The Jeep Wrangler 4xe combines the iconic off-road capabilities of the legendary Jeep Wrangler with the benefits of modern hybrid technology. As Jeep’s first plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), the Wrangler 4xe is designed to provide drivers with a more sustainable way to enjoy the brand’s rugged off-road experience. This revolutionary version of the Wrangler offers the same performance and versatility while delivering improved fuel efficiency and the ability to drive on electric power alone for short distances.
In this article, we’ll dive into the Jeep Wrangler 4xe, exploring its hybrid performance, off-road abilities, design features, and more, to understand why it’s a game-changer for both Jeep enthusiasts and eco-conscious drivers.
1. Jeep Wrangler 4xe: Hybrid Power for Adventure
The Jeep Wrangler 4xe takes hybrid technology and blends it seamlessly with the Wrangler’s off-road heritage. The result is a vehicle that offers a reduced environmental impact while still delivering outstanding performance both on and off the road.
- Hybrid Powertrain: The Wrangler 4xe features a 2.0L turbocharged inline-4 engine paired with a 94 kW electric motor, producing a combined output of 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain delivers impressive acceleration, making the Wrangler 4xe one of the most powerful Wranglers ever produced, while maintaining excellent fuel efficiency.
- Electric Range: One of the key benefits of the Wrangler 4xe is its ability to drive on electric power alone for up to 21 miles on a full charge. This is ideal for short trips around town, where you can enjoy the benefits of electric driving, reducing your carbon footprint while still having the versatility to take on tougher terrain when needed.
- Charging: The Wrangler 4xe’s battery can be charged using a standard 120-volt household outlet (taking about 12 hours for a full charge), or you can use a 240-volt Level 2 charger for faster charging, which can reduce charging time to around 2 hours. There are also plenty of charging stations across the country, making it easy to keep your Wrangler 4xe charged when you’re on the go.
- Seamless Power Transition: The hybrid powertrain in the Wrangler 4xe offers a smooth transition between electric and gasoline power. The vehicle automatically switches between the two to optimize fuel efficiency, depending on your driving conditions. Whether you’re driving in the city or off-road, the Wrangler 4xe provides excellent performance.
2. Off-Road Capabilities: The Same Legendary Jeep Performance
True to its roots, the Jeep Wrangler 4xe is designed for off-road adventure. While it’s equipped with hybrid technology, it maintains the same off-road prowess that made the Wrangler famous. The Wrangler 4xe can conquer tough trails, steep inclines, and muddy paths just like any other Jeep.
- Trail-Rated® Badge: Like its gas-powered counterparts, the Wrangler 4xe comes with the prestigious Trail-Rated® badge. This means the vehicle has undergone rigorous testing for traction, ground clearance, articulation, maneuverability, and water fording, ensuring that it can handle the most challenging terrains with ease.
- Four-Wheel Drive: The Wrangler 4xe is equipped with the Selec-Trac® 4×4 system or the Rock-Trac® 4×4 system (depending on the trim), both of which provide excellent traction and control on various surfaces. The Rock-Trac® system, available on the Rubicon trim, is particularly suited for extreme off-road conditions, with 4:1 low-range gearing for crawling over rocks, steep inclines, and other challenging obstacles.
- Ground Clearance and Water Fording: With a ground clearance of 10.8 inches and an impressive approach angle of 44 degrees, the Wrangler 4xe is designed to tackle obstacles that many other vehicles can’t handle. Additionally, the Wrangler 4xe can ford up to 30 inches of water, making it an ideal choice for driving through streams, rivers, or flooded trails.
- Off-Road Ready Features: The Wrangler 4xe comes with features like locking differentials, sway bar disconnect, and 33-inch all-terrain tires (on Rubicon trims), which help it navigate rough terrain and maintain traction in challenging off-road conditions.
3. Design: A Modern Twist on an Iconic Look
The Jeep Wrangler 4xe retains the iconic design that has made the Wrangler one of the most recognizable vehicles in the world. It combines ruggedness with modern technology, making it both an adventure-ready vehicle and a stylish everyday driver.
- Distinctive Blue Accents: The Wrangler 4xe features distinctive blue accents throughout its design to highlight its hybrid powertrain. You’ll find these accents on the 4xe badge, interior stitching, and lighting, giving it a modern and eco-friendly touch.
- Open-Air Freedom: Like the traditional Wrangler, the 4xe offers the ability to remove the roof and doors, allowing you to enjoy the freedom of open-air driving. Whether you choose a soft top, hardtop, or no top at all, the Wrangler 4xe lets you enjoy the elements while driving through nature.
- Interior Comfort and Tech: Inside, the Jeep Wrangler 4xe offers a range of modern features and technologies, including the Uconnect® 4C NAV system, which comes with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™, and SiriusXM®. You can also opt for leather-trimmed seats, heated and ventilated seating, and an available Alpine® premium audio system for a comfortable and connected ride.
4. Efficiency and Eco-Friendly Driving
One of the standout features of the Wrangler 4xe is its ability to offer eco-friendly driving without sacrificing performance. The hybrid powertrain allows you to drive with minimal fuel consumption, helping to reduce your carbon footprint while still providing the ruggedness Jeep is known for.
- Fuel Economy: The Wrangler 4xe achieves an impressive 49 MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent) in electric and hybrid mode. When the electric range is depleted, the gasoline engine kicks in, offering a combined range of over 370 miles on a full tank and charge.
- Electric Driving Benefits: With the ability to drive up to 21 miles on electricity alone, the Wrangler 4xe provides an ideal solution for short commutes, errands, or quiet drives through nature. For many drivers, this means that their daily trips can be made without consuming any gasoline, which reduces emissions and overall fuel costs.
- Regenerative Braking: The Wrangler 4xe features a regenerative braking system that recaptures energy during braking and sends it back to the battery, helping to increase the vehicle’s overall efficiency and range.
5. Safety and Driver Assistance Features
The Jeep Wrangler 4xe is equipped with a suite of advanced safety features to keep you and your passengers safe on the road or off the beaten path. Whether you’re navigating urban traffic or exploring remote trails, the Wrangler 4xe has your back.
- Standard Safety Features: The Wrangler 4xe comes with a range of standard safety features, including advanced multistage airbags, electronic stability control, hill-start assist, and trailer sway control.
- Available Driver Assistance Technologies: The Wrangler 4xe offers a variety of available safety technologies to assist with driving and parking:
- Forward Collision Warning with Active Braking: This system warns you of potential collisions with vehicles ahead and can apply the brakes if needed.
- Blind-Spot Monitoring: Alerts you if a vehicle is in your blind spot, reducing the risk of side collisions.
- Rear Cross-Path Detection: Helps you detect vehicles approaching from the side while reversing.
- Adaptive Cruise Control: Adjusts your speed to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead.
- ParkSense® Rear Park Assist: Assists with parking and maneuvering in tight spaces by alerting you to objects behind the vehicle.
6. Conclusion: The Jeep Wrangler 4xe – An Eco-Friendly Off-Road Icon
The Jeep Wrangler 4xe represents the future of off-roading, offering all the ruggedness and adventure-ready capabilities of the traditional Wrangler, with the added benefits of hybrid technology. Whether you’re navigating through city streets, cruising down highways, or tackling tough trails, the Wrangler 4xe provides an eco-friendly and powerful way to enjoy the great outdoors.
With its hybrid performance, off-road abilities, modern design, and sustainability features, the Jeep Wrangler 4xe is perfect for those who want to drive green without sacrificing the Jeep experience. For eco-conscious adventurers and Jeep enthusiasts alike, the Wrangler 4xe is an exciting glimpse into the future of off-roading.