2023 Jeep Wrangler vs 2024 Lexus TX

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler presented a rugged, no-nonsense design that was reminiscent of driving a brick. Its fourth-generation JL model maintained a boxy aesthetic with minimal curves, emphasizing its off-road capabilities. Available in both two-door and four-door Unlimited versions, the Wrangler allowed for a customizable open-air experience with removable doors and a foldable windshield. The SUV featured Jeep's iconic seven-slot grille, round headlights, and wide fenders, with a tailgate that swung out for easy cargo access. The interior was practical, with easy-to-clean materials and a straightforward design, though lacking in luxury features like ambient lighting or massaging seats.

In contrast, the 2024 Lexus TX was based on the Toyota Grand Highlander but distinguished itself as a luxury SUV with a more upscale appearance. The TX's styling was conservative, appealing to those who found previous Lexus designs too bold. It came in three model series: TX 350, TX 500h F Sport Performance, and TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid, with prices ranging from $72,036 to $87,486. The TX 350, likely the most popular version, featured a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and standard all-wheel drive. The interior boasted premium materials, though the dark colour scheme could feel oppressive despite the panoramic sunroof. The TX's cabin was luxurious enough to bear the Lexus badge, offering a comfortable ride with a quiet interior.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler was a powerhouse for off-road enthusiasts, offering a variety of engine options to suit different needs. The standard Pentastar V6 engine delivered 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, while a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder offered 270 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. For those seeking more torque, the 3.0-litre Ecodiesel V6 provided 260 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque. The Rubicon 392 model, with its 6.4-litre V8 engine, boasted 470 horsepower and torque, making it a beast on and off the road. The Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid offered a more eco-friendly option with a 17.3-kWh battery pack providing 35 kilometres of all-electric range. However, the 392 model's brakes and steering were less refined, requiring early braking and careful steering input.

The 2024 Lexus TX 350 was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. While the engine's note was grating, it provided adequate performance for typical driving situations, accelerating to 100 km/h in about eight seconds. The TX 350's fuel economy was rated at 10.3 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, though testing showed an average of 13.8 L/100 km. The ride and handling were well-balanced, with a firm suspension that maintained comfort and commendable body motion control. The steering was accurate, and the interior remained quiet on the highway. The brake pedal felt soft but was easy to modulate for smooth stops.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler offered comfortable front seats, with heated options available in higher trims or through a cold-weather package. The rear seat was tight, especially in the four-door models, and the small rear doors made access challenging. Storage for small items was limited, with a flat dash and tiny glove box and centre console. Cargo space was also restricted, with 2,050 litres available with the rear seats folded. The Wrangler's hard top could be removed in one piece, or drivers could opt for the Sunrider or Sky One-Touch power soft top for open-air driving. The vehicle provided ample charging points, including USB-A and USB-C ports and a 115-volt outlet.

The 2024 Lexus TX addressed previous shortcomings in Lexus's three-row SUVs, offering a more spacious and comfortable interior. The TX 350 featured premium semi-aniline leather and artificial suede upholstery, with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel as standard in Canada. The second-row bench seat was comfortable, though not as welcoming as the front seats, and the third-row seat was habitable for adults. The TX provided 572 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 1,625 litres with the third row folded and 2,746 litres with the second row down. The SUV offered numerous storage options, though some lacked lining, potentially causing noise and vibration.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler came with a standard 7-inch touchscreen running the Uconnect infotainment system, with an optional 8.4-inch screen. The system initially appeared complex but was intuitive once familiar. It included off-road pages with detailed information and connectivity features like Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Wrangler offered practical tech features like a forward-facing camera and auxiliary switches but lacked advanced options like a digital key or over-the-air updates for vehicle performance.

The 2024 Lexus TX featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a digital rearview mirror, with additional options like a head-up display and surround-view camera in the Executive packages. The Lexus Interface infotainment system, with its 14-inch touchscreen, was user-friendly, especially with a Drive Connect subscription for cloud-based navigation and a digital assistant. The TX also offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with free 10-year subscriptions to Service Connect and Safety Connect. The optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system provided impressive sound quality.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler's safety features were limited, with a standard rearview camera, electronic roll mitigation, and stability control. Advanced features like blind-spot monitoring and forward collision warning were standard only on top trims or available as options. The Wrangler received mixed ratings from the IIHS, with some trims' headlights rated Poor. The NHTSA gave it four out of five stars for frontal crash tests and three out of five for rollover ratings.

The 2024 Lexus TX was equipped with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and more. Proactive Drive Assist offered additional braking and steering assistance, though it was not always smooth. The TX also featured blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a safe exit assist system. Optional features included parking sensors, front cross-traffic alert, and traffic jam assist. The LSS+ 3.0 system was generally effective, though it could be overly cautious when other vehicles cut in.