2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe vs 2021 Lexus NX

The 2021 Lexus NX was available in three versions: the NX 300, NX 300 F Sport, and the NX 300h hybrid. This comparison focused on the gasoline models, specifically the performance-oriented F Sport version. The NX carried over Lexus's signature design elements, featuring sharp lines and a sculpted exterior similar to the smaller UX and larger RX models. Standard features included power-folding outside mirrors and 17-inch wheels, while the F Sport variant added a honeycomb grille, triple-beam LED headlights, and 18-inch F Sport wheels.

Inside, the NX F Sport boasted exclusive quilted NuLuxe sport seats with optional Circuit Red interior color, alongside more traditional palettes. The interior's material quality was excellent, with a familiar gauge cluster featuring a 4.2-inch multi-information display. However, the design seemed outdated compared to newer models like the 2022 Hyundai Tucson. The center stack, with its elevated climate-control buttons and rare CD player, also appeared dated but remained functional. The lack of open small-item storage between the driver and passenger was a notable drawback.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe announced its presence with subtle blue accents and a power port at the base of the windshield. When running on battery power alone, the Wrangler 4xe was nearly silent, drawing attention with its pedestrian notification system. Our test vehicle, a well-equipped Rubicon trim, was priced at $66,690, including destination charges. The interior was similar to other four-door Wranglers, with blue seat stitching and special PHEV gauges. Despite its rugged look, the Wrangler 4xe offered more soft-touch materials than expected.

The Wrangler 4xe's controls were laid out for functionality, with a transmission shifter, hand-operated emergency brake, and manual transfer-case lever in the center console. The Rubicon trim included front and rear locking differential controls and a sway bar disconnect button. The interior retained the Wrangler's purposeful simplicity but was better outfitted than previous models. However, luxury and refinement were not its strong suits.

The 2021 Lexus NX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The standard six-speed automatic transmission was adequate but lagged behind newer multi-speed transmissions. The NX accelerated from zero to 60 mph in around seven seconds, a competitive time for its segment. While the powertrain could get noisy under hard acceleration, the ride was generally quiet. The F Sport model featured Active Sound Control, which electronically enhanced the engine note through the speakers.

Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on all trims. The AWD system could transfer up to 50% of torque to the rear axle but lacked individual-wheel torque vectoring. Fuel economy for the FWD model was 22 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined, while the AWD model had similar numbers but a combined rating of 24 mpg. The NX F Sport AWD also achieved 24 mpg combined. The NX had a 2,000-pound towing capacity and a top speed electronically limited to 124 mph. The adaptive-suspension system, based on the LC 500 sport coupe, provided a smooth and comfortable driving experience, though the steering lacked feedback.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe combined a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors and a 17-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack. The eight-speed automatic transmission and upgraded four-wheel drive system with electronic lockers were standard on the Rubicon trim. The battery provided an estimated 21 miles of pure electric driving, with a combined efficiency rating of 49 MPGe. As a hybrid, the Wrangler 4xe achieved 20 mpg combined, offering a total driving range of 370 miles.

Three powertrain modes governed the Wrangler 4xe's performance: Hybrid, Electric, and e-Save. Hybrid mode utilized the full 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, enabling a zero to 60 mph time of six seconds. Electric mode ran solely on battery power, while e-Save preserved battery power for specific situations. During a road trip to Yosemite, the Wrangler 4xe demonstrated its efficiency, averaging 20.8 mpg and utilizing regenerative braking to recharge the battery. The Wrangler's steering, however, suffered from on-center slop, making high-speed driving on narrow roads challenging.

The 2021 Lexus NX featured an upscale interior with comfortable front seats and adequate second-row legroom. Heated and ventilated seats were available, and the rear seats offered a 60/40 split-folding configuration. Despite engine noise, the cabin remained free from road and wind noise. However, the NX's cargo space was limited, with 17.7 cubic feet behind the second row and 54.6 cubic feet with the seats folded down. A power liftgate with kick sensor technology and power-folding rear seats were available options.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe's high door sills and lack of side steps on the Rubicon trim made entry and exit challenging, especially for shorter passengers. Once inside, the driving position provided a clear view over the hood and front fenders. The center console offered limited storage due to the hand-brake and transfer case lever. Rear-seat space was adequate for upright seating, with air conditioning vents, USB ports, and a 115-volt power outlet available. Cargo volume measured 27.7 cubic feet behind the back seat, expanding to 72.4 cubic feet with the seats folded down. However, the swing-out tailgate and flip-up rear glass window could make loading cargo difficult in tight spaces.

The 2021 Lexus NX featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with a 10.3-inch screen available in the Navigation package. The system included HomeLink, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Lexus Enform Destination Assist. Standard features included keyless entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth, a USB port, HD Radio, and a WiFi hotspot. The Lexus Premium Audio system came with eight speakers, while the Navigation package added two more. A Mark Levinson 14-speaker audio system was available on the top-tier NX. The Lexus Enform Remote mobile app allowed users to control various functions remotely, and Lexus Enform Services Connect provided maintenance alerts.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe Rubicon's Uconnect infotainment system featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, and SiriusXM Guardian connected services. A WiFi connection was available, and the Alpine sound system provided adequate audio quality despite wind noise. The Uconnect system was intuitive but showed signs of aging in terms of load time, responsiveness, and graphics. The Trip Summary data panel and blue charging indicator lights provided useful information about the PHEV powertrain.

The 2021 Lexus NX came standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, which included a rearview camera, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, traffic-sign recognition, automatic high beams, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. Optional safety features included park assist, a surround-view camera system, and adaptive headlights. The NX received top scores from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. Lexus backed the NX with a four-year/50,000-mile limited warranty and a six-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe offered advanced driving assistance systems in the Safety Group (blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, rear parking sensors) and the Advanced Safety Group (adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, automatic high beams). The Wrangler's LED headlights received a Marginal rating from the IIHS, while the standard headlights were rated Poor. The Wrangler earned a Marginal rating for small-overlap, frontal-impact protection for the driver, with the vehicle tipping over during testing. The NHTSA gave the Wrangler Unlimited a four-star frontal-impact crash-test rating and a three-star rollover resistance rating.