The Jeep Wrangler 4xe: It’s Far More Powerful Than You Think

Finding the right California Jeep Wrangler 4xe dealer is essential for Wrangler-loving environmentalists, and Orange Coast Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram Fiat is the place to go. Now, you can enjoy the benefits of a Wrangler without the harsh fuel economy that used to accompany Wrangler models. Plus, you can feel better about how you’re treating the environment when you kick it into electric mode during outdoor adventures. There are all kinds of pros and no cons to owning a 4xe over gas-powered alternatives. This 2021 Wrangler 4xe guide will answer all your questions about this new hybrid model!

Is the 4xe as Powerful as Regular Wranglers?

The short answer is yes. In fact, the 4xe is technically the most powerful Wrangler out there, aside from the new Rubicon 392. But we assume you’d like to see the facts behind this answer as it likely seems too good to be true. The 4xe’s 2.0-liter direct-inject turbo PHEV engine paired with its 16-kilowatt battery makes this model capable of producing 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. You can actually split up the engine and battery power to suit your preferences. Drivers can either stay in electric mode, ride solely in gasoline mode, or mix the two together by driving hybrid. This model has an estimated 21-mile electric range and a combined 370-mile drive range. When combined, you’re getting 49 MPGe.

So, how about off-roading? The good news here is that this model is still a Jeep Wrangler. The 4xe has the same 10-inch ground clearance, it can ford through up to 30 inches of water, and it comes with the added perk that it’s quiet when in electric mode. So, if you’re heading on the backroads to animal-watch or take photos, your engine won’t scare off the wildlife anymore. Most importantly, the legendary off-roading Wrangler Rubicon comes with a 4xe option, so you can take full advantage of the Rubicon’s off-roading package with this plug-in hybrid engine.

Available Trims: Four-Door Only

The 4xe is present on the Sahara, the Rubicon, and the High Altitude trims – but this is only on the four-door versions. Unfortunately, the two-door Wrangler is not large enough to handle Jeep’s current hybrid setup. That isn’t to say that the two-door Wrangler won’t have a hybrid option in the future, but for now, the 4xe is a four-door exclusive.

Now, let’s look at some differences between each 4xe trim. First, the most affordable option is the Sahara 4xe. It comes in 8 different exterior colors, it has 20-inch black wheels, and it has options for Jeep’s new “dual door” feature if you want half-door capability. Removing the entire door isn’t always ideal or practical for some drivers, which makes these options appealing to that crowd. You’ll get to choose from black or Dark Saddle interior seating with “Sarah” embroidery, and this model also has standard body-colored fender flares. However, it comes with a standard soft top, so if you want the painted hard-top, you’ll have to pay extra.

The Rubicon also includes 8 colors but replaces Snazzberry red with Nacho orange. It has 17-inch black wheels with 33-inch all-terrain tires for off-roading and the same door and interior options as the Sahara. Furthermore, the Rubicon ups the ante slightly when it comes to ground clearance, landing at 10.9 inches. Like all Rubicon models, this one includes the Roc-Trac system rather than the Selec and Command-Trac, making it even more off-road capable than its siblings. The Rubicon’s aesthetic appeal is unique to the Sahara’s because it includes Surf Blue interior stitching and blue exterior accents to mark that it’s a 4xe model.

The High Altitude 4xe actually comes with fewer exterior color options. This model’s only four options are neutrals: black, gray, silver, and white. Plus, it comes with a standard painted hard top alongside painted fender flares. It has 20-inch black wheels, and it does not come with the half-door options. However, in place of Dark Saddle, the High Altitude includes Steel Gray leather seating. Lastly, it has body-colored accessories, which gives it a solid painted look as opposed to the typical plastic-accented Wrangler appeal we’re used to. This model is made for a more luxurious crowd.

Overall, all the 4xe trims are higher-end. However, you’ll have to look at the Sahara as the “Sport Wrangler” of the 4xe models. The Rubicon is the off-roading prowler as always, and the High Altitude is for folks who like the Wrangler’s aesthetic appeal more than its capabilities. That said, the High Altitude is still off-road capable, but who would want to get that full-painted body all scratched up and covered in mud? Yeah, not us!

Charging Information

Unless you’re just now delving into the World of the Wrangler, this is probably your first plug-in hybrid purchase, which can feel overwhelming. No worries, though. Jeep makes the charging process easy and accessible. First off, all 4xe models come with Level I charging capability, so you can plug in virtually anywhere with a standard household outlet.

Second, if you want a fast-charging system, Jeep has partnered with the brand Qmerit to help you install your very own at-home Level II charger that’s designed to work perfectly with the 4xe. Your price estimate is free, so there’s no harm in getting one done to see if it’s worth it to you. And the best part is that Qmerit takes care of the installation for you. So, you won’t have to worry about learning how to install this high-tech charger for yourself.

For reference, Level I chargers take 12 hours to reach a full charge, while Level II chargers can only take 2 hours. However, overnight charging is easy as long as you make a habit of it. You don’t have to worry about charging as much with the speed of a Level II charger, and it is a handy option when you forget to charge overnight or if you’ve been trailing all day and plan to head back in the evening.

As far as charging on the trails go, the good news is that Jeep is adding 4xe charging stations to many off-roading trailheads. In fact, there are already 4xe chargers located in Utah and California. Simply download the Electrify America app to locate plug-in chargers in your area and when you’re routing your travels. Just like gas stations, these fast chargers are beginning to pop up everywhere; you just have to route yourself appropriately. Overall, the hybrid setup is not inconvenient. In fact, Jeep has worked hard to make owning a hybrid just as simple and far more efficient than owning a gas-powered vehicle.

Why Go Greener With the 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe?

The main point here is that there’s nothing to lose by choosing to go with a hybrid. In fact, you have everything to gain when you choose the Wrangler 4xe. SUVs usually rank high on the emissions board, and the 4xe lowers those stats greatly thanks to its plug-in hybrid energy. And since Jeeps are made for tackling the outdoors and sightseeing, the electric mode’s ability to stay nearly silent is ideal. Between this and the fact that the 4xe has the same off-roading stats as any other Wrangler, with a higher amount of horsepower and torque, there’s no way you can go wrong with this model. Visit us, your local California Jeep Wrangler 4xe dealer, today and ask about the 4xe. You won’t regret it.