Jeep Wranglers are known for the adventure capabilities. These off-roading beasts can tackle terrain that most vehicles couldn’t even touch on. Unfortunately, over the years, the Wrangler’s main flaw has been its poor fuel economy. While Jeep has definitely improved upon its mileage over the years with more efficient engines and even a diesel engine option, the 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe exceeds all expectations.
This impressive hybrid model can get up to 49 MPGe and has a range of up to 370 miles. That kind of news is phenomenal to Wrangler drivers all over the world. With a hybrid option on the market, it seems that Jeep Wranglers are becoming unstoppable. That said, like many skeptics, you might be worried that this hybrid configuration sacrifices power. In this article, we’re going to show exactly why that isn’t the case.
What Can the Wrangler 4xe Do?
So, here’s the deal. The 4xe is available on the Sahara, the Rubicon, and the High Altitude models. You’re getting the same perks of the classic Wrangler, but with a hybrid engine. The question here isn’t what the 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe can do, but rather, what can the 2021 Jeep Wrangler do, and what does the 4xe add to that?
Let’s start with what makes the 4xe unique. Thanks to its hybrid engine, not only can you get 49 MPGe, but you can also switch between hybrid, electric, and gasoline driving options with the press of a button. In short, you can drive solely on electricity, solely on gasoline, and you can also utilize both power sources at once. Car and Driver state that “the eSave mode, which sounds like an online coupon, relies on the gasoline engine for propulsion, saving the battery’s energy for when you want it.” These options are handy if you want to save your electric charge for later, or conversely if you want to save your gas. Let’s say that a gas station isn’t in sight, but you have a full electric charge. That’s an ideal time to use that electric charge so you won’t worry as much about running out of fuel.
Now let’s talk horsepower and torque. Just because this engine is a hybrid does not mean it lacks in power. In fact, the 4xe generates 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. For comparison, Jeep’s most powerful regular engine options produce a max horsepower of 285 and a max torque of 442 lb-ft. So, the 4xe is already more powerful than the regular engine lineup. The only direct power competition for the 4xe is the new Wrangler Rubicon 392, with an engine that produces 470 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. We’re pretty used to diesel engines being the most powerful options out there. So, not only is the hybrid just as capable as a gasoline and diesel engine, but it’s also actually MORE powerful where horsepower and torque are concerned. Who would have thought?
Now we need to look at the 4xe’s power-saving features. It comes with regenerative braking, which helps with battery consumption. Further, the 4xe’s battery is good for up to 21 miles of electric driving. Despite its hybrid engine, this Wrangler can hit 0 to 60 in only 6 seconds as well. It’s safe to say that the 4xe is no less powerful than the standard gasoline Wrangler. In fact, it’s even more impressive due to its extra abilities and higher fuel-efficiency.
The Wrangler 4xe Off the Pavement
Like all Jeep Wranglers, the 4xe is a proud owner of the Trail Rated badge. This means that it has been through extensive testing, proving that it has great traction, maneuverability, articulation, ground clearance, and water fording abilities. You’ll also get the Rock-Trac 4×4 system which is the Wrangler’s specialized four-wheel drive system. This comes in either part-time or full-time systems, and it offers a 4-wheel LO option that enhances rock climbing. The Rock-Trac system comes standard if you get the 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe Rubicon model.
So, let’s go over what each of these Trail Rated factors means. First, we’ve got traction. Obviously, most people know that traction has to do with road grip and the ability to maintain, well, traction. But the Wrangler is designed to handle the harshest conditions. From snow to sand to rough trails, your Trail Rated Wrangler 4xe can handle it. The biggest perk of the Wrangler, and in this case, the Wrangler 4xe, is that it is the best vehicle for casual driving and off-roading alike. You don’t have to solely be an off-roader to enjoy the benefits of a 2021 Jeep Wrangler.
Next, we’ve got the Wrangler’s maneuverability and articulation to consider. While we don’t recommend it, in most cases, you can hit potholes and run over logs without having to worry about damage. The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe also includes skid plates to further protect it in these instances. Its high ground clearance of 10.8 inches makes it difficult to even get close to bottoming out, anyway. Further, the 4xe has the ability to ford through up to 30 inches of water, just like any other new Wrangler can. Whether you’re crossing small creeks or climbing rocky hills, there’s nothing that the 4xe cannot do.
Further, the 4xe does this all quietly. Unlike gas and diesel-powered Wranglers, the 4xe is almost silent. This makes it ideal for nature photographers and sightseers. You don’t have to worry about scaring off wildlife with the 4xe when you’re using Electric Mode. Overall, if you’re looking for the off-roading vehicle that has the most perks, the 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe is easily the one for you.
The 4xe’s Aesthetic Appeal
Like all Jeep Wranglers, you can customize the 4xe to suit your individual taste. However, to help differentiate itself from the crowd, the 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe comes with electric blue accents (oh, how ironic?), and it’s available in the Sahara, the Rubicon, and the High Altitude. The Sahara 4xe and the Rubicon 4xe come in 6 different exterior colors, including Black, Granite Crystal, Sting-Gray, Billet Silver, Hydro Pearl, Chief, Snazzberry Pearl, Firecracker Red, Nacho, Hellayella, Sarge Green, and Bright White. For reference, Hydro Pearl and Chief are both lighter shades of blue, and Nacho is orange.
The High Altitude comes in 4 colors, including the Black, Granite Crystal, Billet Silver, and Bright White options. The Sahara and the High Altitude models come with painted fender flares, and the High Altitude also includes a painted top. The Rubicon comes with the traditional black textured plastic fender flares and top. So, with all these customization options, it’s safe to say that the 4xe is just as aesthetically diverse as other Wranglers, if not more.
Additional Benefits of Buying a Hybrid
Not only is a hybrid quiet and more fuel-efficient, but they are also more cost-effective when it comes to taxes. You save on more than just gas money if you purchase a hybrid. Many states offer tax incentives for drivers of hybrid and electric vehicles, so be sure to check your state to see what kind of benefits you could qualify for if you drive the 4xe. Further, who doesn’t want to help our environment? Especially if it means spending less money while gaining more power!
The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe Is Your Next Vehicle
After reading all the benefits of purchasing a 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe, we expect that you are out of justifications to NOT buy one. The only downside here is that the 4xe isn’t currently available in a 2-door model. However, if it succeeds and sales flourish, it’s highly likely that Jeep will eventually produce a 2-door model option as well. As long as you’re down for owning a 4-door Jeep Wrangler, which is the more common choice, then we highly recommend the 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe.
