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An Off-Roading Legend’s New Charge: The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe

Photo Credit: Fiat Chrysler Automobiles North America


The figurehead of the Jeep brand, the image of the Wrangler is a storied shape in automotive history created by necessity. The military-developed four-wheel drive vehicle related to the modern Jeep Wrangler was manufactured as a specialized mode of transportation for reliability handling rough terrain. Since the end of the second world war, the vehicle was steadily contemporized over the decades improving its looks, function and comfort. When the latest generation Wrangler was introduced in 2018, FCA (Fiat Chrysler Automobiles) retained much of its rugged off-roading personality but applied the flexibility to accept advanced technologies. Along with a powerful Pentastar V-6 engine, the 2018 Jeep Wrangler arrived with the choice of a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that included the additional electric power punch of an eTorque system. For 2021, the introduction of the Jeep Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid allows drivers to chart a new path with the popular sport utility vehicle.

Based on the four-door Wrangler body style, the 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe’s heart is an advanced powertrain operating in conjunction with a full-time four-wheel drive system. Primary electric power for the plug-in hybrid Wrangler arrives from two motor generators with one replacing the traditional alternator and the other mounted ahead of the transmission. Collectively generating up to 147 horsepower and 200 lb.-ft. of torque, the electric motors are fed by a 400-volt, 96-cell lithium-ion battery pack featuring a nickel manganese cobalt anatomy. Capable of carrying the Wrangler 4xe up to 25 miles without burning gasoline, the electric power system is paired with long-lasting regenerative braking. A gasoline-powered, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission allows the plug-in hybrid Jeep to reach greater ranges and conventional on-road and off-road performance.


Photo Credit: Fiat Chrysler Automobiles North America



The plug-in hybrid powertrain installed in the 2021 Wrangler 4xe can be operated in three main modes. With the Wrangler 4xe E Selec Modes, driver can choose to drive the sport utility vehicle in an ‘Electric’ setting or two selectable modes combining the electric motors and gasoline engine. A ‘Hybrid’ mode serves as a default setting or an ‘eSave’ mode that primarily uses the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe’s maximum available momentum is 375 horsepower and 470 lb.-ft. of torque.  Fuel economy for the plug-in hybrid sport utility vehicle is rated at 50 MPGe.   

Available in three trim levels (base 4xe, Sahara 4xe and Rubicon 4xe), the Wrangler 4xe boasts Jeep’s familiar, confident four-wheel drive appearance on the outside. The four-door platform is situated on a 118.4-inch wheelbase with a nimble 64.4-inch track. The base and Sahara versions of the Jeep Wrangler 4xe come equipped with an SELEC-TRAC transfer case, standard open front and rear differentials as well as Bridgestone Dueler H/L Alenza tires mounted to 20-inch cast-aluminum wheels. The Rubicon trimmed model contains a more robust off-road package with BF Goodrich Ko2 All-Terrain tires paired with 17-inch polished wheels, Tru-Lok electronic locking differentials and a Rock-Trac 4x4 system. High-pressure gas-charged monotube shock absorbers with MTV technology comes equipped on the Sahara and Rubicon version of the Wrangler 4xe. With the Rubicon 4xe, off-roading prowess for the plug-in hybrid sport utility vehicle features an approach angle of 43.8 degrees, departure angle of 35.6 degrees and a ground clearance of 18.8 inches.  


Photo Credit: Fiat Chrysler Automobiles North America


Appearing much like a conventional gasoline-powered four-door Wrangler, the 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe features a subtle amount of specialized design cues. Rubicon-trimmed models are accented by Electric Blue colouring applied to the tow hooks and ‘Rubicon’ naming on the hood. Ten exterior colour options are offered with the 2021 Wrangler 4xe. With the battery pack tucked neatly under the second-row seating bench, the Wrangler 4xe’s interior maintains a comfortable five-passenger capacity. Electric Blue coloured stitching is found inside Jeep Wrangler 4xe with Rubicon trim models. 


Photo Credit: Fiat Chrysler Automobiles North America



Arriving for sale in early 2021, the Jeep Wrangler 4xe’s debut is actually a long-pledged vehicle. In the late 2000s, Chrysler’s ENVI program was heavily involved in conceiving electrified products from Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep brands. A plug-in hybrid Jeep Wrangler Unlimited was one of several concept vehicles shown off prior to the demise of ENVI following Chrysler’s 2009 bankruptcy and purchase into Fiat Group. 

While the Wrangler 4xe will be the first plug-in hybrid Jeep to be sold in United States and Canada, Renegade 4xe and Compass 4xe models are already found in European showrooms. 

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