Jeep Wrangler vs Lexus NX Hybrid

The 2026 Lexus NX Hybrid presented a bold and intricate design, characterized by its large, dark spindle grille and squinting LED headlights. The aggressive front was complemented by a sporty profile with minimal lines and rounded edges, suggesting a focus on road performance rather than off-roading. The F Sport elements, including dark trim and 20-inch wheels, added to its sporty appeal, while the fastback roof shape echoed the style of coupe-like crossovers. Inside, the NX Hybrid combined sportiness with modern technology, featuring a digital instrument cluster and a large touchscreen angled towards the driver. The interior boasted high-quality materials, such as dark graphite aluminum trim and Circuit Red synthetic leather upholstery, enhancing its upscale feel.

In contrast, the 2026 Jeep Wrangler maintained its iconic, rugged appearance with an upright, military-style stance and a seven-slot grille. The removable doors and roof, along with the foldable windshield, offered a unique open-air experience. The Willys ’41 model we tested was finished in army green with matching wheels and a ’41 hood graphic, showcasing the Wrangler's customization options. The interior was utilitarian, with rugged materials and a minimalist design, suitable for adventurous outings. Despite the hard plastic surfaces, the Wrangler provided practical features like weatherproof floor mats and easy-to-clean materials, making it ideal for off-road enthusiasts. The presence of hard buttons and dials for the HVAC system added to its functional appeal.

The 2026 Lexus NX Hybrid, specifically the NX 350h F Sport 3, was not as sporty as its name suggested. It featured adaptive dampers with Normal and Sport settings and a firmer suspension, but its handling was more controlled than agile. With 18.5 centimetres of ground clearance, the SUV leaned in bends and lacked the quick weight gathering needed for a sporty feel. The steering was weighty, firming up in Sport S and Sport S+ modes, but offered little feedback. The ride was firm yet comfortable, even with 20-inch wheels and a stiffer suspension. The hybrid powertrain combined a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with three electric motors, providing standard AWD and a total of 240 horsepower. The NX Hybrid accelerated from 0 to 96 km/h in 7.2 seconds, but the power delivery felt slushy, and the engine droned when pushed hard. For those seeking more power, the NX 450h plug-in hybrid offered 340 horsepower.

The 2026 Jeep Wrangler offered a range of powertrains, including the Pentastar 3.6-litre V6, a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo, and a 6.4-litre Hemi V8. Our Willys ’41 test vehicle featured the V6 engine, delivering 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The V6 provided ample power for daily driving and highway merging, with low-end torque aiding in slow crawling during off-road adventures. The Wrangler's maneuverability was impressive, with a tight turning radius that made it suitable for urban environments. However, the knobby off-road tires contributed to rough handling and significant tire noise, while the upright stance resulted in wind noise at highway speeds.

The 2026 Lexus NX Hybrid's F Sport 3 model offered well-bolstered front seats with ample room for tall adults. Power seat and steering wheel adjustments, along with heated and ventilated front seats, ensured comfort for various body types. The rear seats provided enough space for two average-sized adults, with 950 millimetres of headroom and 917 millimetres of legroom. The NX Hybrid's cargo space was relatively low for its class, with 643 litres behind the rear seats and 1,328 litres with the seats folded down. Despite the coupe-like roof shape, the cargo hold was practical for everyday needs.

The 2026 Jeep Wrangler excelled in practicality with its 24.6 centimetres of ground clearance and ability to ford up to 75 centimetres of water. The four-door model offered 898 litres of cargo space behind the second-row seats, expanding to 2,050 litres with the seats folded flat. The swing-out tailgate and lift-up rear glass provided easy access to cargo, while the spare tire mounted on the back added convenience. However, the Wrangler's rear seat was tight for larger passengers, and the front seat space was narrow, limiting comfort for taller individuals. The lack of amenities like multiple cupholders and storage cubbies further reduced its practicality for regular back-seat passengers.

The 2026 Lexus NX Hybrid came equipped with a 9.8-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14-inch touchscreen, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard features. SiriusXM satellite radio compatibility and a three-year Remote Connect subscription were also included. Optional features included a head-up display, a wireless phone charger, and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with quick responses and easy access to controls. The instrument cluster allowed customization of displayed information, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2026 Jeep Wrangler featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A two-year free trial of the Trails Offroad app was included, providing access to trails and topographic maps. Optional tech features included a nine-speaker Alpine audio system, a digital rear-view mirror, a forward-facing TrailCam, and a 7-inch display screen in the instrument cluster. The Wrangler's infotainment system was intuitive, and the Alpine audio system delivered good sound quality. The TrailCam, available on select models, was a valuable addition for off-road enthusiasts.

The 2026 Lexus NX Hybrid performed well in crash tests, earning the Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS. It received four out of five stars in the frontal crash test and five stars in the side crash test from the NHTSA. The NX 350h came standard with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 suite, including features like blind spot monitoring, lane keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. Optional safety features included automatic parking and a surround-view camera system.

The 2026 Jeep Wrangler offered limited standard safety features, with most advanced safety tech available as options. Adaptive cruise control became standard on the Sport S trim, while features like blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were optional. The Wrangler received mixed safety ratings from the IIHS, with "Good" ratings in some crash tests but "Poor" and "Marginal" scores for headlights.