Compare the2023 Lexus GXVS 2022 Jeep Wrangler

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Transmission
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Chassis
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Payload and Towing
Servicing Ease
Ergonomics
Economic Advantages
Recommendations

Safety

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For enhanced safety, the front and second-row seat shoulder belts of the Lexus GX have pretensioners to tighten the seatbelts and eliminate dangerous slack in the event of a collision and force limiters to limit the pressure the belts will exert on the passengers. The Jeep Wrangler doesn’t offer pretensioners for its rear seat belts.

The GX’s pre-crash front seatbelts will tighten automatically in the event the vehicle detects an impending crash, improving protection against injury significantly. The Wrangler doesn’t offer pre-crash pretensioners.

For enhanced safety, the front and middle seat shoulder belts of the Lexus GX are height-adjustable to accommodate a wide variety of driver and passenger heights. A better fit can prevent injuries and the increased comfort also encourages passengers to buckle up. The Jeep Wrangler has only front height-adjustable seat belts.

In the past twenty years hundreds of infants and young children have died after being left in vehicles, usually by accident. When turning the vehicle off, drivers of the GX are reminded to check the back seat if they opened the rear door before starting out. The Wrangler doesn’t offer a back seat reminder.

The Lexus GX has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags helps prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The Wrangler doesn’t offer knee airbags.

The GX has standard front and rear seat side-impact airbags and head airbags, which act as a forgiving barrier between the passengers and the door. Combined with high-strength steel door beams this system increases protection from broadside collisions. The Wrangler doesn't offer rear-seat side-impact airbags, only ones for front seat occupants.

The GX has standard Active Headrests, which use a specially designed headrest to protect the driver and front passenger from whiplash. During a rear-end collision, the Active Headrests system moves the headrests forward to prevent neck and spine injuries. The Wrangler doesn’t offer a whiplash protection system.

The GX has a standard Pre-Collision System, which uses forward mounted sensors to warn the driver of a possible collision ahead. If the driver doesn’t react and the system determines a collision is imminent, it automatically applies the brakes at full-force in order to reduce the force of the crash or avoid it altogether. The Wrangler offers an available collision warning system without the automated brake feature that would prevent or reduce the collision if the driver fails to react.

The GX’s lane departure warning system alerts a temporarily inattentive driver when the vehicle begins to leave its lane. The Wrangler doesn’t offer a lane departure warning system.

The GX (except Base/Premium) offers an optional Panoramic View Monitor to allow the driver to see objects all around the vehicle on a screen. The Wrangler only offers a rear monitor and rear parking sensors that beep or flash a light. That doesn’t help with obstacles to the front or sides.

The GX has a standard blind spot warning system which uses sensors to alert the driver to objects in the vehicle’s blind spots where the side view mirrors don’t reveal them. A system to reveal vehicles in the Wrangler’s blind spot costs extra.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the GX has a standard rear cross-path warning system, which uses sensors in the rear bumper to alert the driver to vehicles approaching from the side, helping the driver avoid collisions. Only the Wrangler Sport S/Sahara/Rubicon offers a rear cross-path warning system and it costs extra.

The GX’s driver alert monitor detects an inattentive driver then sounds a warning and suggests a break. According to the NHTSA, drivers who fall asleep cause about 100,000 crashes and 1500 deaths a year. The Wrangler doesn’t offer a driver alert monitor.

Both the GX and the Wrangler have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, height adjustable front shoulder belts, plastic fuel tanks, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding and rearview cameras.

Warranty

The GX comes with a full 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty, which covers the entire truck and includes 24-hour roadside assistance. The Wrangler’s 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty expires 1 year or 14,000 miles sooner.

Lexus’ powertrain warranty covers the GX 1 year and 10,000 miles longer than Jeep covers the Wrangler. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 6 years or 70,000 miles. Coverage on the Wrangler ends after only 5 years or 60,000 miles.

The GX’s corrosion warranty is 1 year longer than the Wrangler’s (6 vs. 5 years).

Reliability

For smoother operation, better efficiency and fewer moving parts, the GX has an overhead cam design, rather than the old pushrod design of the 6.4 V8 in the Wrangler.

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the GX’s reliability 75 points higher than the Wrangler.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the GX second among midsize premium suvs in their 2022 Initial Quality Study. The Wrangler isn’t in the top three in its category.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Lexus vehicles are better in initial quality than Jeep vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Lexus above average in initial quality. With 42 more problems per 100 vehicles, Jeep is rated below average.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Lexus vehicles are more reliable than Jeep vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Lexus above average in long-term dependability. With 33 more problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, Jeep is rated below average.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2021 Auto Issue reports that Lexus vehicles are more reliable than Jeep vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Lexus third in overall reliability. Jeep is ranked 19th.

Engine

The GX’s 4.6 DOHC V8 produces 31 more horsepower (301 vs. 270) and 34 lbs.-ft. more torque (329 vs. 295) than the Wrangler’s optional 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder. The GX’s 4.6 DOHC V8 produces 16 more horsepower (301 vs. 285) and 69 lbs.-ft. more torque (329 vs. 260) than the Wrangler’s standard 3.6 DOHC V6.

As tested in Motor Trend the Lexus GX is faster than the Jeep Wrangler turbo 4 cyl. (automatics tested):

	GX	Wrangler
Zero to 30 MPH	2.3 sec	2.5 sec
Zero to 60 MPH	6.9 sec	8.1 sec
Zero to 80 MPH	12.2 sec	15.1 sec
Passing 45 to 65 MPH	3.8 sec	4.6 sec
Quarter Mile	15.4 sec	16.3 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	89.7 MPH	82.6 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

On the EPA test cycle the GX gets better fuel mileage than the Wrangler Rubicon 392 running its gasoline engine (15 city/19 hwy vs. 13 city/17 hwy).

The GX has 5.5 gallons more fuel capacity than the Wrangler 4Xe/2-door’s standard fuel tank (23 vs. 17.5 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups. The GX has 1.5 gallons more fuel capacity than the Wrangler 4-door’s standard fuel tank (23 vs. 21.5 gallons).

Transmission

The Lexus GX comes standard with an automatic transmission, for driver comfort, especially in the city. Automatic costs extra on the Wrangler.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the GX’s front brake rotors are larger than those on the Wrangler:

	GX	Wrangler
Front Rotors	13.3 inches	12.9 inches

The GX’s standard front and rear disc brakes are vented to help dissipate heat for shorter stops with less fading. The rear discs standard on the Wrangler 4x4 Sport are solid, not vented.

The GX stops much shorter than the Wrangler:

	GX	Wrangler
70 to 0 MPH	176 feet	211 feet	Car and Driver
60 to 0 MPH	117 feet	150 feet	Motor Trend
60 to 0 MPH (Wet)	143 feet	163 feet	Consumer Reports

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the GX has larger tires than the Wrangler (265/60R18 vs. 245/75R17).

The GX’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 60 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Wrangler Sport’s standard 75 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the GX has standard 18-inch wheels. Smaller 17-inch wheels are standard on the Wrangler Sport.

The Lexus GX’s wheels have 6 lugs for longer wheel bearing life, less chance of rotor warping and greater strength. The Jeep Wrangler only has 5 wheel lugs per wheel.

Suspension and Handling

The Lexus GX’s independent front suspension is much lighter than the Jeep Wrangler’s solid front axle, which allows the GX’s wheels to react more quickly and accurately to the road’s surface, improving both ride and handling.

The GX offers an available driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads or off-road. The Wrangler’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

The GX 460 Luxury has a standard automatic rear load leveling suspension to keep ride height level with a heavy load or when towing. The Wrangler doesn’t offer a load leveling suspension.

For much better steering response and tighter handling the GX has rack and pinion steering, like Formula racecars, instead of the recirculating-ball type steering of the Wrangler.

The GX handles at .74 G’s, while the Wrangler Sahara 4-door pulls only .64 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The GX executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 1.6 seconds quicker than the Wrangler Rubicon 4-door (28.3 seconds @ .58 average G’s vs. 29.9 seconds @ .56 average G’s).

Chassis

For excellent aerodynamics, the GX has standard flush composite headlights. The Wrangler has recessed headlights that spoil its aerodynamic shape and create extra drag.

As tested by Car and Driver while cruising at 70 MPH, the interior of the GX is quieter than the Wrangler Sport 4-door (66 vs. 70 dB).

Passenger Space

The GX has standard seating for 7 passengers; the Wrangler can only carry up to 5.

The GX has 26 cubic feet more passenger volume than the Wrangler (129.7 vs. 103.7).

For enhanced passenger comfort on long trips the GX’s middle seats and third row seats (except Base/Black Line Edition) recline. The Wrangler’s rear seats don’t recline.

The front step up height for the GX is 3.3 inches lower than the Wrangler 4-door (21.7” vs. 25”). The GX’s rear step up height is 3.8 inches lower than the Wrangler 4-door’s (22” vs. 25.8”).

Cargo Capacity

The GX’s cargo area provides more volume than the Wrangler 2-door.

	GX	Wrangler
Third Seat Folded	46.7 cubic feet	n/a
Third Seat Removed	n/a	12.9 cubic feet
Second Seat Folded	64.7 cubic feet	31.7 cubic feet

The GX’s cargo area is larger than the Wrangler’s in every dimension:

	GX	Wrangler
Length to seat (3rd/2nd/1st)	9.8”/39”/75”	n.a./37”/65.8”
Max Width	54.6”	42”
Min Width	43.4”	39.5”
Height	35.5”	30”

The GX’s available folding rear seats are split to accommodate bulky cargo. The Wrangler 2-door’s standard single piece folding rear seat is not as flexible; long cargo and a passenger can’t share the rear seat.

Payload and Towing

The GX’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the Wrangler’s (6500 vs. 2000 pounds).

The GX has a higher standard payload capacity than the Wrangler (1295 vs. 1233 lbs.).

Servicing Ease

The GX uses gas struts to support the hood for easier service access. The Wrangler uses a prop rod to support its heavy hood. It takes two hands to open the hood and set the prop rod, the prop rod gets in the way during maintenance and service, and the prop rod could be knocked out, causing the heavy hood to fall on the person maintaining or servicing the car.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Lexus service is better than Jeep. J.D. Power ranks Lexus first in service department satisfaction. With a 63% lower rating, Jeep is ranked 26th.

Ergonomics

When two different drivers share the GX, the memory system makes it convenient for both. Each keyless remote activates different, customized memories for the driver’s seat position, steering wheel position, outside mirror angle and climate settings. The Wrangler doesn’t offer a memory system.

The GX’s standard easy entry system raises the steering wheel and glides the driver’s seat back, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The Wrangler doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The GX’s standard power windows allow the driver or passenger to lower and raise the windows without leaning over or being distracted. Power windows are only available on the Wrangler Sport S/Sahara/Rubicon.

The GX’s front and rear power windows all open or close fully with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside the car. The Wrangler Sport S/Sahara/Rubicon’s power window switches have to be held the entire time to close them fully. Only its front windows open automatically.

The GX’s standard power window controls are mounted on the armrest for easy access. The Wrangler’s available power window controls are down in the center of the dashboard, away from the windows and mixed with controls for unrelated features.

If the windows are left open on the GX the driver can close them all at the outside door handle. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows at the outside door handle or from a distance using the keyless remote. The driver of the Wrangler can only operate the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The GX’s standard power locks allow the driver or passenger to lock or unlock all the doors at a touch without leaning over, or reaching to the back seat. Power locks are only available on the Wrangler Sport S/Sahara/Rubicon.

The GX has a standard locking fuel door with a remote release located convenient to the driver. A locking fuel door helps prevent fuel theft and vandalism, such as sugar in the tank. The Wrangler doesn’t offer a locking fuel/charge port door.

The GX’s optional wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically according to the amount of rainfall on the windshield. The Wrangler’s intermittent wipers change speed with vehicle speed, but can’t turn on and off or change speed based on changing rainfall.

The GX’s LED headlights produce a whiter, brighter light (up to 3x) using five times less power than the Wrangler’s standard halogen headlights. LED lights also light instantly and last over twenty times longer than halogen.

In poor weather, headlights can lose their effectiveness as grime builds up on their lenses. This can reduce visibility without the driver realizing. The GX offers available headlight washers to keep headlight output high. The Wrangler doesn’t offer headlight washers.

The GX has a standard automatic headlight on/off feature. When the ignition is on, the headlights automatically turn on at dusk and off after dawn. When the ignition turns off, the headlights turn off after a delay timed to allow you to securely get to your front door. The Wrangler has an automatic headlight on/off feature standard only on the Sport S/Sahara/Rubicon.

To help drivers see further while navigating curves, the GX offers optional adaptive headlights to illuminate around corners automatically by reading vehicle speed and steering wheel angle. The Wrangler doesn’t offer cornering lights.

The GX has standard power remote mirrors. The Wrangler Sport doesn’t offer either a remote driver side or passenger side mirror. The driver will have to roll down the windows and reach across the car to adjust the mirrors.

The GX’s standard outside mirrors include heating elements to clear off the mirrors for better visibility. Jeep only offers heated mirrors on the Wrangler Sport S/Sahara/Rubicon.

When the GX is put in reverse, both rearview mirrors tilt from their original position. This gives the driver a better view of the curb during parallel parking maneuvers. Shifting out of reverse puts the mirrors into their original positions. The Wrangler’s mirrors don’t automatically adjust for backing.

The GX’s standard rear and side view mirrors have an automatic dimming feature. These mirrors can be set to automatically darken quickly when headlights shine on them, keeping following vehicles from blinding or distracting the driver. The Wrangler offers an automatic rear view mirror, but its side mirrors don’t dim.

Both the GX and the Wrangler offer available heated front seats. The GX also offers optional heated second row seats to keep those passengers extremely comfortable in the winter. Heated rear seats aren’t available in the Wrangler.

Optional air-conditioned seats in the GX keep the driver and front passenger comfortable and take the sting out of hot seats in Summer. The Wrangler doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats.

The GX has a standard dual zone air conditioning allows the driver and front passenger to choose two completely different temperatures so people with different temperature preferences won’t have to compromise. This makes both the driver and front passenger as comfortable as possible. Dual zone air conditioning costs extra on the Wrangler and isn’t available on the Wrangler Sport.

The GX’s standard automatic temperature control maintains the temperature you set, automatically controlling fan speed, vents and temperature to maintain a consistent, comfortable environment. The Wrangler Sport doesn’t offer automatic air conditioning.

Both the GX and the Wrangler offer rear vents. For greater rear passenger comfort, the GX offers optional rear air conditioning vents to keep rear occupants cool in summer or warm in winter. The Wrangler doesn’t offer rear air conditioning vents, only heat vents.

Economic Advantages

According to The Car Book by Jack Gillis, the GX is less expensive to operate than the Wrangler because typical repairs cost less on the GX than the Wrangler, including $85 less for front brake pads and $19 less for front struts.

Recommendations

Consumer Reports® recommends the Lexus GX, based on reliability, safety and performance. The Jeep Wrangler isn't recommended.

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