2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe 2.0L PHEV 8AT (380 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Jeep joined the electrified vehicle bandwagon and added the 4xe plug-in hybrid version to the Wrangler lineup, and the result was beyond expectations not just in terms of fuel efficiency but also regarding performance.

The Wrangler was, perhaps, the least susceptible vehicle in the Jeep’s lineup to get an electrified drivetrain. Its off-road-oriented construction and the idea of an inline-four under the hood were unusual. But still, Jeep had to do that. So, with some help from its European partners, it created the 4xe version, which was an SUV made for outdoor adventures. While some looked suspicious at the electrified Wrangler, others didn’t, and the 4xe became the best-selling plug-in hybrid vehicle in the U.S. in 2021. Thanks to the electric motor integrated into the gearbox, the rugged SUV boasted impressive numbers on the acceleration charts. Even though the brick-like shape of the bodywork wasn’t its best ally against the wind to get better fuel economy, the 4xe was still more efficient than most other Wranglers before, with the sole exception being the six-speed manual turbodiesel version that was sold in Europe. But Jeep didn’t have to focus just on efficiency. It also had to keep the SUV’s ability to crawl over rocks and go through rivers and muddy terrains. As a result, it created sturdy protection around the 96-cell battery pack.

From the outside, there were a few differences between the 4xe and its siblings. At the front, the Wrangler featured a pair of blue towing hooks, depending on the grade, which were unique for the version. On the other hand, it still shared the same recessed round headlights featuring LED daytime running lights inside them like the rest of its stablemates. The front fenders sported the horizontal bars for parking lights and turn signals, well protected behind the bumper. For the Rubicon version, the automaker also created a unique hood with vents that flanked the power dome in the middle.

Jeep made the 4xe exclusively as a five-door affair but provided it in three grades: the 4xe, the Sahara 4xe, and the Rubicon 4xe. They all featured a charging port in front of the A-pillar on the driver’s side, and a set of side steps were available. The top-of-the-range variant of the 4xe was fitted with a set of 33-inch tires and higher-mounted fenders that allowed longer wheel travels. It also featured rock-sliding tubes instead of steps to protect the bodywork from rocks and other punishing surfaces. At the back, on the driver’s side, the automaker installed a lid over the gas cap that could be opened via a button next to the driver. Out back, the Rubicon 4xe also had blue towing hooks, while its lesser-equipped brothers didn’t. Regardless of the version, all Wranglers came with a full-size spare tire.

Inside, at first sight, there were no modifications to the cabin, but there was a new infotainment system that also featured special menus for the charging and power-delivery system. The driver also had access to three buttons that allowed them to switch between driving modes, either hybrid, full-electric, or energy-saving mode. The latter was used to keep the battery full to be used later. Jeep created a cabin comfortable enough for five people. It placed the battery pack under the rear seats, so the cargo area wasn’t affected. With the rear bench seat folded down, the Wrangler 4xe wasn’t as spacious as its non-hybrid siblings since the seas couldn’t be lowered to the trunk’s floor level.

Under the hood, Jeep installed a turbocharged two-liter engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. All versions came fitted with a two-speed transfer box. For the 4xe and the Sahara 4xe grades, the low-range ratio was 2.71:1, while the Rubicon 4xe boasted a 4:1 gearing, resulting in a total crawl ratio of 77.2:1 at the wheel. This version also featured an electronic sway-bar disconnect, specific for the Rubicon.