Have you heard the news yet? Jeep has just unveiled the new Wrangler 4Xe. But why is that important? It’s just another Jeep, right? Wrong! This groundbreaking model is the first-ever plug-in hybrid from the popular American automaker. Featuring its same iconic style, the new Wrangler 4Xe will be gracing your local Jeep dealership soon, and we are here to tell you everything you need to know about it.
#1 – It Still Looks Like the Wrangler
If you were worried that the new Wrangler 4Xe hybrid wouldn’t share the Wrangler’s iconic appearance, don’t be. Unlike some other manufacturers’ electric models, the 2021 4Xe still looks exactly like the Wrangler that we have all come to know and love. Only a few small changes have been made to the exterior to distinguish this new version.
Electric Blue accents decorate the hood, tow hooks, and badging for a snazzy look. Protective skid plates have been mounted underneath the vehicle to defend against rock and rough terrain. You can expect to see a variety of wheel designs as well, ranging from 17 to 20 inches. As for the interior, the signature Electric Blue accents extend into the upholstery stitching for a contrasting design on the vehicle’s panels and seats.
#2 – It Has the Same Capabilities
If you think that this plug-in hybrid Wrangler won’t be able to compete with its gas and diesel siblings, think again! The 4Xe can do anything the traditional model can do and more. It has 10.8 inches of ground clearance so that you can crawl over rocks. Dana 44 axles and a two-speed transfer case are also included, resulting in a 4×4 drivetrain system that is optimized off-roading. Plus, the engine compartment is still fully sealed so that you can ford water up to 30 inches deep. Who would have ever thought that a hybrid of any kind could do that?
#3 – You Can Bring the Outdoors In
One of the most iconic features of the traditional Jeep Wrangler is that the roof and doors are removable. If you enjoy bringing nature inside the cabin during your wild adventures, then you’ll be pleased to know that the new Wrangler 4Xe still offers this feature. Just like a gasoline or diesel Wrangler, you can easily take off the roof and doors to create a more immersive experience when you’re off-roading.
#4 – It Comes With Advanced Connectivity Features
The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4Xe will offer all the advanced connectivity features of a traditional top-end Wrangler. This means it can be equipped with an 8.4-inch touchscreen loaded with the Uconnect 4C NAV infotainment system. This interface will operate with a slew of advanced connectivity features, including Bluetooth and smartphone integration.
You can make or receive calls, shoot your friend a text, stream your personalized playlist, and even use your favorite apps all hands-free. With the assistance of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, your vehicle’s infotainment system will serve as your smartphone while your mobile device remains synced. USB ports have been installed as well for charging your devices on the go.
There is one more thing we’d like to point out too. An in-vehicle 4G LTE Wifi hotspot is also included. This allows you to stay connected to the online world, no matter where life takes you. Go live on your favorite social media platform, keep up with emails, and even watch videos without touching your cellular data plan.
#5 – What Safety Systems Does It Have?
Details about the safety features have not been released yet. However, we can safely assume that it will come with a rearview camera, blindspot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. These are all included on the High Altitude and Rubicon trims of the traditional Wrangler, so we believe they will carry over onto the 4Xe. Additional stand-alone options may also include adaptive cruise control and forward collision warning.
#6 – It Has a Stellar Fuel Economy
As the first-ever plug-in hybrid SUV from Jeep, you’re probably wondering where it gets its power. The 2021 Wrangler 4Xe uses a turbocharged 2.0-liter I-4 engine coupled with dual electric motors. These two motors are connected to a special 17-kWh lithium battery pack that Jeep estimates will allow the vehicle to travel on electricity alone for up to 25 miles. That puts the estimated fuel economy at about 50 MPGe and the total driving range at 400 miles. Pretty impressive, eh?
But this hybrid isn’t just efficient – it is also incredibly powerful. Pumping out 375 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque, the 4Xe has more muscle than any previous Wrangler. And while you can’t get a manual transmission for it (yet), the smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission gives you plenty of control out on the trail. Furthermore, track tests confirmed that this powerful beauty can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in just 6 seconds.
#7 – It Has Three Electric Modes
The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4Xe comes with a trio of electric driving modes known as E-Selec. The Hybrid mode uses both gas and electricity for maximum efficiency, the Electric mode turns off the gasoline engine to run on battery power alone, and the E-Save mode relies on the gasoline engine to preserve battery charge for later. You can switch between mode by pushing the selector buttons located just to the left of the steering wheel.
#8 – Charging Is Easy
As a plug-in hybrid, the Wrangler 4Xe can have its battery recharged from any standard power outlet using the included 120-volt cold. This option allows you to recharge the battery from empty in 10 to 12 hours, conveniently allowing you to top off your vehicle every night. However, if you want even faster charging, Jeep has partnered with Amazon for easy-to-install 240-volt home chargers. Using one of these, you can fully charge your Wrangler 4Xe in under 2 hours. To monitor the charging status of the vehicle, you can either look at the LED indicator lights above the charging port or check the digital screen inside the vehicle for more detailed information.
#9 – It Has Regenerative Braking
If you are worried about running out of fuel and battery power, we have some great news for you. The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4Xe uses regenerative braking to recover lost energy and transfer it to battery storage. It works every time you press the brake pedal. As you brake, the energy from stopping the vehicle is turned into electricity and used to recharge the battery. This is the best way to ensure that you won’t run out of juice during rush hour traffic.
#10 – How Much Does It Cost?
Jeep has not yet released the price of the 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4Xe, but we expect that it will be around $40,000. Given the capabilities that this game-changing vehicle brings to the table, it will be excellent value even if the final price ends up higher than we anticipate. The larger question is how many trims and options will be available so that you can customize your Wrangler 4Xe. Unfortunately, that is one question that we don’t have the answer for, though we can’t wait to find out as Jeep releases more information on this exciting model.
