THE PLUG-IN HYBRID VEHICLE THAT OUTSELLS EVERY OTHER PHEV IN THE U.S.

PHEV SUVs are quickly becoming a popular choice among new car buyers because they offer the best of both worlds. These cars have big enough electrical systems and batteries to cover a couple of miles, but when long driving stints are required, an efficient internal combustion engine takes over. Compared to hybrids and EVs, there are fewer PHEV SUV options available in the U.S., but there is one particular model that is sweeping up the sales charts every month.

There's currently only one PHEV SUV available with a solid front and rear axle and multiple locking differentials, making it the best eco-friendly off-roader in the arena. This PHEV is none other than the Jeep Wrangler 4xe, which merges the brand's longstanding off-roading heritage with the new age of electrification. This product was possible thanks to some much-needed financial backing from Stellantis, and will eventually evolve the iconic model into an all-electric variant.

The Jeep Wrangler 4xe Outsells All Of Its Competition

The Jeep Wrangler 4xe sold 19,090 copies in the first quarter of this year. Jeep's total PHEV sales sit at 31,750 examples for the quarter, which equates to a 20.2 percent market share for all PHEVs in the country. For reference, Toyota's entire PHEV catalog, which only consists of the RAV4 and Prius Prime, only sold 11,674 copies during the same period. Considering how popular the RAV4 and Prius are and how Toyota offers some of the best hybrid technologies, the Wrangler's performance is a hugely impressive feat.

2024 Jeep Wrangler Fuel Economy

(Data sourced from Jeep and the EPA)

Despite the Wrangler 4xe being a bulky 4x4 with boxy proportions and a full-time four-wheel drive system, it manages to return some very impressive fuel consumption figures. The EPA estimates the model brings in a 49 MPGe combined energy consumption figure, while the ICE returns an equally impressive 20 MPG without any EV assistance. The Wrangler features a relatively compact 17 kWh battery pack, which is enough to carry it for 22 miles on a single charge. The 17.2-gallon tank lets it cover an additional 370 miles.

The Jeep Wrangler 4xe Can't Be Plugged Into A Level Three Charger

The Wrangler 4Xe runs on a 400-volt electrical system and features a 7.2 kW 32-amp onboard charger, affording it a 12-hour charge time when you plug it into a Level One 120-volt household plug. A 240-volt Level Two system drastically reduces this time to just two hours. Due to the electrical system's compact nature, you can't use a DC Level Three fast charger to recover the battery. The Wrangler 4xe currently doesn't benefit from any vehicle-to-load abilities.

2024 Jeep Wrangler 4xe Charging Times

(Data sourced from Jeep)

Jeep only kits the Wrangler 4xe out with a Level One-rated charging cable for household use. If you want to frequently use the 4xe's electric drive system, you should consider Jeep's TurboDX Level Two household wallbox. You can buy this from the Mopar store for $649, excluding the installation cost, which ranges between $800 and $2,000 depending on your city of residence. You can plug the Wrangler in at most public charging stations, including the expansive Tesla network, but you'll need to purchase the J1772 adapter.

Why And How The Jeep Wrangler 4xe Became King

A big part of the Wrangler 4xe's success is its innovative and effective gasoline-electric powertrain. This consists of a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, which generates 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet. The single permanent-magnet and eTorque motors increase the total system output to 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet, but in isolation, the latter only generates 44 horsepower and 39 pound-feet, which is substantially less than some of its rivals.

2024 Jeep Wrangler 4xe Specifications

(Data sourced from Jeep)

The eight-speed automatic transmission holds the permanent-magnet motor, which produces a more impressive 134 horsepower and 181 pound-feet. The 4xe's biggest drawing card is its multiple transfer case options, which differ depending on which specification you opt for.

Jeep claims the Wrangler 4xe will sprint from 0-60 MPH in around 6.0 seconds. Independent tests reveal that it is much faster than that in real-world conditions, with times as low as 5.2 seconds being confirmed. Top speed is limited to just 99 MPH which is a sensible speed for a car that doesn't benefit from independent suspensions or tarmac-biased tires.

Jeep Is Making Hybrids Fun Again

The base Willys and Sahara Wrangler 4xe feature Jeep's Selec-Trac full-time four-wheel drive transfer case with a 2.72:1 low-range ratio. The Rubicon benefits from the upgraded Rock-Trac transfer case, featuring a 4.0:1 low-range ratio. All derivatives adopt front and rear third-generation Dana locking differentials. The Willys and Sahara use open differentials, while the Rubicon features the more effective Tru-Lock electronic differentials.

2024 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe Off-Road Hardware

• 33-inch all-terrain tires
• Electronic sway bar disconnect
• Rock rails
• Which-capable steel bumpers
• Rock-track 4x4 system with 100:1 crawl ratio (Manual transmission)
• Electronically locking front and rear differentials

The Wrangler 4xe's suspension configuration is equally important. All derivatives feature the front and rear solid axle with linking coils, leading arms, track bars, coil springs, and stabilizer bars. The Rubicon uses an electronic sway-bar with a disconnect system for more treacherous obstacles. Jeep equips the Willys and Sahara with high-pressure gas-charged monotube shock absorbers with MTV technology for the front and rear. The Rubicon features the same setup, but with hydraulic rebound stops.

The Wrangler 4xe Is Jeep's Meal Ticket

The Jeep Wrangler 4xe boasts a rather high $50,650 MSRP starting price for the entry-level Sport S trim. The Willys costs $56,030, the Sahara $58,290, and the Rubicon $61,990. Those wanting some more luxurious features can opt for the $70,395 Rubicon X or the $67,795 High Altitude. Jeep only sells the 4xe in four-door configuration, but it benefits from removable parts, giving you the true open-air Wrangler experience.

This is a high starting price, considering a non-hybrid Wrangler starts at just $31,995. The reason for the 4xe's success is that it offers something that no other manufacturer does. Off-roading and overlanding is still a popular hobby in the country, and the 4xe gives enthusiasts the opportunity to enjoy this without having to worry about excessive fuel bills. The 4xe also benefits from improved usability in condensed urban settings thanks to its rapid and silent electric drive system.

Don't Forget The Grand Cherokee 4xe

Jeep offers the exact same powertrain as the more premium Grand Cherokee 4xe. This is a lifestyle-minded SUV with independent suspension setups, making it much more comfortable for daily use in urban environments, but it still has more than enough athletic ability to tackle some of the most intense off-roading trails. Pricing starts at $59,865 for the base model. The Summit trims cater to more luxury-minded customers, but there's also a special 30th Anniversary 4xe edition that celebrates the Grand Cherokee's 30 years of production.

Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe Performance And Specs

(Data sourced from Jeep)

Jeep offers multiple differential configurations for the Grand Cherokee. The Quadra-Trac I system grants all-weather capability thanks to its automatic functions. It is always engaged, so it constantly adjusts the brake lock differential for maximum traction at all times. Quadra-Trac II uses multiple sensors to identify tire slips and direct 100 percent of the drivetrain's torque to the front or rear axle.

It also features the Selec-Terrain Traction Management System with an Auto mode that suits daily urban driving. The Sport, Snow, Sand and Mud, or Rock modes to improve usability off the beaten track. The flagship Quadra-Drive II system features a rear electronic limited-slip differential, making it the only full-time four-wheel drive configuration.

2024-04-11T08:05:59Z dg43tfdfdgfd