2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer vs 2023 Lexus RX

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer presented a traditional SUV aesthetic, sharing its frame and body shell with the standard Wagoneer. This resulted in a tall hood, broad shoulders, and an upright profile, reminiscent of the smaller 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L. The Grand Wagoneer distinguished itself with a standard black roof, model-specific hood, front fascia, and grille, which leaned forward slightly with laser-etched knurling. It featured 20-inch standard wheels, with 22-inch options available, and an acrylic glass covering on the wheel centre caps to protect the “Wagoneer” logo. 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 and Nappa leather upholstery.

The 2023 Lexus RX, built in Canada, entered its fifth generation with a design that was shorter in height, broader in width, and longer in wheelbase than its predecessor. Despite maintaining the same overall length, it appeared smaller due to reduced rear overhang and softer design lines. The front showcased a spindle-style grille with a modern mesh texture, while the rear featured a light-blade taillight design and block lettering for the Lexus name. The RX's interior was modern, with fewer buttons and knobs, digital instrumentation, and a choice of touchscreen displays. It offered high-quality materials, with NuLuxe artificial leather as standard and genuine leather available. The RX was available in multiple trims, including hybrid options, with Canadian pricing starting at $58,650.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer was powered by a 6.4-litre Hemi V8 engine, delivering 471 horsepower and 455 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, allowed the Grand Wagoneer to accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in approximately six seconds. It featured a standard Quadra-Drive II four-wheel-drive system with a two-speed transfer case and electronic limited-slip differential, along with a height-adjustable Quadra-Lift air suspension system. The Grand Wagoneer offered 25.4 cm of ground clearance and could ford up to 60 cm of water. Despite its power, the vehicle was best driven at a stately pace due to its bouncy ride and imprecise steering at higher speeds.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-litre inline four-cylinder engine, producing 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. This engine, coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission, provided better performance at higher altitudes and improved fuel economy compared to the previous V6. The RX 350 AWD could reach 100 km/h in roughly 7.3 seconds. The RX 350 Executive trim displayed occasional torque steer and excess body motion, while the F Sport 3 trim, with its adaptive damping suspension, offered a more secure ride. The RX 350 AWD averaged 9.9 L/100 km in combined driving, with test results slightly higher.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer accommodated seven passengers with standard second-row captain’s chairs or eight with an optional third-row bench seat. It offered more third-row headroom and second-row legroom than competitors like the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator. Cargo space was generous, with 775 litres available with all seats in place and 2,007 litres with the third row stowed. The Grand Wagoneer had a maximum towing capacity of 4,472 kg and featured a standard sunroof and four-zone automatic climate control.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350 provided comfortable seating, with the F Sport 3 package offering sport seat bolsters for better support. The RX 350 Executive trim featured semi-aniline premium leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated wood-and-leather steering wheel. The RX 350 F Sport 3 had Black NuLuxe simulated leather seats and a thick-rimmed heated steering wheel. The back seat was roomy, with good leg support and legroom, though taller passengers might find headroom tight. Cargo space improved over the previous generation, with 838 litres available with the second row in position and 1,308 litres with the rear seat folded.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer came with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, dual touchscreens, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and a McIntosh audio system. It supported simultaneous pairing for two Bluetooth-enabled phones and offered a 4G-LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. Second-row passengers had a 10.25-inch centre console touchscreen, and an optional rear seat entertainment system added two 10.1-inch screens. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system featured an Android-based operating system and over-the-air software updates.

The 2023 Lexus RX introduced the Lexus Interface multimedia infotainment system with a 9.8-inch or 14-inch touchscreen display. It included wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, and various connected services plans. Drive Connect, free for three years on certain models, offered Destination Assist and Intelligent Assistant natural voice recognition. The system allowed user profiles and streaming of Apple Music or Amazon Music. The RX featured a 21-speaker Mark Levinson premium sound system, digital instrumentation, and Digital Latch door handles. A colour head-up display was available, though visibility issues arose 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 intersection collision assist, driver-attention monitor, night vision, and traffic-sign recognition. The Active Lane Management System combined adaptive cruise control with automated lane centring.

The 2023 Lexus RX featured Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which included lane departure warning, automatic high beams, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. New features included motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, and intersection turn assistance. Proactive Driving Assist, Traffic Jam Assist, and Advanced Park Assist were newly available. LSS+ 3.0 proved impressive but had some issues, such as unmarked adaptive cruise controls and curve-speed reduction technology.