2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe vs 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid presented a blend of sharp edges and a streamlined profile, maintaining a familiar yet distinct look within the Lexus family. Despite its sporty F Sport Black Line styling, the NX Hybrid's design had not evolved significantly over the years, making it both recognizable and somewhat dated. The interior, once considered radical, had become familiar due to its lack of updates, featuring a stepped center console and a mix of materials that leaned more towards mainstream than luxury.

In contrast, the 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe made its presence known through its unique sound and subtle design cues like sky blue accents. The Wrangler 4xe maintained the classic Jeep look, with the addition of a power port for its plug-in hybrid system. Inside, it retained the rugged, functional design typical of Wranglers, with added soft-touch materials and modern conveniences. The interior was practical, with a focus on functionality over luxury, offering a comfortable yet straightforward experience.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid was powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, producing a total of 194 horsepower. It featured standard all-wheel drive and a sport-tuned suspension as part of the Black Line package, which improved handling. However, its performance was more focused on fuel efficiency than excitement, with a 0-60 mph time of 9.1 seconds and a top speed of 112 mph. The steering was notably numb, and the drive modes offered minimal impact on the driving experience.

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 achieve 0-60 mph in six seconds and provided an estimated 21 miles of electric-only range. Its off-road capabilities were enhanced by features like electronic lockers and a robust 4WD system.

The Lexus NX Hybrid offered limited interior space, with the least front headroom in its segment and cramped rear seats. The front seats were comfortable, with 10-way power adjustment and optional heated and ventilated features. Cargo space was limited, with 16.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 53.7 cubic feet with them folded. Visibility was hindered by thick rear pillars, though large mirrors helped compensate.

The Jeep Wrangler 4xe required some effort to enter and exit due to high door sills, but once inside, it provided a classic Wrangler driving position with excellent visibility. The interior was functional, with limited storage options but useful features like USB ports and MOLLE-style storage straps. Cargo space was 27.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 72.4 cubic feet with them folded, though the design could make loading challenging.

The Lexus NX Hybrid's infotainment system was a weak point, featuring an 8-inch display with a difficult-to-use Remote Touch Interface touchpad. While it offered Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, the system felt outdated, with poor graphics and a cumbersome interface. The base audio system was underwhelming, making the optional Mark Levinson system a worthwhile upgrade.

The Jeep Wrangler 4xe featured an 8.4-inch Uconnect infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and navigation. While intuitive, it showed signs of aging in terms of responsiveness and graphics. The system included useful features like a charging time estimate and charging indicator lights, enhancing the hybrid experience.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid earned a “Top Safety Pick+” from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It came standard with the Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, offering a comprehensive suite of driver aids, though it lacked a 360-degree camera system.

The Jeep Wrangler 4xe offered safety features through the Safety Group and Advanced Safety Group packages. While effective, the Wrangler's safety ratings were mixed, with a Marginal rating for small-overlap frontal-impact protection and a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA.