2020 Jeep Wrangler vs 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid

The 2020 Jeep Wrangler was a standout on the road with its iconic circular headlights, seven-slat grille, and boxy design. Its industrial look was enhanced by exposed hinges and bolts, and the option to fold down the windshield and remove the doors. The removable top added to its rugged persona, making it more of a recreational utility vehicle than a typical commuter car. Inside, the Wrangler embraced a retro style with circular climate vents and gauges, focusing on utility over luxury.

In contrast, the 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid featured sharp edges and a streamlined profile, maintaining a familiar yet distinct look. Despite its luxury branding, the NX shared a platform with the older Toyota RAV4, making it feel a step behind in engineering. The F Sport Black Line edition added sporty elements like a larger mesh grille and dark-finish wheels, but the interior design, though initially radical, had become familiar and lacked the premium feel expected from a luxury brand.

The 2020 Jeep Wrangler offered a base 3.6-liter V6 engine with 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 6-speed manual or an optional 8-speed automatic. A turbocharged 4-cylinder engine was also available, delivering 270 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The new 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel engine provided 260 hp and an impressive 442 lb-ft of torque, excelling in off-road conditions. Despite its rough ride and road noise, the Wrangler's off-road capabilities were unmatched, with features like locking differentials and a disconnecting sway bar. Fuel economy for the diesel engine was 22 mpg city, 29 highway, and 25 combined.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, producing a total of 194 horsepower. It came standard with all-wheel drive, but its performance was more focused on fuel efficiency than excitement, with a 0-60 mph time of 9.1 seconds. The sport-tuned suspension improved handling, but the steering felt numb, and the drive modes offered minimal impact. The NX Hybrid prioritized comfort and efficiency over performance thrills.

The 2020 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, with its four-door configuration, was popular for its versatility. The removable doors, foldable windshield, and various roof options, including a retractable soft top and a three-piece hardtop, added to its appeal. However, cargo space was limited to 72 cubic feet with the rear bench lowered, less than many less-capable SUVs.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid had limited interior space, with the least front headroom in its segment and cramped rear seats. The front seats offered good support, and features like 10-way power adjustment and available heated and ventilated seats added comfort. Cargo space was 16.8 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 53.7 cubic feet with them folded, less than its gasoline counterpart and competitors. The sporty design affected rear visibility, but exterior mirrors helped compensate.

The 2020 Jeep Wrangler's Sport and Sport S trims featured a basic 5-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth and USB connectivity. The Rubicon and Sahara offered a 7-inch touchscreen with Uconnect, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, with an optional 8.4-inch system adding navigation and a premium audio system. The larger screen also provided real-time updates and a WiFi hotspot.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid's infotainment system was a weak point, with an 8-inch display and an awkward Remote Touch Interface touchpad. Despite compatibility with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa, the system felt dated. An optional 10.3-inch display was available, and higher trims offered a 14-speaker Mark Levinson system. The base audio system was underwhelming, lacking the quality expected from a luxury brand.

The 2020 Jeep Wrangler included standard safety features like airbags and a backup camera. Optional packages added rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control, enhancing safety despite the Wrangler's challenging sightlines.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid earned a “Top Safety Pick+” from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It came with the Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, offering a comprehensive suite of driver aids, including forward-collision warning and adaptive cruise control. The NX's safety features were impressive for a luxury crossover, though it lacked a 360-degree camera system.