Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs Lexus TX

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L maintained its classic style while extending its length by more than a foot, offering a bold and upscale appearance. The Hydro Blue model with the High Altitude package featured blacked-out elements and dark gray 21-inch wheels, enhancing its boldness. The interior of the upper trims was impressive, with a mix of luxurious materials like black leather with gold stitching and matte-finish light walnut. Although not every component was of the highest quality, the overall feel was justified for its price. The Grand Cherokee L's design elements, such as U-shaped fenders and slim LED lighting, combined traditional Jeep aesthetics with modern touches, ensuring a timeless look.

In contrast, the 2024 Lexus TX, based on the Toyota Grand Highlander, offered a more conservative and upscale design. The Luxury trim model featured 22-inch silver wheels, enhancing its presence. The TX's styling was toned down compared to other Lexus models, appealing to those who preferred a more understated look. The TX 350, with its turbocharged four-cylinder engine, provided a balance of performance and luxury. The interior, especially in the Luxury trim, was equipped with premium materials, though the dark Peppercorn interior felt a bit too dark. The TX's design aimed to rectify past Lexus three-row SUV shortcomings, offering a more spacious and comfortable third-row seat.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's performance was hindered by its standard V6 engine, which produced 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. The engine's noise was well-muffled, but its performance was lackluster, especially in sport mode. The optional 5.7-liter Hemi V8, with 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, was recommended for better towing capacity and overall performance. The Grand Cherokee L's chassis provided confident handling, and the air suspension allowed for smooth cornering. The SUV offered three 4WD systems, enhancing its off-road capabilities, although it was not intended for serious off-roading.

The 2024 Lexus TX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. While the engine's note was grating, it provided adequate performance for typical driving situations. The TX 350's fuel economy was rated at 23 mpg combined, with the AWD option offering slightly quicker acceleration. The ride and handling were well-balanced, with a firm suspension that ensured a comfortable ride. The interior remained quiet on the highway, although the brake pedal felt too soft in the test vehicle.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's extended length provided more legroom for second-row passengers, making it feel spacious. The second-row captain's chairs were standard, with a 60/40 bench seat available as an option. The third row was best suited for children, and the cargo space was generous, with up to 85 cubic feet available with both rows folded. The interior featured a mix of buttons and touchscreen controls, although some legibility issues were noted.

The 2024 Lexus TX addressed previous Lexus three-row SUV shortcomings by offering a more spacious and comfortable third-row seat. The TX 350 Luxury model featured premium materials and amenities, although the front seats lacked a massage function. The second-row seat was less welcoming due to its flat lower cushion, but the third-row seat was habitable for adults. The TX offered numerous storage options, although some lacked lining, potentially causing noise. Cargo space was ample, with 97 cubic feet available with the second-row seats folded.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured Uconnect 5 with an 8.4-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen, depending on the trim. The system was generally quick and easy to use, although some legibility issues were noted. The McIntosh sound system, with 19 speakers, was available as a standalone option. The Grand Cherokee L offered advanced tech features like night vision, Active Driving Assist, and a passenger screen that could play video and music independently.

The 2024 Lexus TX came with the optional Technology Package, which included a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel, a head-up display, and a surround-view camera. However, the unmarked steering wheel controls were distracting, and the head-up display was often invisible with polarized sunglasses. The Lexus Interface infotainment system featured a 14-inch touchscreen and a digital assistant with natural voice recognition. The TX also offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with various connectivity options.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS for models built after May 2023 and scored five stars in most NHTSA tests. It came with standard safety features like forward emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring, with additional options available on higher trims.

The 2024 Lexus TX was equipped with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. Additional safety features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard, with options for parking sensors and traffic jam assist. The LSS+ 3.0 system generally performed well, although it slowed too dramatically when other vehicles cut in.