The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe Will Let You Hear Nature

PHEV Wrangler has 375 horsepower and 470 lb.-ft. of torque.
EV range set at 25 miles, or 40 km.
Will be available by early 2021.

FCA’s Jeep is on a plug-in hybrid offensive and it has undoubtedly reached its ruggedness peak in the new 2021 Wrangler 4xe. While the Renegade and Compass 4xe are capable urban-runabouts, the Wrangler will take you well beyond city borders, in absolute peace and quiet.

This PHEV brings together the Wrangler’s turbocharged 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine with a pair of electric engines and a 17-kWh lithium-ion battery positioned below the second-row seats. One of the electric motors is mounted within the 8-speed automatic transmission while the other is mated to the petrol engine as a motor-generator unit.

Total system output is rated at 375 horsepower and an impressive, EcoDiesel-besting, 470 lb.-ft. of torque. Full EV range is set at up to 25 miles of 40 km. The instant EV torque raises the Wrangler’s already impressive on- and off-road performance. And off-road it will as the 4xe is not compromised in any way.

It remains Trail-Rated with its solid front and rear next-generation Dana 44 axles, full-time 4×4 with Selec-Trac two-speed transfer case, fully articulating suspension, and 30 inches of water fording capability. And then there’s the Rubicon which still sports the Rock-Trac 4×4 system with a two-speed transfer case with a 4:1 low-range gear ratio, front and rear next-generation Dana 44 axles, Tru-Lok electric front- and rear-axle lockers, and more.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe features three distinct drive modes which will enable to user to make the best possible use of the battery’s charge. The Hybrid mode is the default setting where the system blends initial EV propulsion with petrol boost. Electric mode locks out the petrol engine until such a time as more torque is required or the battery nears the end of its charge. Finally, the eSave mode locks out the battery, concentrating on the ample power provided by the 2.0-litre. Through the Hybrid Electric Pages in the Uconnect monitor, the driver can also choose between Battery Save and Battery Charge.

Regenerative braking is also part of the Wrangler 4xe’s strategy, much like any other hybrid or plug-in hybrid vehicle. It does feature a max regen mode which will slow the Jeep down fairly quickly.

There will be three versions of the Jeep Wrangler 4xe available: 4xe, Sahara 4xe and Rubicon 4xe. All of them will include various visual Electric Blue cues throughout. The Rubicon, for example, will get Electric Blue front and rear tow hooks and the lettering will also be blue. As well, its cabin will feature unique Electric Blue stitching on the seats and trim.

The Jeep Wrangler 4xe will be available in Europe, China, and the United States by early 2021. Pricing is not yet known and will surely be announced closer to launch.