2024 Jeep Wrangler vs 2024 Lexus GX

When comparing the looks of the 2024 Jeep Wrangler and the 2024 Lexus GX, it was evident that each vehicle targeted a unique segment of the market with distinctive design philosophies.

The 2024 Jeep Wrangler maintained a classic, burly, body-on-frame appearance that appealed to off-road enthusiasts. With its redesigned grille—shorter and wider for better airflow—taken from the 2023 20th Anniversary edition of the Wrangler Rubicon, it retained its iconic look while integrating practical updates. Another meaningful enhancement was the windshield-integrated antenna, replacing the traditional one that often snagged on bushes and tree branches during off-road adventures. Additionally, the Wrangler offered 10 new wheel designs, providing more individuality for customers.

Jeep offered a variety of roof options, including a traditional soft-top, a full hard top, a retractable sunroof over the front seats, and even a power-retractable sunroof embracing the entire cabin. The flexibility to fold down the windshield and remove doors entirely, along with options for full doors, half doors, or tube doors from Mopar, highlighted the Wrangler's adaptable nature for rugged escapades.

In stark contrast, the 2024 Lexus GX underwent a substantial metamorphosis, getting rid of its softer, rounded corners for a sharper, geometric design that exuded a modern and aggressive look. The spindle grille, though still present, appeared less pronounced compared to its predecessors. The new front fascia featured standard triple-beam LED headlights and a more vertical stance, with the otherwise flat hood rising above each front wheel to aid in positional awareness while off-roading.

The GX's side profile appeared carved from a solid block of metal, maintaining a low window beltline to improve off-road visibility. Character lines were minimal and predominantly horizontal, contributing to a robust and sleek appearance. Running boards came standard, with powered units available on the Luxury+ trim.

Lexus provided the GX in six trim levels: Premium, Premium+, Luxury, Luxury+, and Overtrail and Overtrail+. The Overtrail versions prioritized off-road performance with 18-inch wheels fitted with 33-inch all-terrain tires, complemented by eco-friendly Nuluxe leatherette upholstery designed for hard-wearing conditions. The Luxury models boasted 22-inch wheels and additional comfort features like illuminated doorsills and ambient interior lighting.

Inside, all GX models featured a blend of luxury and utilitarian elements. The cabins had standard heated and ventilated front seats, with more durable polyurethane touchpoints and a flat, upright dashboard. A 14-inch touchscreen held center stage, surrounded by plenty of physical controls for off-road functions, climate adjustments, and stereo volume. This balance made the GX feel both luxurious and prepared for hard use.

The performance comparison between the 2024 Jeep Wrangler and the 2024 Lexus GX spotlighted distinct approaches tailored to differing driver preferences.

The 2024 Jeep Wrangler presented several engine choices. The entry-level engine was a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder delivering 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. For those leaning towards electric power, the plug-in hybrid version of the same engine offered an impressive 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. A middle-ground 3.6-liter V6 engine produced 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. The powerhouse of the lineup was a 6.4-liter V8 engine producing a robust 470 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque.

Jeep also offered multiple transfer cases catering to different levels of off-road capability. The Command-Trac four-wheel drive (4WD) system, available in the Sport and Sahara trims, provided basic 4WD functionality. The Selec-Trac full-time 4WD system was exclusive to the Wrangler 392, targeting those seeking speed. The Rubicon trim featured the Rock-Trac transfer case, available in both part-time and full-time 4WD.

Most Wrangler models came with an eight-speed automatic transmission, although a six-speed manual was available with the 3.6-liter engine. The Wrangler 4xe PHEV version stood out for its combination of a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo engine with electric motors, delivering 21 miles of all-electric range along with superior power and torque.

Solid front and rear axles ensured excellent articulation for off-roading, complemented by options like front and rear locking differentials and beefy BF Goodrich KO2 tires. Ride quality on pavement remained a drawback, but improvements in cabin sound deadening for 2024 helped counteract road noise.

Conversely, the 2024 Lexus GX ditched its previous V8 engine in favor of a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6. This engine produced 349 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque, with torque becoming available at low RPMs, making it easier to clear obstacles off-road.

The GX's 10-speed automatic transmission performed reliably and confidently, unlike the Toyota Tundra, which shared the same platform but exhibited less consistent transmission behavior. The GX came with standard full-time 4WD and a locking Torsen limited-slip center differential.

The Overtrail trims added a locking rear differential and featured Lexus’s Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (E-KDSS). This advanced system balanced off-road and on-road stability by adjusting the front and rear stabilizer bars as needed. This adjustment improved wheel articulation to 25 inches, ensuring all four wheels remained in contact with the ground during challenging off-road conditions.

During testing, the GX impressed with its balanced performance both on highways and rugged terrains. Despite weighing over 5,000 pounds, its brakes proved effective in favorable conditions, and cornering showed minimal body roll compared to older models. Although off-road capabilities couldn't be fully tested due to weather conditions, the GX's overall performance was commendable.

Examining the 2024 Jeep Wrangler and the 2024 Lexus GX in terms of form and function revealed notable strengths and limitations in each vehicle.

The 2024 Jeep Wrangler made a significant stride in functionality with its enhanced towing capacity, a leap from a modest 3,500 pounds to a robust 5,000 pounds. This improvement was achieved with a full-float solid rear axle, leveling up the towing capability for four-door Rubicon models equipped with gas-powered 2.0-liter or 3.6-liter engines, automatic transmission, and 33-inch tires. Unfortunately, this upgrade didn't extend to other models, which still maxed out at 3,500 pounds.

The Wrangler’s interior offered heated seats and a heated steering wheel, but ventilated seats were notably absent. The introduction of 12-way power-adjustable front seats was another welcomed enhancement for 2024, designed to function reliably even when submerged during off-road water fording. The Power Box, available in the 4xe, also stood out with its ability to power various accessories using the internal battery, providing utility often missing in traditional combustion engine vehicles.

On the other hand, the 2024 Lexus GX showcased a substantial revamp in interior design from its predecessor, veering towards a minimalist and sophisticated style. The interior streamlined the number of physical buttons while retaining essential controls like rotary knobs for climate settings and buttons for off-road features.

Space-wise, the GX provided ample room for up to six-foot-tall adults in the first and second rows, delivering 41.2 inches of legroom up front and 36.7 in the second row. However, the third row, available in Premium and Luxury models, was considerably tighter, best suited for children with its 31.7 inches of legroom.

In cargo capacity, the GX excelled with 10.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 40.2 cubic feet with the third row folded and a total of 76.9 cubic feet of cargo space. The Overtrail models, without a third-row option, provided even more room at 45.6 cubic feet behind the second row and a total of 90.5 cubic feet.

In comparison, the Wrangler’s enhanced towing capacity catered to those needing to haul trailers and equipment, while the GX's impressive cargo space supported bulkier luggage and gear, making each vehicle attractive for different practical needs.

The technological offerings in the 2024 Jeep Wrangler and the 2024 Lexus GX demonstrated how each vehicle catered to its target audience with advanced features and infotainment systems.

Every 2024 Jeep Wrangler featured a 12.3-inch center infotainment screen running Uconnect 5. This system had improved graphics and a user-friendly interface compared to predecessors. The plethora of USB-A and USB-C ports scattered throughout the cabin ensured devices stayed charged, while wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard.

A compelling update was the speed of the new system, particularly noticeable in the Off-Road Pages, which now loaded instantly. These pages provided comprehensive data such as transmission temperature, battery charge, pitch and roll gauges, and drivetrain indicators. The Trails Offroad feature offered detailed descriptions of over 200 trails with dual difficulty ratings, enhancing off-road adventures. Subscriptions expanded this database to 3,000 trails. The system also allowed recording and sharing of trails and included new features like a wireless hotspot, dual Bluetooth phone pairing, and storing up to five user profiles.

In the 2024 Lexus GX, a 14-inch touchscreen took center stage on the dash, complemented by USB-C ports and an available wireless charging pad for front-seat passengers. The Overtrail models came with extra USB-C ports for back-seat passengers, adding convenience. A 120-volt wall-style AC outlet in the trunk added further versatility.

The Lexus Interface infotainment system offered Wireless Apple CarPlay and Wireless Android Auto, alongside the Drive Connect subscription service featuring an intelligent voice assistant. Commands for navigation, climate control, and stereo could be managed simply by saying “Hey Lexus.” Drive Connect and Remote Connect services provided remote operations like locking, unlocking, ignition, and vehicle diagnostics with trials included for the first three years. After the trial, subscription costs ranged from $15 to $25 per month.

The GX came with a 10-speaker audio system standard, while higher trims offered an optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson stereo. The system was user-friendly and visually impressive, despite some features being locked behind subscription plans post-trial.

Both vehicles boasted state-of-the-art infotainment systems, but the Wrangler’s integration of off-road-specific features and faster system response gave it a slight edge for adventure seekers. Meanwhile, the GX's luxury tech and subscription-based features appealed to tech-savvy drivers who valued a premium driving experience.

The 2024 Jeep Wrangler and the 2024 Lexus GX showcased different approaches to safety, reflecting their unique use cases and design objectives.

The 2024 Jeep Wrangler made notable improvements by integrating first- and second-row side-curtain airbags. Forward collision warning became standard on all but the base model, while other advanced driver aids such as blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and park assist remained optional, except on the High Altitude and 392 models. However, the Wrangler continued to lack lane-keeping assist, lane-follow, or other highway assist features.

While the 2024 Jeep Wrangler hadn't been rated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) at the time, previous assessments showed room for improvement. The 2023 Wrangler earned four out of five stars for frontal crash protection and three stars for rollover protection. IIHS rated the four-door Wrangler as “Good” in roof strength and head restraints and seats but “Moderate” in frontal and side crashes. These ratings were expected to improve with the introduction of side-curtain airbags.

The 2024 Lexus GX experienced a significant upgrade in safety features with the inclusion of Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 as standard. This comprehensive array included pre-collision detection, avoidance, and braking systems, as well as adaptive cruise control with full stop-and-go capability. Lane-tracing assist, lane-departure warning with steering assist, and road-sign recognition also came standard. A new proactive driving assist feature enhanced safety by automatically braking during tighter highway turns when adaptive cruise control was engaged.

While neither IIHS nor NHTSA had crash-tested the 2024 GX, the new vehicle's modern GA-F architecture combined with a rich set of ADAS provided a confident sense of safety beyond previous models, which had lower safety ratings.

Overall, the Lexus GX stood out for its robust set of standard advanced safety features, although actual safety ratings were still awaited.