2024 Lexus TX vs 2025 Jeep Wrangler

The 2024 Lexus TX was based on the Toyota Grand Highlander, yet it distinguished itself as a luxury SUV. It presented an upscale appearance, contrasting with the Grand Highlander's resemblance to a larger RAV4. The test model featured striking 22-inch silver-finished wheels, part of the TX 350 Executive packages, which significantly enhanced its visual appeal and presence. The styling of the TX was more subdued compared to other Lexus models, resulting in a conservative design that might appeal to those previously put off by the brand's aesthetics.

The TX 350 was expected to be the most popular version, offering a base level of specification with options for Ultra Luxury or Executive packages in Canada. It came equipped with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and standard all-wheel drive. The Ultra Luxury package added premium features like upgraded ambient lighting and semi-aniline leather upholstery. However, the interior, despite its luxurious feel, was criticized for being too dark, even with the panoramic glass sunroof. Overall, the TX 350's interior was deemed luxurious enough to bear the Lexus badge.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler Sport S, on the other hand, was a rental car that didn't quite meet expectations due to its black-on-black colour scheme, which was less than ideal for a tropical climate. However, once behind the wheel with the windows down and the overhead panels removed, the colour became less of an issue. The Wrangler was available in various trims, including Sport, Sport S, Willys, Sahara, Rubicon, and Rubicon X, with the Rubicon 392 being discontinued in Canada after 2024. The Wrangler's price ranged from $42,995 to $80,085, with the Sport S model featuring a few options like a black hardtop and a turbocharged four-cylinder engine.

Despite its high sticker price, the Wrangler's interior was functional rather than fancy, with grey fabric dashboard trim, metallic accents, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The Wrangler's design was rooted in its World War II military vehicle heritage, offering the capability to go almost anywhere. Its popularity persisted despite lacking the sophistication of most new cars.

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. Lexus claimed it could accelerate to 100 km/h in about eight seconds, although it felt quicker due to its torque. The performance was considered adequate, with a fuel economy rating of 10.3 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, according to Natural Resources Canada. However, during testing, it averaged 13.8 L/100 km. The ride and handling were well-balanced, with a firm suspension providing a comfortable ride and accurate steering. The interior was quiet on the highway, although the brake pedal felt too soft.

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. The turbocharged engine was more fuel-efficient, with a rating of 11.0 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. During testing, it averaged 12.3 L/100 km. The Wrangler's standard four-wheel drive, high ground clearance, and narrow width made it capable off-road. However, its ride was rough, and the steering was slow and sloppy. The Wrangler's rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA was three stars, indicating caution when driving laterally across slopes.

The 2024 Lexus TX addressed previous shortcomings in Lexus's three-row SUVs. It offered a comfortable and luxurious interior with premium materials, heated and ventilated seats, and a heated steering wheel. The second-row seat was less welcoming due to its flat lower cushion, but the third-row seat was habitable for adults. The TX provided ample cargo space, with 572 litres behind the third-row seat and up to 2,746 litres with the second-row seats folded down. However, the second-row legroom was limited, affecting passenger comfort.

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, and the Sport S trim's cloth upholstery was suitable for any climate. The rear seat offered adequate legroom, but taller passengers needed to be cautious of plastic hooks on the front seatbacks. Storage space was limited, with small bins and cupholders. Cargo access was cumbersome, requiring the tailgate and rear window to be opened separately. The four-door model offered 897 litres of cargo space, expandable to 2,050 litres with the back seat folded down.

The 2024 Lexus TX featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel, a digital rearview mirror, and optional head-up display and surround-view camera. The Lexus Interface infotainment system included a 14-inch touchscreen display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a digital assistant with natural voice recognition. The TX offered free 10-year subscriptions to Service Connect and Safety Connect, with Remote Connect free for three years. The optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system provided impressive sound quality.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler's Uconnect 5 infotainment system included a 12.3-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio preparation. The Sport S trim came with a standard eight-speaker stereo, with a nine-speaker Alpine premium sound system available. Jeep Connect offered adventure guides and GPS trail logs for off-road navigation. The Convenience Group pack added a 7-inch digital display, passive entry, and remote engine starting. Rear parking sensors were part of the Safety Group option pack.

The 2024 Lexus TX was equipped with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and more. Proactive Drive Assist provided additional braking and steering assistance. The TX also featured blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a safe exit assist system. The traffic jam assist system offered hands-free driving at low speeds on approved highways.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler introduced side curtain airbags for the front and rear seats as standard equipment. Advanced driver assistance systems were optional, with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert available on most trims. Forward collision warning with automatic braking was limited to the Wrangler Sahara. The Wrangler received 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.