2024 Lexus GX vs 2025 Jeep Wrangler

The 2024 Lexus GX presented a striking departure from its predecessor, the GX 460, with its bold geometric styling and less pronounced spindle grille. The new design featured standard triple-beam LED headlights and a more vertical front end, giving it an aggressive look. The flat hood, with its raised sides above the front wheels, aided drivers in maintaining positional awareness off-road. The side profile of the GX appeared as if carved from a solid block, with minimal character lines and a low window beltline for enhanced visibility. The GX was available in a single trim level in Canada, with five packages emphasizing luxury or off-road capabilities. The interior combined luxury with utilitarian materials, featuring a 14-inch touchscreen and physical controls for off-road functions.

In contrast, the 2025 Jeep Wrangler Sport S hardtop, with its black-on-black colour scheme, was less about aesthetics and more about functionality. Despite its heat-absorbing exterior, the Wrangler's design was rooted in its military heritage, offering a rugged and capable appearance. The Wrangler was available in multiple trims, including Sport, Willys, Sahara, and Rubicon, with a focus on off-road prowess. The interior was functional, with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a design meant to withstand dirt and mud. While the Wrangler lacked the sophistication of more modern vehicles, its appeal lay in its ability to tackle challenging terrains with ease.

The 2024 Lexus GX transitioned from a V8 to a twin-turbocharged 3.4-litre V6 engine, producing 349 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain offered impressive torque low in the rev range, making off-road driving more manageable. Built on the GA-F truck platform, the GX provided a stable and composed ride both on and off-road. The 10-speed automatic transmission operated smoothly, and the standard full-time four-wheel drive with a locking Torsen limited-slip centre differential enhanced its off-road capabilities. The Overtrail packages added a locking rear differential and the Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (E-KDSS) for improved wheel articulation and stability.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler offered a choice between a 3.6-litre V6 engine with a six-speed manual transmission and a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The latter produced 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, offering better fuel efficiency and performance at higher elevations. The Wrangler's standard four-wheel drive, high ground clearance, and generous approach and departure angles made it a formidable off-road vehicle. However, its on-road performance was less refined, with slow steering and a rough ride. The Wrangler's three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA was a concern for lateral driving on slopes.

The 2024 Lexus GX's interior was a departure from its predecessor, with a minimalist and sophisticated design. It offered comfortable seating for six-foot-tall adults in the first and second rows, with 1,047 millimetres of legroom in the front and 933 mm in the second row. The third row was tight, suitable only for children. The GX excelled in cargo space, offering 292 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,138 litres with it folded, and a total of 2,178 litres. Overtrail models provided even more space, with 45.6 cubic feet behind the second row and 1,291 litres in total.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler posed challenges for entry and exit due to its high ground clearance and narrow door openings. The front seats were comfortable, with cloth upholstery and optional heated features. Rear-seat legroom was adequate, but taller passengers needed to be cautious of plastic hooks on the front seatbacks. Storage space was limited, with small bins and nets for stashing items. The Wrangler's cargo area was accessible through a tailgate and rear window, offering 897 litres of space, expandable to 2,050 litres with the rear seat folded.

The 2024 Lexus GX featured a 14-inch touchscreen with the Lexus Interface infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system included a voice assistant and subscription-based services like Drive Connect and Remote Connect. The GX came with a 10-speaker audio system, with higher packages offering a 21-speaker Mark Levinson stereo. While the interface was user-friendly, subscription costs for certain features were a consideration for long-term ownership.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler's Uconnect 5 infotainment system was a highlight, featuring a 12.3-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system offered optional navigation and Jeep Connect services for off-road navigation. The Convenience Group pack added a 7-inch digital display and features like passive entry and remote engine start. The Wrangler's infotainment system was easy to use, even with the roof panels removed, and provided essential connectivity for adventure seekers.

The 2024 Lexus GX saw significant improvements in safety with the standard Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, offering pre-collision detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and road-sign recognition. While crash tests were pending, the modern GA-F architecture and advanced driver assistance systems instilled confidence in its safety offerings.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler introduced standard side curtain airbags for front and rear seats, a notable safety upgrade. However, advanced driver assistance systems were optional, with features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert available on higher trims. The Wrangler's crash test ratings included a four-star frontal-impact rating and a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA. The IIHS rated it Good for side-impact protection but Marginal for small overlap frontal-impact tests.