2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe vs 2022 Lexus NX

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe made a statement with its distinctive sound and appearance. It closely resembled a regular Wrangler, with the main differences being a "4xe" badge, sky blue accents, and a power port at the windshield's base. When the battery was sufficiently charged, the vehicle operated silently, save for the pedestrian notification system's whine, which drew attention during a test drive in Yosemite National Park. The interior maintained the classic Wrangler's rugged simplicity, with added soft-touch materials and unique PHEV-related gauges. Despite its utilitarian design, the Wrangler 4xe offered a more refined interior than previous models, though it still lacked luxury.

The 2022 Lexus NX, redesigned for a December 2021 release, came in four model series, including hybrid and plug-in hybrid options. Its design was unmistakably Lexus, featuring a prominent spindle grille and refined styling details. The new NX was larger, offering more passenger and cargo space, with options for simulated or real leather interiors. The F Sport trim added sporty elements like a mesh-pattern grille and sport-bolstered seats. The interior adopted a minimalist approach, with most functions integrated into a large touchscreen, which could be challenging to navigate. Despite some drawbacks, the NX's interior was comfortable and well-equipped.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe combined a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors and a 17-kilowatt-hour battery, delivering 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. It offered three powertrain modes: Hybrid, Electric, and e-Save, allowing for versatile driving experiences. The Wrangler 4xe could travel an estimated 21 miles on electric power alone, with a total range of 370 miles. During testing, it averaged 19.1 mpg over 757 miles, with 120.9 of those miles on electricity. The vehicle's off-road capabilities were enhanced by features like skid plates and Dana 44 axles, making it suitable for adventurous trips.

The 2022 Lexus NX offered two electrified versions: the NX 350h hybrid with 239 horsepower and the NX 450h+ PHEV with 302 horsepower and a 36-mile electric range. The NX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The F Sport trim added adaptive suspension and performance dampers, enhancing its sporty character. The NX 350 accelerated to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds, with observed fuel economy ranging from 22.2 mpg for the F Sport to 25.5 mpg for the Luxury trim. While the NX excelled in handling and comfort, it wasn't designed for off-road use.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe's high door sills and lack of side steps made entry and exit challenging, especially for shorter passengers. Once inside, the Wrangler offered a classic driving position with clear visibility. Storage space was limited due to the center console's design, but rear-seat passengers had access to air vents, USB ports, and a power outlet. Cargo space measured 27.7 cubic feet, with a maximum of 72.4 cubic feet when the rear seats were folded. The Wrangler's tailgate design could be inconvenient in tight spaces, but it was part of the vehicle's charm.

The 2022 Lexus NX provided a more intimate and cozy interior, with comfortable seating and thoughtful padding for driver comfort. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed ample space and amenities like air vents and USB ports. The NX's cargo space increased by 14% to 22.7 cubic feet, with a maximum of 46.9 cubic feet when the rear seats were folded. The panoramic sunroof added to the sense of space, while the Luxury trim offered ambient lighting with various themes. Overall, the NX's interior was well-designed for comfort and practicality.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe featured a Uconnect infotainment system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and navigation. While intuitive, the system showed signs of aging in terms of responsiveness and graphics. The Wrangler's technological advancements were primarily related to its hybrid powertrain and 4WD system, with helpful data displays for charging and power management.

The 2022 Lexus NX introduced the Lexus Interface infotainment system, featuring large touchscreen displays, natural voice recognition, and cloud-based features. A 9.8-inch screen was standard, with a 14-inch upgrade available. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with various connected services. The Mark Levinson sound system provided excellent audio quality, though streaming services were limited in remote areas. The NX also offered advanced voice and intelligent assistant features, along with a digital key option. While the new tech was impressive, the system had some usability issues, such as fingerprint collection and limited data panel display.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe offered advanced driving assistance systems through the Safety Group and Advanced Safety Group packages. These included blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, adaptive cruise control, and forward-collision warning. The Wrangler's LED headlights received a Marginal rating from the IIHS, while its frontal-impact protection was rated Marginal due to a tendency to tip over in tests. The NHTSA gave the Wrangler a four-star frontal-impact rating and a three-star rollover resistance rating.

The 2022 Lexus NX came equipped with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, featuring advanced driver assistance and collision avoidance technologies. New features included Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist, Oncoming Vehicle Detection, and Curve Speed Management. The NX also offered Emergency Driving Stop System, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and Safe Exit Assist. Premium trim added rear pedestrian detection, adaptive front lighting, and semi-autonomous parking assist. The Vision Package provided additional safety features like panoramic view monitoring and front cross-traffic alert.