2024 Lexus TX vs 2025 Jeep Wrangler

The 2024 Lexus TX was based on the Toyota Grand Highlander, yet it distinguished itself as a luxury SUV. It presented an upscale appearance, contrasting with the Grand Highlander's resemblance to a larger RAV4. The test model, adorned with Luxury trim, featured striking 22-inch silver-finished wheels, an expensive option that significantly enhanced the SUV's aesthetic and presence. The TX's styling was more subdued compared to other Lexus models, resulting in a conservative, almost anonymous look. This design approach might have appealed to those previously put off by Lexus's bolder designs. The TX was available in TX 350, TX 500h F Sport Performance, and TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid series, with prices ranging from $55,050 to $69,350, including a $1,350 destination charge. The TX 550h+ was not yet available, and its price was expected to exceed $75,000. The test vehicle was a TX 350 with FWD and Luxury trim, priced at $60,950, including destination. It featured a Convenience Package, a Technology Package, a 21-speaker surround-sound audio system, side puddle lamps, and rear cargo lamps, bringing the MSRP to $67,869. The Luxury trim added upgraded ambient interior lighting and premium semi-aniline leather upholstery with artificial suede trim. The Peppercorn interior, a dark brown shade, was difficult to distinguish from black, and combined with the black-grained trim, the cabin felt too dark, even with the panoramic glass sunroof. However, the TX 350 Luxury model's interior was luxurious enough to bear the Lexus badge.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler Sport S hardtop, encountered at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu, was a black-on-black model with dark gray wheels. The color combination was less than ideal for a tropical climate, but the Wrangler's appeal lay in its capability and design. The Wrangler was available in various trims, including Sport, Sport S, Willys, Sahara, Rubicon, Rubicon X, and Rubicon 392, with the latter featuring a 470-horsepower 6.4-liter Hemi V8 engine and a six-figure price tag. The plug-in hybrid Wrangler 4xe was also available, but the review focused on gas-only versions, priced from $34,685 to $63,995, including destination. The Sport S model had a few options, including a $595 black paint upcharge, a $1,795 black hardtop, a $1,995 Convenience Group, and a $2,500 turbocharged four-cylinder engine with automatic transmission, bringing the MSRP to $49,175, including a $1,995 destination charge. Despite its price, the Wrangler's interior was functional, with gray fabric dashboard trim, metallic accents, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The Wrangler's design evoked themes of American freedom, rooted in a World War II military vehicle, and its capability to traverse various terrains. The iconic seven-slot front grille and Made in the U.S.A. label from Toledo, Ohio, contributed to its popularity despite its lack of sophistication compared to newer cars.

The 2024 Lexus TX 350 was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. Despite initial skepticism about this engine choice for a midsize, three-row luxury SUV, it performed adequately for typical driving situations with up to four passengers. The engine's grating note and hints of torque steer with FWD were minor irritations. Lexus claimed the TX 350 could accelerate to 60 mph in eight seconds (7.8 seconds with AWD), though it felt quicker due to the torque swell. The performance was adequate, with an EPA fuel economy rating of 23 mpg in combined driving for the TX 350 FWD. During testing, it averaged 20.4 mpg. AWD, costing $1,600, offered slightly quicker acceleration and improved traction in adverse conditions, though it reduced city and highway fuel economy numbers. The TX 350's suspension provided a firm yet comfortable ride, with commendable body motion control and accurate steering. The interior was quiet on the highway, though the brake pedal felt too soft in the test car, an early-build pre-production vehicle.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler offered a standard 3.6-liter V6 engine with a six-speed manual transmission, or an optional turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The latter produced 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, slightly less horsepower but more torque than the V6. The choice between engines allowed for cost savings, with the V6 and manual transmission being $2,500 cheaper. The turbocharged engine felt livelier at higher elevations and was marginally more fuel-efficient, with an EPA rating of 21 mpg in combined driving compared to 19-20 mpg for the V6. During testing in Hawaii, the four-cylinder Wrangler averaged 19.2 mpg with four passengers and air conditioning. The Wrangler's standard four-wheel drive, high ground clearance, and generous approach and departure angles made it well-suited for Hawaii's terrain. However, its three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA was concerning. The ride was rough, with a steady stream of jiggles and jolts, and the disconnected on-center steering feel was disconcerting at modest speeds. The Wrangler Sport S was not taken off-roading during the test, but previous experience with the Rubicon model demonstrated its impressive off-road capabilities.

The 2024 Lexus TX addressed previous shortcomings in Lexus's three-row SUVs. The GX and LX models were off-road oriented, compromising on-road dynamics and affordability, while the RX L was too small for adult passengers in the third row. The TX resolved these issues, offering a more spacious and affordable option. The TX 350 Luxury model featured premium semi-aniline leather and artificial suede upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, and a heated steering wheel. The standard second-row bench seat could be replaced with heated and ventilated captain's chairs. While the front seats lacked a massage function, they were supportive and comfortable. The second-row seat was less welcoming due to its flat lower cushion, but triple-zone automatic climate control, dual USB charging ports, and manual side window shades enhanced comfort. The third-row seat was habitable for adults, with a stadium-style bottom cushion providing leg support and large side windows offering a good view. Sliding the second-row seat forward improved third-row comfort but reduced second-row legroom. The TX offered 20.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 57.4 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 97 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded. Storage slots, cubbies, trays, and bins were plentiful, though some lacked lining, potentially causing noise and vibration.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler's high ground clearance and narrow door openings made entry and exit challenging. Step rails were available but could complicate access and soil clothing. Once inside, the front seats were comfortable, with cloth upholstery suitable for any climate. The Convenience Group option added heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. A manual seat height adjuster was available, but frequent use could cause the seat to lower over time. The Wrangler seated five, but four passengers were more comfortable. Rear-seat legroom was adequate, though taller passengers risked knee contact with front seatback hooks. Air conditioning vents and a center armrest with cupholders improved comfort, though napping was difficult. Storage space was limited, with small items often ending up in cupholders. Cargo access was cumbersome, requiring the tailgate to swing open and the hardtop's rear window to lift. The square-shaped cargo hold offered 31.7 cubic feet of space, expandable to 72.4 cubic feet with the rear seat folded.

The 2024 Lexus TX featured an optional Technology Package, including a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel, a head-up display, a digital rearview mirror, a surround-view camera, and a semi-autonomous parking assist system. However, the package replaced properly marked steering wheel controls with unmarked dual-purpose ones, requiring drivers to reference the head-up display, which was often invisible to those wearing polarized sunglasses. The Lexus Interface infotainment system, with a 14-inch touchscreen display, was user-friendly, especially with the complimentary three-year Drive Connect subscription, offering cloud-based navigation and a digital assistant with natural voice recognition. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, with seamless connectivity. The TX also offered free 10-year subscriptions to Service Connect and Safety Connect, providing features like automatic collision notification and emergency calling. Wi-Fi Connect and Remote Connect added further connectivity options. The optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson PurePlay surround-sound system delivered impressive audio quality.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler's Uconnect 5 infotainment system was a highlight, featuring a 12.3-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio preparation. A standard eight-speaker stereo could be upgraded to a nine-speaker Alpine premium sound system. Higher trims offered navigation and Jeep Connect services, including a Wi-Fi hotspot, Adventure Guides, and GPS Trail Logs for off-road navigation. The Vehicle Finder feature ensured the Jeep was never lost. The touchscreen remained bright and easy to use, even with the roof panels removed. The Convenience Group pack added a 7-inch digital display between analog gauges, passive entry and door locking, and a remote engine starting system. Rear parking sensors were part of the Active Safety Group option pack, aiding in reversing.

The 2024 Lexus TX was equipped with numerous advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) under the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 (LSS+ 3.0) umbrella. These included adaptive cruise control with curve speed adjustment, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, intersection assist, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, road sign assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. Proactive Drive Assist, part of LSS+ 3.0, offered braking and steering assistance but was not transparent in operation, leading to its deactivation during testing. The TX also featured blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a safe exit assist system. Optional features included front and rear parking sensors with automatic braking, front cross-traffic alert, and traffic jam assist. The traffic jam assist system provided hands-free driving at low speeds on approved highways. LSS+ 3.0 was generally smooth and effective, though it slowed too dramatically when other motorists cut in, causing frustration for following drivers.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler introduced standard side curtain airbags for front and rear seats, a significant safety enhancement. Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) were mostly optional, with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert available on all trims except the base Sport. Forward collision warning with automatic braking was standard on the Sahara trim. Other safety features included adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality and automatic high-beam headlights. The rental lacked these upgrades, but blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were missed. The NHTSA had not performed new side-impact testing since the addition of side airbags, but the Wrangler received a four-star frontal-impact rating and a three-star rollover resistance rating. The IIHS rated the Wrangler Good for side-impact protection and moderate overlap frontal-impact tests, but the small overlap frontal-impact test resulted in a Marginal rating due to the vehicle tipping onto its side.