Jeep Wrangler vs Lexus TX

The 2026 Jeep Wrangler retained its iconic and instantly recognizable design, characterized by its upright, military-style stance and the distinct seven-slot grille. The vehicle offered a unique open-air experience with removable doors and roof, and even a foldable windshield. The Wrangler was highly customizable, with various trim options ranging from basic to luxurious. Our test model, the Willys ’41, was finished in a special army green colour with matching wheels and a ’41 hood graphic. The interior was utilitarian, featuring rugged materials and a minimalist design, which suited the Wrangler's adventurous spirit. Despite the hard plastic surfaces, the interior was practical, with weatherproof floor mats and tan-coloured cloth seats that were easy to clean. Jeep's designers added playful Easter eggs throughout the vehicle, adding a touch of fun to its functional design.

In contrast, the 2026 Lexus TX offered a more refined and luxurious appearance. The TX featured a large grille reminiscent of the older spindle grille shape, complemented by sharp bi-LED headlights and rear LED lighting that spanned the vehicle's width. The interior was available in three colour options, with ambient lighting adding warmth to the cabin. However, the material quality fell short of luxury standards, with basic plastic scattered throughout. The redesigned door handles were a unique feature, though they seemed unnecessary. The TX's interior was spacious, especially in the third row, which included a recline function and ample headroom. The front seats were roomy but lacked thigh support, and the climate controls were primarily on the screen, with physical dials for temperature adjustments.

The 2026 Jeep Wrangler offered a range of powertrains, including the reliable Pentastar 3.6-litre V6, a more efficient 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo, and a powerful 6.4-litre Hemi V8. Most models came with an eight-speed automatic transmission, but the V6 engine also had a six-speed manual option. Our Willys ’41 test vehicle featured the V6 engine, delivering 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided ample power for everyday driving and highway merging, with impressive low-end torque for off-road crawling. The Wrangler's maneuverability was a standout feature, making it easy to navigate tight urban spaces. However, the off-road tires and upright stance contributed to a noisy cabin at highway speeds, requiring high speaker volume for phone calls.

The 2026 Lexus TX offered two powertrain options: the base TX 350 with a 275-horsepower 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine and the TX 500h hybrid with a combined output of 366 horsepower. The gas model featured an eight-speed automatic transmission, while the hybrid used a six-speed automatic. The TX 350 came with electronically controlled full-time all-wheel drive, while the TX 500h utilized Lexus’s Direct4 AWD system. The TX offered Normal, Eco, and Sport drive modes, with Sport mode enhancing throttle sensitivity. The 500h model included adaptive suspension and rear steering for improved handling.

The 2026 Jeep Wrangler was a practical choice for off-road adventures, with a standard 24.6 centimetres of ground clearance and the 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 rear seats folded flat. The swing-out tailgate and lift-up rear glass provided easy access to cargo. However, the Wrangler's interior space was limited, with a high step-in height and tight back seats, making it less practical for regular back-seat passengers.

The 2026 Lexus TX excelled in interior space and functionality. All models included three-zone automatic climate control, heated and cooled front seats, and heated second-row seats. The third row was spacious, with a recline function and ample headroom. The front seats were roomy, though they could benefit from more thigh support. The TX offered excellent cargo space, with 572 litres available with all seats in place, expanding to 2,747 litres with all rear seats folded. The TX could tow up to 2,268 kilograms when properly equipped.

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, allowing drivers to explore trails and maps via the infotainment screen. Optional tech features included a nine-speaker Alpine audio system, a digital rear-view mirror, and a forward-facing TrailCam. Our Willys ’41 test vehicle had many of these optional features, enhancing the driving experience with digital trip information and quality audio.

The 2026 Lexus TX had a 14-inch colour touchscreen that was user-friendly but lacked some features, such as manual satellite radio input. The steering wheel buttons controlled various functions but were confusing to use. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, though connectivity issues occasionally arose. The TX offered a range of subscription-based features, including in-dash navigation and a voice assistant. The back-up camera provided a clear view, and the available Advanced Park system assisted with parking duties. The TX also featured seven USB ports and wireless charging for device connectivity.

The 2026 Jeep Wrangler included basic safety features, with advanced safety tech available at a cost. The base Sport trim lacked additional safety options, while the Sport S trim offered features like adaptive cruise control and blind spot monitoring as options. The Rubicon X trim level included these features as standard. The Wrangler received mixed safety ratings from the IIHS, with "Good" ratings in some crash tests and "Poor" to "Marginal" scores for headlights.

The 2026 Lexus TX came standard with Lexus’s Safety System+ 3.0, which included forward collision warning, lane tracing assist, and traffic sign recognition. The adaptive cruise control worked well once set up, though it was initially confusing to operate. The TX received a five-star crash safety rating from the NHTSA and "Good" ratings from the IIHS for most crash tests.