Jeep Wrangler vs Lexus NX

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP's published record does not give the Jeep Wrangler a rating. With no pair of ratings to compare, the active-safety features in the spec table above are the fairer comparison.

Recalls on our record

A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.

Feature Showdown

The Jeep Wrangler features a 8.4-inch touchscreen paired with a 7-inch digital dash, while the Lexus NX gets a 9.8-inch display and 8-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Jeep Wrangler stands out with Alpine audio — features our data doesn't list for the Lexus NX. The Lexus NX counters with head-up display, wireless charging, power tailgate and Mark Levinson audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the Jeep Wrangler gets leather upholstery while the Lexus NX offers synthetic leather. Climate control is 1-zone in the Jeep Wrangler and 2-zone in the Lexus NX.

Drivetrain

The Jeep Wrangler uses a Petrol I4 Turbo producing 200kW and 400Nm of torque, sent through a 8-speed automatic to a 4WD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.3 seconds.

The Lexus NX responds with a Hybrid making 179kW and 239Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.7 seconds.

The Jeep Wrangler has the clear power advantage at 200kW vs 179kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Lexus NX is 1.6s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Space & Comfort

The Jeep Wrangler measures 4,334mm long on a 2,459mm wheelbase, 326mm shorter than the Lexus NX at 4,660mm (2,690mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Lexus NX generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 365L in the Jeep Wrangler and 520L in the Lexus NX, giving the Lexus NX a 155L advantage. Fold the rears and you get 2050L vs 1141L. The Lexus NX seats 5 vs 4.

For towing, the Lexus NX leads with a 1,500kg braked capacity vs 1,497kg. That 3kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Neither U-turns in one sweep on a 7 m local street (both need a three-point turn); the Jeep Wrangler's turning circle is 1.4 m tighter, 10.0 m against 11.4 m kerb to kerb. The street estimate is indicative, worked from the published turning circles.

Cost to own

At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Jeep Wrangler costs about $2,907 a year (10.2 L/100km) and fuel for the Lexus NX about $1,425 a year (5 L/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh. That is $1,482 a year less for the Lexus NX.

Warranty: 5 years / 100k km (Jeep Wrangler) and 5 years / Unlimited (Lexus NX). Capped-price servicing: 5 years (Jeep Wrangler), 4 years (Lexus NX).

Where each one leads

The Jeep Wrangler: more power (200kW against 179kW).

The Lexus NX: the lower starting price ($71,700 against $81,990), the bigger boot with the seats up (520L against 365L), the higher braked towing limit (1,500kg against 1,497kg) and lower fuel or energy costs on our assumptions ($1,425 a year against $2,907).

The Verdict

Lexus NX scores higher, 79 vs 60

The Lexus NX scores 79 to the Jeep Wrangler's 60 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 5 of the 6 spec rows that separate them, at the lower price. The biggest gaps: fuel economy (Lexus NX ahead by 47 points), safety (Lexus NX ahead by 29 points), reliability (Lexus NX ahead by 15 points). At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Lexus NX costs about $1,482 less (5 L/100km against 10.2 L/100km, at $1.90 a litre). Boot space with the seats up: 365L in the Jeep Wrangler, 520L in the Lexus NX.

Common questions