2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe Reveal: What to Expect
2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe Reveal: What to Expect
Posted on September 21, 2020
Jeep has a well-deserved reputation for bringing off-road ruggedness into the modern era, adding advanced tech and comforts to go with their vehicle's traditional trail-loving qualities. However, in one crucial area, the brand has risked being left behind, the SUV manufacturer has so far shied away from the electric vehicle market almost entirely. Although some hybrid features were mooted for the 2020 model year, a full hybrid Jeep was conspicuous by its absence, leaving a glaring gap in the company's product line.
All this is set to change with the announcement of a forthcoming plug-in hybrid version of their best-selling Wrangler off-road SUV. What can you expect from this new release? Read our 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe review to find out.
New Hybrid Powertrain
Under the hood, the Wrangler 4xe will pair dual electric motors with the company's proven 2.0L turbo-four gasoline engine, producing a combined output of 375 horsepower and 470lb-ft of torque. These figures alone propel the car to the head of the Wrangler lineup's performance stakes, but the advantages don't end there. Without sacrificing any off-road ability at all, the new 4xe will offer a solid 40km of electric-only range, alongside the fuel-saving benefits of hybrid technology.
However, don't expect the huge fuel efficiency of cars such as the Pacifica from sister company Chrysler. The 4xe shares none of that model's family-oriented technology platform, instead of focusing on hybrid power as a way of boosting performance in selected drive modes.
Nonetheless, the plug-in hybrid powertrain should provide significant fuel savings, and with a charge time of only a couple of hours, the technology is advanced enough to deliver the benefits with the minimum of fuss. On all models of the 4xe, the transmission will be an 8-speed automatic design, powering the four-wheel drive.
Off-Road Features
Of course, as a Wrangler the 4xe will be ideal for taking off-road. All models in the new line are officially rated by Jeep as 'trail ready', meaning they have the power and configuration to handle the Rubicon Trail. This famous route in Sierra Nevada covers 35km and offers a high level of challenge to any vehicle, and is used by Jeep as a punishing testing ground for all its off-road vehicles.
To confirm the 4xe's status as a trail-ready hybrid, Jeep has added several impressive features to the base Wrangler design, including:
- Electronically disconnecting sway bars.
- Locking front and rear differentials.
- Dana 44 solid front and rear axles.
- Coil spring suspension.
- Monotube shocks.
Add to this the 27.5cm ground clearance and ability to traverse water depths of up to 76cm, and it's clear that the 4xe will be happy on any terrain you take it across.
Internal Features
One of the greatest features of the Wrangler range is the way it combines powerful engineering with advanced tech inside the cab, and the 4xe continues this tradition. The tech provision largely mirrors what's offered in equivalent gasoline or diesel trims, with highlights including:
- 7" infotainment touchscreen.
- Premium audio system.
- Wi-Fi hotspot.
- Advanced off-road vehicle data system.
Pricing details for the 4xe aren't yet available, but Jeep confirms the model is set to go on sale in early 2021.