Jeep Grand Wagoneer vs Lexus RX Hybrid

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer presented a classic SUV aesthetic, sharing its frame and body shell with the standard Wagoneer, which in turn resembled the smaller 2021 Grand Cherokee L. This resulted in a traditional SUV styling with a tall hood, broad shoulders, trapezoidal wheel arches, and an upright profile. The Grand Wagoneer distinguished itself with a standard black roof and unique hood, front fascia, and grille. The grille leaned forward slightly, featuring laser-etched knurling in the slots, and the wheel center caps were protected by an acrylic glass covering. The interior shared styling features with the Wagoneer, such as an integrated infotainment touchscreen and a two-spoke steering wheel, but offered more convenience features and higher-quality materials, including 24-way power front seats with memory and massage functions, Nappa leather upholstery, and American Walnut wood trim.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid, redesigned for the model year, maintained a similar appearance to the standard RX 350, with only a badge on the liftgate to differentiate the RX 350h. The RX 500h F Sport Performance model stood out with a blacked-out grille, matte-black 21-inch wheels, and aggressive bumper designs. The RX models carried a blunt-nosed design, with a wheelbase stretch that reduced the rear overhang, making the SUV appear smaller despite its similar size to the outgoing model. Inside, the RX adopted a minimalistic appearance with fewer switches and a new Lexus Interface infotainment system. The RX 350h Luxury model featured Macadamia semi-aniline leather and Ash Bamboo wood trim, while the RX 500h F Sport Performance had artificial suede and dark gray aluminum trim, with an option for Rioja Red upholstery.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer was powered by a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 engine, producing 471 horsepower and 455 lb-ft of torque, with cylinder deactivation for improved fuel economy. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, it could accelerate from zero to 60 mph in six seconds, impressive for its 6,400-pound weight. The Grand Wagoneer came standard with four-wheel drive, featuring the Quadra-Drive II system with a two-speed transfer case and electronic limited-slip differential. It also included the Quadra-Lift air suspension system, offering adjustable height for off-roading or reducing aerodynamic drag. With a maximum ground clearance of 10 inches, it could handle a 25-degree approach angle and ford up to 24 inches of water. Despite its power, the Grand Wagoneer was best driven at a leisurely pace due to its bouncy ride and imprecise steering at higher speeds.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid offered a more efficient powertrain with the RX 350h, producing 246 hp and 233 lb-ft of torque from a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, achieving 36 mpg in combined driving. It accelerated to 60 mph in 7.4 seconds. The RX 500h F Sport Performance model featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, with a 5.9-second 0-60 mph time. It included an adaptive damping suspension and Dynamic Rear Steering system, enhancing its athleticism. The RX 500h averaged 20.9 mpg in testing, falling short of its estimated 27 mpg. The RX 350h, however, averaged 32 mpg, offering better fuel economy and a more secure feel in curves due to its lower center of gravity and electric assist motor.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer offered seating for seven with standard second-row captain’s chairs or eight with an optional third-row bench seat. It provided more third-row headroom and second-row legroom than competitors like the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator, though front-row space was more limited. Cargo space measured 27.4 cubic feet with all seats in place and 70.9 cubic feet with the third row stowed, offering more space than rivals in typical configurations. With all seats folded, it provided 94.2 cubic feet of cargo space. The Grand Wagoneer had a maximum towing capacity of 9,850 pounds, slightly less than the standard Wagoneer due to its extra weight. Standard features included a sunroof, four-zone automatic climate control, and large storage bins, though forward visibility was somewhat limited.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid provided a comfortable interior with the RX 350h Luxury trim, featuring ten-way power-adjustable front seats, premium leather, and three-zone automatic climate control. The RX 500h F Sport Performance model had eight-way power-adjustable front seats with larger side bolsters and standard-grade leather. The hybrids’ battery packs were located under the back seat, offering excellent leg support and good legroom, though rear headroom was tight. Cargo space increased to 29.6 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 46.2 cubic feet with the back seat folded, matching the standard RX 350 and significantly improving over the previous RX 450h.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, dual touchscreens, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and a McIntosh audio system. Second-row passengers had a 10.25-inch touchscreen for climate control, with an optional rear-seat entertainment system. The Grand Wagoneer also offered a 10.25-inch touchscreen for the front passenger, Amazon Alexa connectivity, and Fire TV for Auto. It used the Uconnect 5 infotainment system with an Android-based operating system and over-the-air software updates, though the screen was slow to respond, and the instrument cluster graphics were plain.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid introduced a new infotainment system, requiring a subscription for connected services after a trial period. The Lexus Interface included Drive Connect with a cloud-based navigation system and Intelligent Assistant. The system worked well, though it struggled with some requests. The touchscreen displayed only one menu at a time, and reflections were an issue. The head-up display had dual-function touch-sensing control pads, which were difficult to use with polarized sunglasses. The RX also offered a head-up display and dual-function touch-sensing control pads on the steering wheel, though these were challenging to use with polarized sunglasses.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA. It included standard safety features like a 360-degree camera system, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Optional features included a driver-attention monitor, night vision, and traffic-sign recognition. Active Driving Assist combined adaptive cruise control with automated lane centering, with a hands-free version planned for certain highways.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid came with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, featuring motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, intersection turn assistance, and curve-speed reduction. Proactive Driving Assist slowed the RX to maintain a safe following distance, and the regenerative braking system recharged the battery. The front cross-traffic alert system provided visual indicators, though these were not visible with polarized sunglasses. The curve-speed reduction tech was reactive, and the driver monitoring system could be blocked by certain driving positions. Traffic Jam Assist allowed low-speed, hands-free driving, and Advanced Park was available for semi-autonomous parking.