2023 Jeep Wrangler vs 2022 Lexus NX

The 2022 Lexus NX, with its redesigned exterior, presented a more refined and minimalist aesthetic compared to its predecessor. The NX was available in four model series: NX 250, NX 350, NX 350h, and NX 450h+, each offering different trim levels such as base, Premium, F Sport, and Luxury. The NX 350, in particular, stood out with its turbocharged engine and sporty F Sport trim, which included unique design elements like a mesh-pattern grille and 20-inch gloss black wheels. Inside, the NX embraced a decluttered dashboard, although some drivers found the integration of many functions into the 14-inch touchscreen a bit overwhelming. Despite this, the NX maintained high-quality materials and a comfortable interior, with features like NuLuxe simulated leather upholstery and a panoramic moonroof.

In contrast, the 2023 Jeep Wrangler exuded a rugged, no-nonsense design with its boxy shape and iconic seven-slot grille. Available in two-door and four-door configurations, the Wrangler offered a unique open-air experience with removable doors and a fold-down windshield. The interior was practical, with easy-to-clean materials and a straightforward layout, though it lacked some of the luxury features found in the Lexus. The Wrangler's design focused on functionality, with options like the Dual-Door Group for better visibility and various top configurations for open-air driving. The limited-edition "Reign" purple paint added a splash of colour to the otherwise utilitarian design.

The 2022 Lexus NX offered a range of powertrains, with the NX 350 featuring a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive, provided a smooth and responsive driving experience. The NX 350 F Sport variant added performance enhancements like an adaptive variable sports suspension and additional driving modes, making it more engaging on winding roads. However, the NX's off-road capabilities were limited by its ground clearance and approach angles, making it more suited for urban environments.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler, known for its off-road prowess, offered a variety of engine options, including the standard Pentastar V6 with 285 horsepower and a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder with 270 horsepower. For those seeking more power, the Wrangler Rubicon 392 featured a 6.4-litre V8 engine with 470 horsepower, capable of impressive off-road feats. The Wrangler's solid axles, optional differential lockers, and various 4x4 systems made it a formidable off-road vehicle. However, the 392's on-road performance was hampered by inadequate brakes and vague steering, though these issues were less pronounced in other trims.

The 2022 Lexus NX provided a comfortable and spacious interior, with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel as standard in Canada. The rear seats offered ample room, and the panoramic sunroof extended over the back seat, enhancing the sense of space. The NX boasted a 14% increase in cargo space, with 643 litres available behind the rear seats and 1,328 litres with the seats folded down. The interior featured thoughtful touches like padded surfaces for added comfort during spirited driving.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler's interior focused on practicality, with comfortable front seats and limited rear-seat space, especially in the two-door models. Storage options were minimal, with small glove boxes and centre consoles, though the Wrangler excelled in providing open-air experiences with its removable tops and doors. Cargo space was limited to 2,050 litres with the rear seats folded, slightly less than its competitor, the Ford Bronco. The Wrangler offered various top configurations, including the Sky One-Touch power soft top for quick open-air access.

The 2022 Lexus NX made significant strides in technology with its new Lexus Interface infotainment system. The system featured large touchscreen displays, natural voice recognition, and cloud-based services, enhancing the NX's appeal to tech-savvy drivers. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a 10-speaker sound system, with an optional 17-speaker Mark Levinson system. The NX also offered advanced connected services and a digital key option, though the touchscreen's tendency to collect fingerprints and lack of a tuning knob were minor drawbacks.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler's Uconnect infotainment system, available with a 7-inch or 8.4-inch touchscreen, provided essential connectivity features like Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system's off-road pages offered valuable information for adventurous drivers, though the lack of hard buttons made it initially overwhelming. The Wrangler's tech offerings were more utilitarian, with features like a forward-facing camera for off-road navigation and auxiliary switches for aftermarket accessories, but it lacked some of the advanced features found in the Lexus.

The 2022 Lexus NX came equipped with the comprehensive Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which included features like lane keep assist, dynamic radar cruise control, and automatic high beams. New additions like Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist and Oncoming Vehicle Detection enhanced the NX's safety credentials. The Emergency Driving Stop System provided an extra layer of security by bringing the vehicle to a safe stop if the driver became unresponsive. Additional safety features included a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safe Exit Assist.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler's safety features were more limited, with standard components like a rearview camera, electronic roll mitigation, and stability control. Advanced features like blind-spot monitoring and forward collision warning were only standard on higher trims or available as part of an option package. The Wrangler's safety ratings were mixed, with the IIHS giving it a combination of Good and Marginal ratings, while the NHTSA awarded it four stars for frontal crash tests and three stars for rollover resistance.