2023 Jeep Wrangler vs 2023 Lexus RX

The 2023 Lexus RX showcased a refreshed, sleek design that leaned towards modern sophistication. It had a shorter height but broader width and extended wheelbase compared to its predecessor. Although its overall length remained the same, the reduction in rear overhang and softer design lines made the car appear smaller, both in photos and in person. The floating roof effect, achieved by the down-sloping black trim on the rear pillar, imparted a modern but slightly stubby look.

Its spindle-style grille was meticulously integrated into the design, offering a modern mesh texture that flowed seamlessly into an elevated hood, sweeping elegantly into the windshield pillars. The body sides mirrored the design philosophy of the Lexus IS sedan, eventually flaring into pronounced rear fenders. The rear was dominated by a light-blade taillight design, block lettering spelling out ‘Lexus,’ and a sporty bumper with simulated air vents.

In contrast, the 2023 Jeep Wrangler maintained its iconic, rugged aesthetic. The Wrangler JL generation retained its classic box-like appearance with minimal curves, designed for those who relish adventure and durability. Available in both two-door and four-door Unlimited versions, the Wrangler allowed for extreme versatility, including removable doors and the optional Dual-Door Group for improved visibility. The windshield could be folded down for an immersive off-road experience.

Adorning the front were Jeep's hallmarks: the seven-slot grille, round headlights, and exterior hood latches. The American flag on the front fenders added a patriotic touch. At the rear, the swing-out tailgate and lift-up rear glass facilitated easy access to the cargo area. Unique paint options like the vivid limited-edition Reign purple and Earl gray with aquamarine highlights added distinct flair.

For the 2023 Lexus RX, during a media event in Santa Maria, California, two versions of the RX 350 were put to the test: one with AWD in Luxury trim and 21-inch wheels, and the other with F Sport Handling trim, AWD, and adaptive damping suspension. Both versions were powered by a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The turbo-four engine provided more torque compared to the outgoing 3.5-liter V6, albeit with a less refined sound at high revs.

The RX 350 Luxury trim occasionally exhibited torque steer and excessive body motion on undulating roads, though it generally offered a smooth ride. The F Sport Handling model, especially in Sport mode, felt more stable and eliminated most unwanted motions thanks to its adaptive suspension. Performance figures suggested that the RX 350 AWD could reach 60 mph in 7.2 seconds, while the FWD variant did it in 7.5 seconds. Fuel economy expectations were 25 mpg for FWD and 24 mpg for AWD, though real-world results were slightly lower.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler offered a plethora of engine options for various off-road preferences. The standard V6 engine provided 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, whereas a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder delivered 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were available with either an eight-speed automatic or a six-speed manual transmission.

For torque aficionados, the 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 churned out 260 horsepower and a substantial 442 pound-feet of torque. The high-performance Wrangler Rubicon 392 came with a 6.4-liter V8 engine producing a thrilling 470 horsepower and torque, capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds. The plug-in hybrid Wrangler 4xe offered a balanced mix with two electric motors and a 17.3 kWh battery pack, providing 21 miles of electric-only range.

The off-road prowess of the Wrangler was highlighted by different transfer cases, such as the Selec-Trac with a 2.72 low range or the Rock-Trac with a 4:1 low range in the Rubicon. The Xtreme Recon package took it further with a crawl ratio of 58:1, essential for tackling severe terrains. However, on-road performance, especially in the 392, was hindered by weak brakes and vague steering, necessitating cautious driving.

Inside the 2023 Lexus RX, comfort was paramount. The RX 350 Luxury featured semi-aniline leather upholstery, 10-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, and a heated, power-adjustable leather-and-wood steering wheel. The Peppercorn interior color, suede door panel accents, and open-pore black wood trim enhanced its modern aesthetic. The RX 350 F Sport Handling's cabin was more sport-oriented, with Black NuLuxe simulated leather seats, Dark Graphite trim, and optional Rioja Red NuLuxe. Despite the tight seat bolsters, overall comfort was commendable, though taller passengers might find the back seat headroom limiting.

Storage in the RX was practical, with significant improvements over previous models. Cargo space behind the rear seat measured 29.6 cubic feet, expanding to 46.2 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The Jeep Wrangler's interior was functional but lacked some comforts. The front seats were adequate but lacked ventilated options unless opting for the 392 trim. The rear seats were tight, especially in the four-door models, with small rear doors making entry and exit challenging. Storage for small items was limited due to the flat dash and small glovebox and center console. Cargo space was decent at 72.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, though still outclassed by competitors like the Bronco.

The Wrangler excelled in offering open-air experiences with various top options, including a hard top, Sunrider, and Sky One-Touch power soft top. Each provided unique ways to enjoy the outdoors, though the Sky One-Touch retained a glass rear window, which some might find less immersive.

In the 2023 Lexus RX, the new Lexus Interface system became a highlight, featuring either a 9.8-inch or a 14-inch touchscreen. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and numerous connected services with varying trial periods. Drive Connect was a notable inclusion, offering Destination Assist and an Intelligent Assistant for natural voice recognition commands. Transparent user profiles and music streaming services like Apple Music and Amazon Music bolstered its appeal. The Mark Levinson 21-speaker sound system provided excellent audio quality, though requiring some tweaking.

The system's drawbacks included the inability to view multiple data panels simultaneously, a step back from previous Lexus tech. Also standard were digital instrumentation, Digital Latch door handles, and optional features like a digital rearview mirror, color HUD, and digital key smartphone technology. However, issues with the HUD's visibility under certain conditions were noted.

The Jeep Wrangler featured the Uconnect infotainment system, standard with a 7-inch touchscreen but our tester had the optional 8.4-inch screen. Despite initial overwhelming options, Uconnect was user-friendly, offering off-road pages detailing power distribution, temperatures, and GPS coordinates. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were present, ensuring seamless smartphone integration. Beyond essential tech, Wrangler included practical additions like auxiliary switches for aftermarket accessories and a forward-facing camera for off-road adventures.

Lexus equipped the RX with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). Key features included motorcycle detection, evasive steering assist, intersection turn assist, and curve speed-reduction with adaptive cruise control. Proactive Driving Assist, Traffic Jam Assist, and Advanced Park Assist were notable new entries. However, issues with HUD visibility and curve-speed reduction could hinder user experience.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler fell short in terms of standard safety features. Across all trims, only the rearview camera, electronic roll mitigation, and stability control were mandatory. Higher trims offered additional features like blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control as part of optional packages. The IIHS ratings showed mixed results, with some trims receiving Poor ratings for headlights. NHTSA gave the Wrangler four stars for frontal crash tests and three stars for rollover, with no side crash rating.