The Jeep Wrangler has long been an icon for capability and diversity. For years, Wranglers have been climbing rocks, fording water, and treading mud. However, up until now, they’ve been doing so with gasoline or diesel engines. The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe switched up the Wrangler game. Don't let the electrically supplemented power of this engine fool you; this hybrid model is easily capable of doing all of the things you love about the Wrangler, just with the added bonus of having a little electric help.
To be clear, plug-in hybrid vehicles use both gasoline and electric charge to power a vehicle, meaning the 4xe is not a fully electric vehicle. However, that doesn’t devalue its eco-friendliness. Plug-in hybrids like the 4xe can help reduce emissions, and the 4xe gets much better mileage than its other Wrangler variants. However, better fuel economy and greener energy aren't the only things that make this Wrangler model desirable. Let’s take a closer look at the 4xe to see exactly what it’s all about.
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When we’re talking about a Wrangler, performance is the most important aspect there is. This is especially true when we’re talking about the hybrid Wrangler. It’s normal to have concerns about trying a hybrid engine, especially in regards to an off-road vehicle, but the good news is that you’re not sacrificing power here. Jeep has spent lots of time on the 4xe to ensure that it maintains power and capability. The 4xe produces 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque with its 2.0-liter I-4 turbocharged engine and 16 kWh motor. This model also has a manufacturer estimated MPGe of 50 miles and an estimated 400-mile driving range. Plus, you can go from 0 to 60 in as little as 6 seconds. Overall, the 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe is a powerful Wrangler trim.
However, it doesn’t stop there. Let’s take a look at the 4xe’s off-roading capabilities. The good news is that its off-roading skills are the same as other 2021 Wrangler models. Again, you’re not sacrificing power by choosing a hybrid option. These Trail Rated models are rated for their traction, their ability to push through high water, climb rocks, and much more. The Trail Rated Wrangler has incredible ground clearance and articulation as well. The 4xe is unique in that it offers three different E-Selec driving modes that allow you to choose what power your Wrangler 4xe is using. When you select Electric Mode, you’ll run solely on battery power. Hybrid Mode uses both electric and gasoline, and eSave Mode runs you solely on gasoline, saving your battery power for future use. Overall, the 4xe is just as diverse as other Wranglers but with some extra fuel use options.
Let’s take a look at the 4xe’s exterior. The 4xe comes in three of the beloved Wrangler trims: the Sahara, the Rubicon, and the High Altitude. First off, the Rubicon is more of an off-roading-oriented option, designed to tackle larger rural roads and conditions. It sits up higher and comes with 35-inch tires, and it includes standard roof rack rails, hood vents, black plastic fender flares, and tow hooks. The Sahara is definitely capable of rural driving, but it has more of a street appeal with its 18-inch wheels body-colored fender flares. Finally, the High Altitude has just the right touch of luxury with 20-inch aluminum wheels and a full-body color design.
The main difference between these body styles lies in intent. If you’re mostly driving in the city and not doing any hardcore off-roading, then the Sahara is good. The Rubicon is ideal if you’re really taking the off-roading thing seriously. However, if you want the most luxury, then the High Altitude is the way to go.
It can't be a Wrangler without the iconic interchangeable pieces. One reason that people love Wranglers is their removable doors and tops. When purchasing a 4xe, you get free reign on your top style, and there are a lot more options than you may think. The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe comes with either a Zipperless Sunrider soft top, a premium black Sunrider soft top, a premium tan Sunrider soft top, a Black Freedom three-piece hardtop, a body-colored three-piece hardtop, or the Sky one-touch power top.
You’ve got tons of wheel options as well. You can choose from smaller wheels such as 17-inch silver wheels with charcoal pad print, high gloss black aluminum wheels, satin carbon painted aluminum wheels, machined aluminum wheels with black pockets, black aluminum wheels with machined lip, Tech Silver aluminum wheels, black steel styled wheels, and bronze beadlock capable wheels. You can move on up to 18-inch polished wheels with gray spokes, Granite Crystal wheels, and tech gray polished face aluminum wheels. Finally, you can opt for the 20-inch fully painted gloss black aluminum wheels.
We’ve covered a lot of exterior features, but we haven’t even touched on the color yet. You can get the 4xe in 12 different colors, including fun and eye-catching colors like Nacho (orange), Hellayella, Firecracker Red, Snazzberry (reddish-purple), Sarge Green, Chief (light blue), and Hydro Blue. The 4xe includes its own unique light blue 4xe logo, which differentiates it from the non-hybrid versions. It’s safe to say that if you want all the same fun customization options as the traditional Wrangler, you’re in luck. The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe has you covered.
The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe comes with several driver assist features to help keep you safe both on and off the pavement. Like most modern vehicles, the 4xe comes with blind spot monitoring and a forward collision warning. However, it also throws in adaptive cruise control, which monitors traffic flow and adjusts itself on its own, along with automatic high-beam headlamps. Unlike earlier Wrangler models, you won’t have to worry about driving through town with your lights off ever again. These will also automatically dim, preventing drivers from accidentally bright lighting oncoming traffic members. You’ll also get help with parking thanks to ParkSense rear park assist and rear backup camera. This system will alert you or nearby vehicles and objects.
Jeep also looks out for its busy drivers by adding steering wheel controls for Bluetooth phone calls and audio streaming. From your steering wheel, you can answer calls, hang up, and switch between songs, along with activating your Bluetooth voice control feature for everything else. Finally, there are some excellent safety tech features that add another layer of protection if you need it. These include your Vehicle Finder, which is accessible via the Uconnect app, an emergency SOS button located on your overhead console, and the SiriusXM Guardian anti-theft system. All in all, the 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe is ideal for drivers who like to keep up with the latest safety assistance trends.
There are several fun tech features on the Wrangler 4xe. These include Apple CarPlay connectivity, Android Auto, and Uconnect features, including infotainment system controls, navigation, and music streaming. You’ll also get Wi-Fi connectivity which can handle 8 devices within a 50-foot range. This makes the 4xe ideal for on-the-go business folks or work-from-home drivers who can work all while keeping kids and passengers entertained.
Additionally, the 4xe includes a stats monitor that will send you monthly reports detailing your average speed, mileage, and much more. Finally, remote start is no longer a luxury post-purchase add-on. The 4xe includes remote start via your smartphone or device where you can also control your heat and air conditioning. Further, you get 9 Alpine speakers standard on the 4xe, with a 552-watt premium amplifier. Just because you’re going off-road does not mean that tech can’t be your friend.