2024 Jeep Wrangler vs 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid, with its redesigned exterior, maintained a familiar aesthetic that was hard to distinguish from its non-hybrid counterparts. The RX 350h Luxury model, with its Iridium silver finish and 21-inch wheels, lacked any overt hybrid branding, which was a preference for those who appreciated subtlety in design. The RX 500h F Sport Performance, however, stood out with its Copper paint, blacked-out grille, and aggressive styling, signaling its performance-oriented nature. Despite its popularity, the RX's design was not universally praised, with critiques pointing to its front-heavy appearance and visually shortened rear end. Inside, the RX embraced a minimalist approach, featuring a new infotainment system and ambient lighting, with the RX 350h Luxury offering a luxurious interior with Macadamia leather and Ash Bamboo trim, while the RX 500h F Sport Performance opted for a sportier, all-black interior with artificial suede and aluminum accents.

In contrast, the 2024 Jeep Wrangler retained its iconic, rugged look, with a body-on-frame design that was consistent across its various models. The new grille, first seen on the 2023 Rubicon, was shorter and wider, enhancing engine airflow. The Wrangler offered a variety of roof options, from soft tops to power-retractable sunroofs, and the ability to remove doors and fold down the windshield for an open-air experience. The Wrangler's design was built for adventure, with features like integrated antennas to prevent snagging and a choice of 10 new wheel designs. While the Wrangler's exterior remained largely unchanged, its interior saw improvements in comfort and technology, with new power-adjustable seats and enhanced sound deadening for a quieter ride.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid offered a range of powertrains, with the RX 350h featuring a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 246 horsepower and 233 lb-ft of torque, achieving 36 mpg in combined driving. The RX 500h F Sport Performance, with its turbocharged 2.4-liter engine, delivered 366 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque, accelerating to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds, though it averaged only 20.9 mpg. The RX 500h's adaptive damping suspension and rear-wheel steering provided a dynamic driving experience, while the RX 350h's hybrid system offered a quieter, more fuel-efficient ride.

The 2024 Jeep Wrangler presented a diverse array of powertrains, from a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with 270 horsepower to a 6.4-liter V8 producing 470 horsepower. The 4xe PHEV combined a 2.0-liter engine with electric motors for 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque, offering 21 miles of all-electric range. The Wrangler's off-road capabilities were enhanced by various transfer cases and locking differentials, with the Rubicon trim featuring the Rock-Trac system for superior off-road performance. The Wrangler's solid axles provided excellent articulation, while the new Offroad+ mode optimized throttle and traction control for challenging terrains.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid excelled in comfort, with the RX 350h Luxury offering ten-way power-adjustable seats, premium leather, and a three-zone climate control system. The RX 500h F Sport Performance featured eight-way adjustable seats with larger bolsters and a sportier interior. The RX's battery placement under the rear seat improved leg support but limited headroom. Cargo space was generous, with 29.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 46.2 cubic feet with them folded, surpassing the previous model.

The 2024 Jeep Wrangler's interior focused on functionality, with new 12-way power-adjustable seats that remained operable even when submerged. The Wrangler's towing capacity increased to 5,000 pounds for specific models, thanks to a new rear axle design. The 4xe model included a 30-amp Power Box for powering accessories, enhancing its utility for outdoor adventures. Despite its rugged nature, the Wrangler's ride quality on pavement remained bumpy, though sound deadening improvements made the cabin quieter.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid introduced a new infotainment system, requiring subscription services for full functionality. The system featured a cloud-based navigation system and an Intelligent Assistant, though it had limitations in multitasking and screen reflections. The available head-up display with touch-sensing control pads was innovative but had usability issues with polarized sunglasses.

The 2024 Jeep Wrangler's Uconnect5 system, with a 12.3-inch screen, offered improved graphics and speed, especially for Off-Road Pages. Standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with multiple USB ports, enhanced connectivity. The Trails Offroad feature provided access to over 200 trails, with a subscription option for more. The system allowed for trail recording and sharing, catering to off-road enthusiasts.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid came equipped with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, featuring advanced driving assistance systems like motorcycle detection and evasive steering assistance. Proactive Driving Assist and Traffic Jam Assist offered additional safety features, though some, like the curve-speed reduction, were less favored. The RX's safety systems generally operated with accuracy, but certain features were hindered by polarized sunglasses.

The 2024 Jeep Wrangler added side-curtain airbags for the first time, with forward collision warning standard on most models. Optional safety features included blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control. The Wrangler's safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS were mixed, with improvements expected due to the new airbags.