Jeep Wrangler 4xe vs Lexus TX

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler 4xe Willys ’41 Special Edition stood out even in the typically Wrangler-saturated Southern California. Its unique color, wheel design, and tan fabric top drew attention despite the uncharacteristically gloomy weather. The Willys '41 edition had a distinct World War II cosplay vibe, which might not appeal to everyone, but the wheels were a hit. Jeep offered various top options, including a body-color hardtop and the Sky One-Touch power-operated top, which added convenience for those willing to stretch their budget. Inside, the Heritage Tan cloth seats matched the soft top, though they were prone to showing dirt. The cabin retained the rugged, hose-out-ready feel typical of Wranglers, with hard plastic surfaces and a basic infotainment system.

In contrast, the 2026 Lexus TX offered a more refined and spacious interior. The 550h+ model came with standard luxury features like multi-zone climate control, heated and cooled front seats, and heated second-row seats. The third row was surprisingly roomy, accommodating full-sized adults comfortably. The second-row captain's chairs with a removable center console added versatility, though folding the seats flat required a bit of maneuvering. The front seats were spacious but could have used more thigh support. The TX boasted excellent cargo space, with up to 97 cubic feet available when the second and third rows were folded. The interior design was functional, with thoughtful storage solutions, though some controls were more intuitive than others.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler 4xe was the best-selling plug-in hybrid in America, with over 250,000 units built since its debut. Its powertrain combined a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, offering an estimated 21 miles of electric-only driving range. The 17.3-kWh battery pack could be recharged in 12 hours using a standard outlet or 2.5 hours with a Level 2 charger. The Wrangler 4xe offered three driving modes: Hybrid, Electric, and E-Save, allowing drivers to optimize power or efficiency. In Hybrid mode, the Wrangler 4xe produced 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, making it a quick SUV with impressive fuel economy for a Wrangler. However, its efficiency decreased without regular battery recharging. The Wrangler 4xe maintained its off-road prowess but suffered from on-road flaws like a noisy interior and vague steering.

The 2026 Lexus TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid generated 404 horsepower from its 3.5-liter V6 and hybrid system. The onboard seven-kilowatt charger allowed for a full battery recharge in under three hours. The TX offered various drive modes, including Normal, Eco, Sport, and Custom, allowing drivers to tailor their experience. The 550h+ provided a quiet and smooth ride, with seamless transitions between gas and electric power. Its suspension absorbed bumps and potholes effortlessly, making it ideal for long road trips. The AWD system could distribute power between the front and rear wheels, and a Trail Mode helped maintain traction on slippery surfaces.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler 4xe accommodated four adults comfortably, with the option to squeeze a fifth person into the back seat. The top-tier Rubicon X trim offered 12-way power-adjustable front seats with Nappa leather upholstery. Storage space was limited, requiring creative solutions for small items. The soft top provided easy access to open-air driving but made loading cargo more challenging. The Wrangler 4xe offered 27.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 67.4 cubic feet with them folded.

The 2026 Lexus TX 550h+ featured standard luxury amenities, including multi-zone climate control and heated and cooled front seats. The third row was spacious, with a recline function and ample headroom. The second-row captain's chairs added versatility, though folding them flat required some effort. The front seats were roomy but lacked thigh support. The TX offered excellent cargo space, with 20.2 cubic feet available with all seats in place, expanding to 97 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The TX could tow up to 5,000 pounds.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler 4xe came with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring Uconnect 5 technology. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though navigation was not available on the Willys ’41 edition. The optional Alpine sound system effectively mitigated ambient noise, and the touchscreen was intuitive and responsive. However, the Wrangler lacked a wireless charger, and the stereo controls required some acclimation.

The 2026 Lexus TX featured a 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system, though some features lacked polish. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, but connectivity issues occasionally arose. The TX offered a range of subscription-based features, including in-dash navigation and a voice assistant. The backup camera provided a clear view, and the available Advanced Park system handled parking duties. The TX included seven USB ports and wireless charging, ensuring devices stayed powered.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler 4xe offered limited safety technologies, with forward-collision warning and adaptive cruise control as standard features. The optional Active Safety Group included automatic high-beam headlights, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking sensors. However, the Wrangler earned a mediocre three-star rating for rollover resistance from the NHTSA, and its side-impact crash-test rating was incomplete. The IIHS also gave the Wrangler unimpressive scores.

The 2026 Lexus TX came standard with Safety System+ 3.0, which included forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and Proactive Driving Assist. The adaptive cruise control worked well once set up, though the steering wheel controls were confusing. The NHTSA had not released safety ratings for the 550h+, but the TX 350 and 500h earned five-star ratings. The IIHS gave the TX an "Acceptable" rating for the small overlap front crash test on the driver's side and a "Good" rating for the passenger's side.