The Jeep Wrangler 4xe is the American brand’s next step in model electrification. It is the third car of its kind after the Renegade 4xe and Compass 4xe. The Hybrid Wrangler is part of a global offering and can be purchased not only in the US but also in Europe and China. The Jeep Wrangler 4xe is a mix of a turbocharged gas I-4 engine, an electric motor, and a battery.
The Jeep Wrangler 4xe is a plug-in hybrid that uses two electric units and a supercharged 2.0-liter petrol engine. Thanks to them, the hybrid system produces a total of 375 hp and 637 Nm. All-wheel drive is transmitted via an 8-speed ZF automatic transmission.
In electric mode, the ride will be completely emission-free until the battery goes to the minimum charge level or the driver needs more torque, then the 2.0-liter petrol engine will start. With a battery capacity of 17 kWh, the maximum range in electric mode is 40 km.
Electronic save mode prioritizes driving from the 2.0-liter internal combustion engine, saving the battery for later use, for example, driving an electric car off-road in the field or in a city where the combustion rate is limited. You can also choose between storing and charging the battery in electronic storage mode via the Hybrid Electric Pages on the dashboard screen.
The Wrangler 4xe Hybrid drivetrain has three operating modes called E Selec. You can select the driving mode using the buttons. Regardless of which mode is selected, the Wrangler 4xe will switch to Hybrid when the battery reaches its minimum charge level. By default, it combines torque from an electric engine and a 2.0-liter engine. In this configuration, the transmission will first use the electric engine and then add traction from the turbocharged 2.0-liter petrol engine when the battery does down to minimum charge.
The manufacturer claims the Jeep Wrangler 4xe performs better off-road than current ICE options. This is because the torque of the electric unit can be used from the start and therefore the four-wheel drive can be used more efficiently.
The vehicle drives well when the electric and gas powers work harmoniously. However, the transition between modes is not very smooth and can be slow.
There are three versions of the new Jeep Wrangler 4xe – Rubicon 4xe, Sahara 4xe, and 4xe. The Wrangler Sahara 4xe and Wrangler 4xe are equipped with standard 4×4 systems, new generation Dana 44 front and rear axles, and a Selec-Trac system with a two-speed 2.72: 1 transfer case. A Trac-Lok rear limited-slip differential is available for better grip and better maneuverability in challenging conditions such as ice, snow, gravel, or sand.
The Wrangler Rubicon 4xe uses a Rock-Trac 4 × 4 system, which includes a 2-speed transfer case with a 4: 1 ratio, a standard 4 × 4 system, new generation Dana 44 front and rear axles, and Tru-Lock electronic front and rear axle locking. As such, the vehicle has a maximum gear ratio of 77.2: 1, which helps it overcome off-road obstacles easily.
In addition, safe off-road driving is possible thanks to the chassis protection plates and the corresponding body structure. Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe has entry/exit angles of 44 / 22.5 / 35.6 degrees, and the ground clearance is 274 mm. This allows you to overcome obstacles at a depth of 76 cm.
The base price for 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe Sahara is $49 490, for Rubicon – $53 190.
