others requiring adjustments. Rear-seat passengers faced similar entry challenges but found comfortable seating once inside. Storage options were limited, with a small center console and glove compartment. The tailgate, with its heavy spare tire, required careful handling, and the cargo space measured 31.7 cubic feet behind the rear seat, expanding to 72.4 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2022 Lexus RX came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen display, with a 12.3-inch version available as an option. The touchscreens were positioned atop the center stack, creating ergonomic challenges. The infotainment system offered voice commands and a touchpad, though the latter was difficult to use. The RX included features like six USB ports, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration, wireless charging, and a WiFi hotspot. Additional amenities included heated and ventilated seats, a premium audio system, and the Lexus App for remote engine start and vehicle settings.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide, based on the Sport S trim, featured a 7-inch touchscreen display with Bluetooth connectivity and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The optional Uconnect 8.4 infotainment system offered upgrades like satellite radio and a premium sound system, but the basic setup met most needs. The Wrangler included options like remote engine starting, satellite radio, and single-zone automatic climate control. The Cold Weather Group added heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, enhancing comfort for open-air driving.

The 2022 Lexus RX came equipped with the Lexus Safety System 2.0+, which included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, road-sign recognition, and a pre-collision system. Additional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a head-up display. The RX was named a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS when equipped with optional headlights but received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide included the Safety Group and Advanced Safety Group, adding features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. The Wrangler received a three-star rating for rollover resistance from the NHTSA and a Marginal rating in IIHS testing, indicating safety was not its strong suit.