2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe vs 2022 Lexus GX

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe maintained the classic Wrangler aesthetic, with its rugged exterior features like the exterior-mounted spare tire, removable doors, rounded headlights, and the iconic seven-slot grille. The only noticeable differences were the blue decals, badging, and the charger port on the driver’s side front quarter panel, which subtly indicated its plug-in hybrid nature. Inside, the Wrangler 4xe offered a mix of Dark Saddle brown leather seats and black leather inserts, with a prominent front passenger grab handle. However, the interior was dominated by black plastic, a reminder of its utilitarian roots. The Wrangler 4xe came in three grades, with the Unlimited Sahara starting at $54,995 CAD, featuring leather-faced seats and an 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat. The Unlimited Sahara High Altitude added heated front seats, while the top-tier Unlimited Rubicon offered unheated cloth seats as standard, with optional leather seats and heated features available for an additional cost.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus GX, despite its modern updates, retained a design reminiscent of its first-generation model from 2002. The exterior was marked by the signature Lexus spindle grille, running lights, and triple-beam LED headlights. Inside, the cabin exuded the smooth, silky refinement Lexus is known for, with high-quality materials and a quiet atmosphere, only interrupted by the faint roar of the standard V8 engine. The GX was available in Standard, Premium, and Executive trims, with prices ranging from $72,100 to $83,750 CAD. The Black Line Special Edition, based on the GX 460 Premium, started at $80,550 CAD. The interior featured NuLuxe upholstery, black ash wood trim, and a black headliner, with heated and ventilated front seats and heated rear seats, offering a luxurious experience despite some outdated switchgear.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe combined a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a pair of electric motors, delivering a total system output of 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. This setup was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, providing a robust and trail-ready performance. The Wrangler 4xe featured a Selec-trac two-speed transfer case in the Sahara grades and a Rock-trac transfer case in the Rubicon, offering various drive settings and impressive off-road capabilities, including up to 27.4 cm of ground clearance and 76 cm of water fording capability. The 17 kWh battery pack allowed for an electric-only range of 35 kilometres, with hybrid, electric, and e-save modes available for optimal efficiency. The Wrangler 4xe's electric motors provided a quick burst of energy from a stop, enhancing its on-road performance, though it wasn't the quietest or best-handling vehicle for everyday driving.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460, with its 4.6-litre V8 engine, produced 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, allowing for a 7.8-second run to 60 mph. The GX's six-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4WD system, with a limited-slip differential and electronic differential lock, contributed to its off-road prowess. Despite its tall and narrow design, the GX's Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) improved stability and handling, making it more agreeable to drive. However, its high drag coefficient and hefty curb weight resulted in a fuel consumption estimate of 14.5 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. The GX's performance was further enhanced by its maximum towing capacity of 2,948 kilograms, though its slow steering and touchy brake pedal detracted from the overall driving experience.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe was designed to accommodate its battery pack under the rear seats, minimizing the loss of second-row space and maintaining its off-road capabilities. The Sahara grades offered 1,023 mm of headroom and 970 mm of legroom, while the Rubicon's soft-top roof provided even more headroom. Cargo capacity was slightly reduced compared to other Wrangler models, with 784 litres available with the second-row seats upright and 1,908 litres with them folded. The Wrangler's width of 1,875 mm made it manageable in urban settings, and a home charging cable was included. The optional power-retracting roof, priced at $3,995, added convenience and enhanced the open-air experience, though some quirks, like the centre stack power window controls, remained.

The 2022 Lexus GX offered an elevated driving position with a 10-way power-adjustable seat and clear visibility. Its tall, narrow, and short design made it easy to maneuver, though the slow steering required extra effort. The interior featured comfortable seats and well-placed padding, with physical controls for ease of use. However, the rear seat access was challenging due to narrow door openings, and the third-row seat was cramped and reduced cargo space. The GX's cargo capacity was limited, with 328 litres behind the third row, 1,322 litres with the third row folded, and 1,833 litres with the second row down. The side-swinging tailgate added to the loading challenges, especially in tight spaces.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe featured the Uconnect 4C infotainment system with navigation on an 8.4-inch touchscreen, offering Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as standard. The system was intuitive, with hard buttons and dials for essential functions, and included off-road and Hybrid Electric Pages for additional information. The instrument cluster combined traditional gauges with a 7-inch colour information display, though it lacked some modern tech features like a wireless phone charging pad.

The 2022 Lexus GX boasted a new 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, eliminating the need for the outdated Remote Touch Interface. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and navigation, along with a CD player and Lexus Enform connected services. The stereo controls were awkwardly placed below the off-roading controls, but the dual-screen view and excellent voice recognition technology enhanced usability. The GX also featured Intuitive Parking Assist and optional surround-view and terrain-view cameras.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe shared its structure with other Wranglers, receiving a Good rating in most IIHS crashworthiness tests, though the driver’s side small overlap front test and rear passenger head protection were rated as Marginal. The NHTSA rated the Wrangler with four stars for front crash tests and three stars for rollover resistance. Safety features included optional blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic detection, and advanced safety features in the $1,450 Advanced Safety Group.

The 2022 Lexus GX lacked crash-test ratings but offered standard Lexus Safety System+ with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. Additional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safety Connect services. However, the GX lacked some modern safety technologies found in competitors, which could be a drawback for some buyers.