You may know that the Jeep Wrangler 4xe is propelled by a plug-in hybrid powertrain. It combines a souped-up gas I-4 powerplant, battery, and electric motor to produce up to 49 miles per gallon equivalent and 22 miles of exclusively electric driving range. But here’s the question: is the Jeep Wrangler 4xe hybrid a real Jeep? The answer is affirmative, but let’s take a closer look.
The Issue
Wrangler’s whole brand is based on fording streams and clambering over rocks, vehicle top, and doors optional. Nothing too fancy. So, the above stats may be a bit alien to the average Wrangler fan. But it’s here, as a niche vehicle, and fills a definite need. But then, the Wrangler lineup also boasts a 6.4-liter Hemi V-8, mild-hybrid eTorque V-6, turbocharged I-4, and turbodiesel V-6. So, it’s not like aficionados haven’t seen anything other than the time-honored gas-powered V-6.
2022 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
This is the second year for the 4xe, which is essentially unchanged from the first iteration. It represents the sole plug-in hybrid sport-utility vehicle with any real off-road capability. Its battery, by the way, can be plugged into an exterior source or recharged through brake energy regeneration.
The Drive
Combined, the hybrid’s output is 375 horses and 470-pound-feet of torque, rendering it nearly as formidable as the V8-powered Rubicon 392 – for less money.
And yes, as we say, the vehicle can run for 22 miles on just the battery, and drivers can get up to some three hours of emissions-free off-road shenanigans. And Jeep Wrangler lovers needn’t sacrifice stream fording – you still get 30 inches. And no worries about the lithium-ion battery pack since that’s waterproof.
On a straight, regular road, the 4xe can pop from the mark to 60 mph in six ticks, with just a bit of wind and road noise. And while the ride quality is perhaps not as refined as some other crossovers, the typical Wrangler fan isn’t too concerned about that.
The Interior
Let’s start with the front seats, which are comfortable and sit high, which is positive when going off-road. Split-folding rear seats are a plus, as are the 38.2 inches of rear legroom. Plug-in hybrid electric hardware does subtract a bit from cargo space, but just slightly. You still get between 27.7 and 67.4 cubic feet, depending on whether the rear seats are folded.
How it Looks
Exterior-wise, Electric Blue tow hooks, and a 4xe hood decal make the 4xe PHEV distinct from four-door Wranglers, and there’s also a fuel tank-like flap on the left front.
Wrangler purists will be happy to know that the 4xe has doors and a roof that can come off, a foldable windshield, and a foldable soft top complete with a sunroof. You can also get a hardtop with a rear wiper, washer, and defroster. There are also skid plates for the fuel tank and transmission transfer case.
Standards
The Sahara trim is the 4xe base model. That offers standard 20-inch alloys, side steps, tinted glass, power windows and locks, heated side mirrors, keyless entry and ignition, dual-zone auto climate control, ambient LED footwell lighting, and fabric upholstery, as well as a 115-volt outlet.
As far as infotainment, that system provides a seven-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, satellite radio, and three USB ports.
Engine and Transmission
We’ve mentioned the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder powerplant that uses regular gas, and two electric motors that depend on a lithium-ion battery set. One of the motors is a starter/generator, while the other is incorporated into the tranny.
The bottom line is that, yes, the Jeep Wrangler 4xe hybrid is indeed a real Jeep that, in addition to its exquisite Wrangler lineage, offers low emissions, good fuel economy, and perhaps what Wrangler fans care about most, superior off-road ability. People who like Jeeps need not look askance at this model, as it’s still a Wrangler through and through.
