2024 Jeep Wrangler vs 2024 Lexus TX

The 2024 Jeep Wrangler continued to embody the rugged, iconic appearance that had long been associated with its name. Every model, regardless of the powertrain or off-road capability, shared a burly, body-on-frame aesthetic that spoke volumes about its adventurous intent. The more discerning eye could catch sight of larger tires on the more capable models like the new Rubicon X and Rubicon 392 trims, but the Wrangler's general look remained consistent across the lineup.

A significant update for this model year was a redesigned grille, initially introduced on the 2023 20th Anniversary edition of the Wrangler Rubicon. This new grille was shorter and wider, aiming to increase airflow into the engine bay. Another noteworthy upgrade was the antenna integrated into the windshield, a design change that reduced issues commonly encountered with the traditional antenna snagging on bushes and tree branches during off-roading excursions. Moreover, drivers had the liberty to select from 10 new wheel designs, further customizing their Wrangler.

In keeping with its robust outdoor nature, the Wrangler provided various roof options. These ranged from the classic soft-top and full hard top to more innovative choices like a hard top with a retractable sunroof over the front seats or a power-retractable sunroof extending over the entire cabin. Flexibility extended beyond the roof, with the ability to fold down the windshield and remove the doors completely. Options for full doors, half doors, or Mopar tube doors were available to suit individual preferences and needs.

For 2024, Lexus introduced the TX, an SUV built on the Toyota Grand Highlander platform yet distinct enough to be recognized as a luxury vehicle. The TX exuded a sense of upscale refinement, contrasting with the Grand Highlander, which bore a closer resemblance to a larger RAV4. Our test model, the Luxury trim, featured striking 22-inch wheels in a silver finish, a premium choice that significantly enhanced the SUV's visual appeal and assertive presence.

Stylistically, the TX took a more restrained approach compared to other Lexus models. This resulted in a more conservative, almost anonymous appearance, which could be appealing to those who found previous Lexus designs overly bold. The TX came in three model series: TX 350, TX 500h F Sport Performance, and TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid. The range of prices spanned from $55,050 to $69,350, with the TX 550h+ expected to start over $75,000 once available. These prices included the $1,350 destination charge.

We focused on the TX 350, anticipated to be the highest seller due to its base specification and options for Premium or Luxury trims. It housed a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a choice of front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). Our test vehicle featured FWD, Luxury trim, and a suite of packages bringing the MSRP to $67,869. The luxurious interior, accented with upgraded ambient lighting, premium semi-aniline leather upholstery, and a dark Peppercorn color scheme, embodied the sophisticated feel expected of a Lexus.

The 2024 Jeep Wrangler offered a variety of powertrains, each catering to different styles of driving. Options included:

• A 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivering 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque.
• The same 2.0-liter turbo engine in a plug-in hybrid form, known as the 4xe, producing an impressive 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque.
• A 3.6-liter naturally aspirated V6 engine with 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque.
• A powerful 6.4-liter V8 powerplant, generating a robust 470 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque.

Transfer cases varied based on the model, each providing different levels of off-road capability. While the Command-Trac 4WD system in Sport or Sahara trims satisfied those primarily seeking the Wrangler's looks, the Selec-Trac system in the Wrangler 392 and the Rock-Trac transfer case in Rubicon models offered superior off-road prowess. Most models came with an eight-speed automatic transmission; however, a six-speed manual transmission was available with the 3.6-liter engine.

Our favorite of the lineup was the 4xe Rubicon. This plug-in hybrid combined the turbocharged four-cylinder engine with two electric motors and a battery, offering 21 miles of all-electric range. Its torque matched the 6.4-liter V8, but it did so much more efficiently. The 4xe also introduced Offroad+ mode, optimizing throttle, traction control, and shift points for either sand dunes or rock crawling.

However, the ride quality on paved roads remained the Wrangler's weak point. The solid front axle led to a bumpy ride, and steering still felt imprecise despite improvements over the years. For 2024, Jeep added sound deadening material, significantly reducing cabin noise. The new WARN winch option on Rubicon models, featuring an 8,000-pound capacity with 90 feet of synthetic line, catered to serious off-roading enthusiasts.

The 2024 Lexus TX 350 came equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. Despite initial skepticism regarding a turbo-four engine in a midsize, three-row luxury SUV, it performed adequately under normal driving conditions, especially with no more than four occupants. However, its engine note was less than pleasing, and the FWD model exhibited hints of torque steer.

Lexus claimed the TX 350 could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in eight seconds (7.8 seconds with AWD), although the SUV felt quicker due to its ample torque. The EPA rated the TX 350 FWD at 23 mpg in combined driving. However, our testing indicated an average of 20.4 mpg. AWD, available for an additional $1,600, improved traction but slightly reduced city and highway fuel economy figures without affecting the combined rating.

The TX 350's suspension struck a fine balance between firmness and comfort, providing a compliant ride and commendable body motion control. The steering was precise, with appropriate weighting and responsiveness. The cabin remained quiet on highways, enhancing passenger comfort.

Our pre-production test vehicle did have a brake pedal that felt too soft, but it was easy to modulate, ensuring smooth stops.

The biggest news for the 2024 Wrangler was its increased towing capacity. Previously limited to 3,500 pounds, the Wrangler could now tow up to 5,000 pounds, thanks to a full-float solid rear axle. However, this higher rating applied only to four-door Rubicon trims with the gas-powered 2.0-liter or 3.6-liter engines, automatic transmission, and 33-inch tires.

Inside, the Wrangler offered heated seats and a heated steering wheel, but ventilated seats were not available. For 2024, 12-way power-adjustable front seats were optional, maintaining functionality even when submerged during fording. The new 30-amp Power Box on the 4xe, running off the 17.3-kWh battery, allowed drivers to power various accessories, adding to the Wrangler's practicality.

The 2024 Lexus TX addressed issues from previous three-row Lexus SUVs. Our TX 350 Luxury test model featured premium semi-aniline leather and artificial suede upholstery, with heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, and a heated steering wheel. Although the front seats lacked a massage function, they provided adequate support and comfort.

The second-row bench seat, featuring climate control and USB ports, was less inviting due to its flat cushion. Despite this, the TX managed to offer a third-row seat suitable for adults, a significant improvement over its predecessors. Sliding the second-row seat forward provided additional space for third-row occupants, albeit at the expense of second-row comfort.

In terms of utility, the TX included various storage compartments, although some lacked linings, potentially contributing to noise. Cargo capacity was impressive, with 20.2 cubic feet behind the third row, 57.4 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a generous 97 cubic feet with the second row down, surpassing many competitors and other Lexus SUVs.

Comparatively, the 2024 Jeep Wrangler's towing capacity reached up to 5,000 pounds, while the Lexus TX focused more on cargo space, demonstrating its versatility as a family-friendly luxury vehicle.

The 2024 Jeep Wrangler featured a 12.3-inch center infotainment screen powered by Uconnect5, standard across all models, although navigation remained optional. The latest system boasted cleaner graphics and a more user-friendly interface. Standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with numerous USB-A and -C ports, enhanced connectivity.

Particularly noteworthy was the improved speed of the system, especially concerning the Off-Road Pages, which now displayed various data and trail information instantly. The new Trails Offroad feature offered free access to over 200 trails, including all 62 Jeep Badge of Honor trails, with options for a more comprehensive subscription. Drivers could record trails, add waypoints, and share data via USB. Additional new features included a wireless hotspot, dual Bluetooth phone pairing, and the capability to store up to five user profiles.

The 2024 Lexus TX, with the optional Technology Package, included a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel, a head-up display, a digital rearview mirror, a surround-view camera, and semi-autonomous parking assist. However, this package's unmarked, dual-purpose steering wheel controls proved cumbersome and potentially distracting.

The Lexus Interface infotainment system, with its 14-inch touchscreen, offered a satisfactory user experience. The complimentary three-year Drive Connect subscription provided cloud-based navigation and a digital assistant with natural voice recognition. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, ensuring seamless connectivity.

Additionally, the TX provided free 10-year subscriptions to Service Connect and Safety Connect, offering Wi-Fi, remotely accessible features, and a plethora of safety tools.

Our test vehicle's optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson PurePlay surround-sound system delivered remarkable audio fidelity, making it a worthwhile upgrade for sound enthusiasts.

For 2024, Jeep added first- and second-row side-curtain airbags to the Wrangler. While forward collision warning came standard on all but the base model, advanced drivers’ aids like blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and park assist were typically optional, except on the High Altitude and 392 models. The Wrangler still lacked lane-keeping assist, lane-follow, and other highway driving aids.

The 2024 Jeep Wrangler had yet to be rated by the NHTSA or IIHS. However, the 2023 model garnered four-out-of-five stars for frontal crash protection and three-out-of-five stars for rollover protection from the NHTSA. The four-door Wrangler received "Good" scores for roof strength and head restraints from the IIHS but only "Moderate" ratings for frontal and side crashes. These ratings were expected to improve with the addition of side-curtain airbags.

Lexus outfitted the TX with a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) under the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 (LSS+ 3.0). This included adaptive cruise control with curve speed adjustment, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, intersection assist, lane departure warning, lane-keeping and centering assist, road sign assist, and automatic high beams.

Proactive Drive Assist, part of LSS+ 3.0, offered preemptive braking and steering support but was less transparent in its operation. Concerns about illuminating brake lights during automatic slowing led to the feature being turned off during testing.

Additional safety features encompassed blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a safe exit assist system. Optional features comprised front and rear parking sensors with automatic braking, front cross-traffic alert, and traffic jam assist, which functioned well at low speeds but was limited to certain conditions.