Jeep Grand Wagoneer vs Lexus NX

The 2026 Lexus NX, despite being a few years into its second generation, maintained a fresh appearance with its well-integrated styling elements. The design team at Lexus refined the existing recipe, ensuring that features like the spindle grille and LED daytime running lights appeared as intentional parts of the overall design. The NX offered a range of powertrain options, including non-hybrid, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid variants, with various trim levels to cater to different preferences. However, the base NX 350 fell short of luxury expectations, with its interior not significantly surpassing that of high-end Toyota RAV4 models. The F Sport Handling grade added sporty elements but didn't fully compensate for the lack of luxury feel.

In contrast, the 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer underwent a refresh that enhanced its modern appeal. The new illuminated grille and welcome-lighting sequence gave it a fresh vibe, while the Upland trim added utility without compromising elegance. Inside, the Grand Wagoneer boasted a clean design with strong horizontal lines, and the seats provided exceptional comfort for long drives. The cabin's premium materials and solid construction contributed to a high-quality feel. Despite its large size, the Grand Wagoneer was surprisingly agile and easy to drive, with excellent visibility and a quiet cabin.

The 2026 Lexus NX offered a variety of powertrain options, but the standard 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine in the NX 350 F Sport test car was underwhelming. It produced 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, but the engine felt more suited for a pickup truck than a luxury SUV. The eight-speed automatic transmission was sluggish, making it difficult to achieve the quoted 6.6-second zero to 60 mph time. The NX 350h hybrid and NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid models appeared more promising on paper, with the latter delivering 304 hp and a 6-second zero to 60 mph time. However, the NX's chassis tuning and ride quality left much to be desired, with firm dampers and lifeless steering detracting from the driving experience.

The 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer featured a 3.0-liter Hurricane twin-turbo inline six-cylinder engine, delivering 420 horsepower and 468 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided smooth and effortless power, even in a vehicle weighing around 6,000 pounds. Although the high-output Hurricane engine was no longer available, the standard engine still offered ample performance. The Grand Wagoneer was also set to receive a range-extended electric powertrain, promising 647 hp and 620 lb-ft of torque. Despite its large size, the Grand Wagoneer was surprisingly agile, with excellent visibility and a quiet cabin, making it a comfortable and capable performer.

The 2026 Lexus NX offered competitive passenger space for a compact luxury SUV, but with some compromises. Rear-seat headroom was comparable to rivals, but legroom was slightly less generous. The front seats felt constrained, and outward visibility was hindered by the deep dashboard and large mirrors. Cargo space measured 22.7 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 56.3 cubic feet with them folded, trailing behind competitors. The NX's towing capacity was also limited to 2,000 pounds.

The 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer excelled as a people mover, with three rows providing ample leg and hip room. The optional second-row bench seat allowed for seating up to eight passengers, and the third row was surprisingly accommodating. While using the third row reduced cargo space to 27.9 cubic feet, the long-wheelbase version nearly doubled this capacity. The Grand Wagoneer could tow up to 10,000 pounds, making it a versatile choice for those needing to transport both people and cargo. The Upland trim offered features like three-zone climate controls and Quadra-Lift air suspension, enhancing comfort and capability.

The 2026 Lexus NX came equipped with a 9.8-inch infotainment touchscreen on base and Premium trims, with a 14-inch display available on higher trims. Standard features included a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and six USB ports. Additional tech features required data connectivity packages, with options like cloud-based navigation and digital key functionality. The voice recognition system was helpful but had limitations, and the instrument cluster presented information efficiently.

The 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer boasted a comprehensive tech suite, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 12-inch touchscreen, and a 10.25-inch digital cluster. Higher trims offered features like a 23-speaker McIntosh sound system and a front passenger interactive display. While the tech generally performed well, the wireless phone charger had issues, and the 12-inch infotainment screen felt small for the vehicle's size. The Grand Wagoneer no longer offered adjustable pedals, a feature previously standard.

The 2026 Lexus NX featured the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 suite, including forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keep assist. Additional driver-assist features were available, such as park assist and a 360-degree camera system. The NX received a 2025 Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS, with top scores in most crash tests but an "Acceptable" rating in the moderate overlap front crash test. NHTSA ratings were not yet available.

The 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer was equipped with a range of safety features, including lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitors. Available features included automated parking assist and a surround-view camera system. The Grand Wagoneer received mixed ratings from the IIHS, with lower scores in the updated moderate front overlap test. The NHTSA awarded it a four-star safety rating.