What Is Jeep Wrangler 4xe? Guide to Hybrid SUV
The Jeep Wrangler is an American icon known for its incredible off-road capability and open-air freedom. For 2021, Jeep is electrifying its most popular model with the introduction of the Jeep Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). This marks the first time the Wrangler will be available with an advanced hybrid powertrain, delivering new levels of efficiency and technology while retaining the rugged 4×4 performance Wrangler is revered for.
So what exactly is the new Jeep Wrangler 4xe and what does it offer on and off the road? In this detailed guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Jeep’s exciting new electrified Wrangler SUV:
- How the Wrangler 4xe hybrid powertrain works
- Electric driving range and MPG
- Horsepower, torque, and performance
- Charging times and charging options
- New high-tech interior features
- Pricing and availability
And much more about what makes the first-ever Wrangler 4xe so special. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
An Overview of the Wrangler 4xe Hybrid Powertrain
The biggest change with the 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe is under the hood. This new plug-in hybrid Wrangler uses an advanced PHEV powertrain that combines a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine with two electric motors and a 400-volt, 17 kWh (kilowatt-hour) battery pack.
This unique hybrid system allows the Wrangler 4xe to operate in several different modes:
- Electric only – The Wrangler 4xe can run solely on the electric motors using battery power alone, with no gasoline engine assistance. This is possible for around 21 miles based on the capacity of the 17 kWh battery pack.
- Hybrid mode – Once the battery charge is depleted, the gas engine seamlessly activates to work together with the electric motors, powering the Wrangler as a hybrid. This improves efficiency and performance.
- Gasoline only – The Wrangler 4xe can operate as a normal gas-powered vehicle utilizing just the turbo 2.0L engine, with no electric motor aid.
The end result is an incredibly versatile Jeep Wrangler that can tackle daily commutes without using a drop of gas, then switch to hybrid mode for longer trips. The new hybrid powertrain delivers a unique blend of efficiency, responsiveness, and capability that stays true to the Wrangler’s reputation.
Understanding the Wrangler 4xe’s Electric Range
One of the most important specs for any plug-in hybrid is its all-electric driving range. This determines how far you can travel on battery power alone before the gas engine is required. It also impacts your potential gas savings and emissions reduction from electric driving.
The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe is equipped with a 17 kWh battery pack that enables an estimated all-electric range of 21 miles on a full charge. This gives you the ability to handle most daily commuting and short trips with zero gas usage. 21 all-electric miles is a decent range for a plug-in hybrid SUV.
However, several factors can impact the actual electric driving range, including:
- Terrain and driving style – Aggressive acceleration and high speeds will deplete the battery faster. Off-roading also requires more energy.
- Climate and temperature – Running heat, A/C, defrosters in extreme cold or hot temps uses more battery power.
- Cargo and passenger weight – Heavy hauling and payload reduces range.
So while 21 miles is the estimated range, you may get slightly less in real-world driving depending on conditions. But the Wrangler 4xe still offers impressive electric capabilities from the 17 kWh battery that outweigh most hybrid competitors.
Gas Mileage and MPGe Ratings
When the gasoline engine activates after the electric range is depleted, the Wrangler 4xe operates as a gas-electric hybrid. This delivers excellent fuel economy for an off-road oriented SUV.
According to EPA estimates, the Wrangler 4xe earns:
- 49 MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent) combined city/highway – This accounts for electric and hybrid driving.
- 20 MPG combined city/highway on gasoline only – Once battery is depleted.
The MPGe rating of 49 is very impressive for a boxy 4×4. For comparison, most standard Wrangler models without electrification earn only 15-19 combined MPG.
So while you can expect around 20 MPG running solely on gas, the ability to drive up to 21 miles on electricity brings the 4xe’s overall efficiency to 49 MPGe. This demonstrates the advantages of the plug-in hybrid powertrain for improving fuel economy.
Wrangler 4xe Horsepower, Torque, and Performance
One concern some may have about electrification is reduced power and performance. However, the Wrangler 4xe actually delivers best-in-class horsepower and torque ratings:
- 375 horsepower combined output
- 470 lb-ft of instant torque
This comes from the combined forces of the 270 hp turbo 2.0L engine and two electric motors. The result is robust acceleration – hitting 60 mph in just 6.0 seconds. The immediate electric torque also greatly enhances slow-speed rock crawling and off-road maneuverability.
The Wrangler 4xe provides a very unique driving experience. You get instant, silent electric acceleration off the line with no engine sound. This transitions seamlessly into the force of the turbo engine kicking in at higher speeds or when the battery depletes. The hybrid powertrain transforms the driving dynamics while retaining rugged Jeep capability.
How to Charge the Wrangler 4xe?
All plug-in hybrids require regular charging to maximize electric driving range and efficiency. The Wrangler 4xe offers sensible charging solutions to fit your lifestyle.
It comes standard with a Level 1 charger that plugs into any standard 120-volt household outlet. With Level 1 charging, you can fully replenish the 17 kWh battery pack in around 12 hours. This makes it easy to charge overnight at home.
However, Jeep offers several faster Level 2 charging options:
- A 240-volt wall-mounted charger can charge in about 3.5 hours
- A portable 240-volt charging stationcharges in 2 hours
Level 2 charging provides greater convenience if you need to frequently top off during the day or want to leave on a full charge. These charging times allow you to fully replenish the battery while at work or running errands.
The Wrangler 4xe also comes with DC Fast Charge capability as an option, providing 80% charging in just 30 minutes at specialized 480-volt DC fast charging stations.
New High-Tech Features in the Wrangler 4xe Cabin
In addition to its advanced hybrid powertrain, the 2021 Wrangler 4xe debuts several new technology features:
- Uconnect 5 infotainment – This latest 8.4-inch touchscreen has 5x faster processing, vivid graphics, and built-in Alexa. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also standard.
- Full suite of safety aids – The Wrangler 4xe adds important driver assists like blind spot monitoring, rear cross path detection, front and rear parking sensors, and a rearview camera.
- Hybrid pages – Special screens display energy flow between the electric and gas powertrains, current charge level, and charging status.
- Drive mode selector – Choose from Hybrid, Electric, and E-Save modes to optimize battery usage.
These smart technologies complement the Wrangler 4xe’s impressive capability and efficiency. The high-tech cabin enhances the on and off-road experience.
Pricing and Availability of the Wrangler 4xe
The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe is on sale now at Jeep showrooms across the U.S. It comes standard as a 4-door Unlimited model with a nicely equipped base price of $47,995 before any tax incentives.
Unlike any previous Wrangler electrification, Jeep is making the 4xe widely available across all trim levels from base Sahara up to luxury Rubicon and High Altitude. You have your choice of standard features and options.
You can easily locate Jeep dealers with 4xe inventory in your area and schedule test drives on the official Jeep website. The search tool allows filtering by any desired trim, options, and electric range preferences.
Conclusion
The all-new 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe represents an exciting transformation, bringing plug-in hybrid power and efficiency to one of America’s most popular and iconic SUVs. With its clever combination of instant electric torque and turbo gas acceleration, robust 375 horsepower, and 21 miles of zero-emission range, the Wrangler 4xe provides a unique on and off-road experience.
This marks the most technologically advanced Wrangler ever, yet it retains the rugged spirit and capabilities diehard Jeep fans love. The 4xe makes the Wrangler more environmentally friendly and fuel efficient without sacrificing its soul or fun-to-drive spirit. Experience a legendary icon reimagined for the future by visiting your Jeep dealer to test drive the remarkable Wrangler 4xe today.
