Jeep Wrangler 4xe Adds Some Spark to Off-Road Adventures

For just about a year now, the Wrangler 4xe has become a focal point for Jeep’s electric vehicle lineup. Following the Renegade 4xe and Compass 4xe models, the Wrangler 4xe’s plug-in hybrid powertrain boasts 375 horsepower and up to 21 miles of nearly silent, zero-emission, electric-only propulsion. According to Jeep, the design makes for a “commuter-friendly, all-electric daily driver” without all the hassle of range-anxiety – thanks to the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, two electric motors, and a TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission, which offer up an estimated 50 MPGe.

Dubbed the “most capable and eco-friendly Jeep vehicle off-road,” by the manufacturer, the Wrangler 4xe made some headlines recently. It seems the self-congratulation justified an eyebrow-raising $3,000 price bump over original MSRP. The higher tag places the 4xe at an $11,705 premium over Jeep’s V-6 Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon.

It’s worth noting the Wrangler 4xe still qualifies for the full $7,500 federal tax credit. That should help alleviate at least a little sticker shock.

Why the price went up isn’t entirely clear since Jeep isn’t offering an official reason. But, as Autoblog points out: the automaker proudly crowns the 4xe as the “best selling plug-in hybrid vehicle in the U.S.” as of last quarter. So, there’s a good chance Jeep is merely cashing in on novelty, demand, and an absolutely bananas new-vehicle market.

What are some reasons people find going hybrid enticing? And what do you gain or lose by switching from a standard ICE engine to a hybrid powertrain? Let’s take a closer look.

Putting on the Pounds

Generally, EVs will carry more weight than traditional gas-powered vehicles thanks to things like additional battery packs. In some instances, like the GMC Hummer EV, the total weight clocks in at more than 9,000 pounds.

Because of this weight difference, sometimes automakers will look for ways to cut down on non-essential features. For example, the 2021 Honda CR-V sacrifices trunk space to fit its battery pack. It also eliminates the spare tire, swapping in an inflation kit. While this might not be a dealbreaker on a daily driver to get around town, we’d wager driving back from the campground on said inflation kit doesn’t sound promising.

As for Jeep? Well, a quick search of Jeep nerd forums shows drivers routinely look for all types of ways to shave off extra weight to increase off-road capability.

With the 4xe weighing in at roughly 500-700 pounds heavier than its four-cylinder cousin, we wondered how the heaviest Wrangler in the range would handle its legacy as a nimble adventurer.

Apparently, quite well! In a comprehensive road test by CNET RoadShow, all signs point to the 4xE still handling many favorite off-road pastimes without much hassle.

“Even with its plug-in powertrain, the Rubicon 4xe can still ford 30 inches of water, clamber over rocks and scuttle up dunes,” said reviewer Emme Hall. Hall put the Jeep through some rigorous tests earlier this summer in Johnson Valley, California. Towing a 2,500-pound rig, she successfully hauled it up an 8% grade hill and accelerating up to 55 mph. Hall’s review found that the 4xE had a 77.2:1 crawl ratio in EV mode, and she got full torque instantly on the test course. Hill climbs and traversing through silt beds also seemed to go well.

“The 4xe is still not the fastest thing in the whoops — after all, this is a solid-axle vehicle — but running in EV mode poses no threats to the rig’s off-road prowess,” Hall said in her review, adding that she was able to run 11 miles of the racecourse in full EV mode before the engine kicked on.

Other Findings

While RoadShow’s review indicates the 4xe is a solid EV off-road vehicle, MotorTrend feels the new Jeep has a few downsides that are hard to ignore. The publication summed up the vehicle as “fast, heavy, and a little bit complicated.”

It’s a description we would say describes many modern PHEVs.

With three driving modes – Hybrid, Electric, and E-Save – the vehicle “benefits from an engaged user,” the review states. We’d argue it demands it. The electrification clearly enhances the Wrangler 4xe’s capability – shooting it to a sprint in 6 seconds flat; delivering great handling and stability at top speeds thanks to the anchor of a weighty battery; offering instant torque to scramble up hills; and overall, giving drivers an incredible amount of control.

However, all that extra oomph comes with a big learning curve.

“There is a lot going on in the powertrain, particularly at low speeds,” writes MotorTrend, pointing to the two separate clutches which provide great driving engagement off-road, but underwhelm in regular driving. “On-road, we noticed the clutch decoupling and coupling at low speed by a shuddering sensation.”

Braking is complex, too. By pressing the ‘Max Regen’ button, drivers can basically enjoy one-pedal driving. The motor’s resistance can generate braking force, allowing the Wrangler to slow rapidly just by lifting off the accelerator. (A full stop still requires pressing the brake pedal.) However, Jeep “cuts out the motor from the braking effort at low speed, noting how little energy is recaptured there and that low speeds aren’t good for the motor,” explains MotorTrend. While this goes unnoticed during higher-speed braking inputs, at parking speeds “the pedal only manipulates the friction brakes and the resistance and engagement is softer.”

The Big Question

For us here at The Engine Block, the real question is less about what the Wrangler 4xe can do in stock form and more about what happens when buyers start customizing. Because, that’s the whole point of a Wrangler – whether it’s powered by gas, diesel, or electricity. If ushering in a cleaner off-roader means sacrificing customization, that’s gonna be a tough sell.

So, we wondered: With all this extra weight and complication, what happens when you start bolting on aftermarket parts?

We reached out to Jeep’s parts customer service department for an answer and instead received a definitively corporate non-answer: “Our resources are limited to vehicle factory ordering specifications only.”

With that illuminating response to go on, we took a peek at Jeep’s range of aftermarket components. New parts include everything from floor mats and LED upgrades to rock rails and trail doors. So, it seems accessorizing is still on the table, but as the ‘specially-engineered, industry-first 2-inch lift kit’ shows us – everything is a little more complicated (much like the vehicle itself).

Regardless, the Wrangler 4xe is the epitome of a cool vehicle and certainly will keep drawing in buyers — which means, the aftermarket will figure out what makes it tick and pump out exciting upgrades and accessories. Plus, with the vehicle’s towing and performance takeaways from both MotorTrend and CNET, we’re banking that adding standard goodies like a winch, an overland rack, or some steel bumpers won’t completely hinder the oomph of this rig.

Upgrading with Westin Automotive

If you’re looking for some high-quality parts and accessories for your existing Wrangler – or a bevy of other rugged vehicles for that matter – turn to Westin Automotive. With a solid selection of aftermarket upgrades built for high deserts, deep woods, steep mountains and everything in between, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for.

We recommend checking out the company’s selection of rugged steel bumpers, as well as the  new, super aggressive looking Front Inner Fenders. The attractive mesh covering on these fenders not only looks great, but also protects against rocks and debris while improving airflow to the engine compartment. And if you’re looking for a little extra pulling power, be sure to look into Westin’s new SX Series of winches, which boast a rated line pull of 10,000 – 12,000 lbs.