2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe SUV

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe is an all-new product from FCA that aims to introduce a proper hybrid drivetrain to the iconic Wrangler. This new Jeep will be powered by a 2L turbocharged engine mated to an electric motor with a 17 kWh battery pack. The company claims that the hybrid Jeep will offer better refinement than the regular Wrangler and more torque than the diesel-powered Wrangler, making this just as capable if not more capable than the rest of the Wrangler lineup in off-road situations. 

Jeep also puts a lot of emphasis on the clever engineering that has gone into the Wrangler 4xe to give it the best possible off-road abilities which include the placement of the battery pack right below the rear seats and above the rear axle instead of the underfloor placement which is what most vehicles do, to keep it safe during off-road situations without hampering the ground clearance or center of gravity of the vehicle.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe marks a brave new direction for FCA, and it's a big risk since purists and Jeep loyalists might not be in favor of taking an icon like the Wrangler and electrifying, but then again experimenting with a product like the Wrangler that has been the face of the brand for so long, its probability their best bet to popularise new technology and attract a new demographic to their brand.

Trim	Launch Edition	Rubicon
MSRP	$49,490	$53,190
Key Features	All the equipment from the Altitude trim of the regular Jeep	Replaces and Adds to the Unlimited Sahara Trim
	Electronic front and rear lockable differentials	Leather upholstery
	Electronically disconnecting front stabilizer bars	Leather-wrapped shifter
	Rock rails	Rear window washer and defroster
		Upgraded cloth upholstery

At the time of its launch, which is scheduled towards the first quarter of 2021, the Wrangler 4xe will be offered with a single drivetrain configuration that comprises a 2L Turbocharged Petrol motor which is combined with a 17 kWh battery pack and two electric motors. At the time of launch, the Wrangler 4xe will be available in two trim levels.

The entry-level trim for 2021 will be the Sahara which will be called the Launch Edition and offers the same equipment list as the regular Wrangler’s Sahara trim which gets plenty of kit such as the latest UConnect Infotainment, 17-inch alloy wheels with all-terrain tires to name a few. It is expected to carry an MSRP of $49,490.

The top-of-the-line Rubicon gets a similar feature list as the Sahara but it adds significant off-road upgrades which include bigger wheels and tires, skid plates, and more. Rubicon has daytime running headlamps and dusk-sensing headlamps which turn on and off by sensing the dusk around you and gets an electric skylight for a well-rounded experience. The Rubicon will carry a price tag of $53,190 when it hits the showroom floors in the first quarter of 2021.

The J.D. Power Report sources its responses and rating from actual customers of a particular vehicle. While the SUV has a capable and rugged quality and even a well-known name, it falls short on long term reliability and even customer engagement. The Wrangler has been rated 78 points on the J.D. Power review. While the SUV misses out by quite a bit on its driving experience and the dealership response, it has an exceptional resale value.

Reliability Categories	Jeep Wrangler (Out of 100)
Quality and Reliability	81 (Great)
Driving Experience	73 (Great)
Resale	90 (Best)
Dealership Experience	67 (Average)

The Jeep Wrangler is an extremely well-rated SUV. The dealership experience seems to be a bit lacking, maybe pointing towards the lack of deals and discounts for the price point being too high. The reliability of the Wrangler is rather attractive. The resale value is one of the best in the market, which is particularly due to the great response the SUV gets in the resale market and the low depreciation. The driving experience of the SUV seems to be lacking on normal roads.

Reliability and Ownership Costs

The Jeep Wrangler has some great attributes in its ownership. The SUV also amounts to quite a low profile on the cost to own. Particularly owing to its low depreciation and maintenance. Below is a cost analysis of the SUV for 5 years of ownership.

Warranty

The hybrid powertrain might be all-new for the Wrangler but the 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe will be offered with identical warranty packages that are offered with the rest of the Jeep lineup so the 2021 model is expected to be backed up by your regular array of limited warranties, which will be quite necessary especially considering the number of complaints the 2020 model of the regular Wrangler has been receiving.

The Warranty package for the 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe is as follows:

Criteria	Period
Basic Warranty	3 years/ 36,000 miles; whichever is earlier*
Powertrain & Hybrid components Warranty	5 years/ 60,000 miles; whichever is earlier*
24-hour Roadside Assistance	5 years/ 100,000 miles; whichever is earlier*
Rust-Through Protection	5 years/ 100,000 miles; whichever is earlier*

Although the warranty might not be the best in its segment, it is quite good especially if you take into consideration the fact that this all-new hybrid Jeep has no direct competitors in the segment, and its conventional gasoline-powered rivals offer very similar warranty packages.

Miles per Dollar

The Wrangler 4xe is expected to consume a lot less fuel than the regular Wrangler range. We do not have any official figures yet but the SUV is expected to cost around $1,800 per annum for fuel costs for 15,000 miles of usage per year. That translates to just about 12 cents per mile, which is equivalent to around 8 miles per dollar, which is rather affordable.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe is yet to be announced but any major updates aren't expected from the new Accord. The 2020 Jeep Wrangler 4xe has a recent facelift and added subtle cosmetic additions and some minor tweaks in the cabin. The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe will continue to be an efficient and effective family sedan choice, with premium fittings yet very economical outputs.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe gets the most significant update in the engine and performance division. This all-new PHEV SUV is a first for the brand and aims to generate hype and attention amongst a younger audience, but more importantly, it marks a new direction for Jeeps of the future as the company aims to offer a PHEV version of every single model in their lineup soon.

Powering the 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe is an all-new turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that comes mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission with two electric motors to deliver an impressive 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. Just to put that into perspective, this PHEV produces more torque than the Wrangler’s diesel variant, which theoretically makes this more capable off-road. The hybrid Wrangler is backed by a 17.3-kWh lithium-ion battery, regenerative brakes, and new E-Selec driving modes including Hybrid, Electric, and eSave features.

Model	2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe (Expected)	2021 Ford Bronco	2020 Toyota 4Runner
MSRP	$35,000	$32,500	$36,285
Engine	2.0L Turbocharged inline-4	2.7L EcoBoost V6	4.0L Naturally Aspirated V6
Drivetrain	4WD	4WD	RWD
Transmission	8-Speed Automatic transmission	10-Speed Automatic	5-Speed Automatic
Power	375 hp @ N/A RPM	310 hp @ 5,100 RPM	270 hp @ 5,600 RPM
Torque	470 lb-ft @N/A RPM	400 lb-ft @ 3,000 RPM	278 lb-ft @ 4,400 RPM

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe is a fresh new experiment in this segment, as a result, it has no direct rivals. Since the Wrangler’s appeal is its iconic design and off-road capabilities, it will trade blows with the regular variants of the newly launched Ford Bronco and the immensely capable Toyota 4Runner after its launch in 2021.

2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe Acceleration and Braking Performance

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe might just be a PHEV on paper, but it ain’t no Prius. The Jeep's turbo engine is good for 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The eTorque starter-generator contributes another 44 hp and 39 lb-ft. Finally, the electric motor is rated at 134 hp and 181 lb-ft, making a total system output of 375 hp and 470 lb-ft in the Wrangler 4xe. These figures allow the Wrangler 4xe to breach the 60 mph barrier from a standstill in just 6 seconds which makes it half a second quicker to 60 mph than the regular Wrangler.

Model	2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe (Expected)	2021 Ford Bronco	2020 Toyota 4Runner
0-60 MPH	6 sec	N/A	7.3 sec
Quarter Mile	N/A	N/A	15.3 sec
Top Speed	N/A	N/A	115 MPH
Engine	2.0L Turbocharged inline-4	2.7L EcoBoost V6	4.0L Naturally Aspirated V6

Though the 4xe's extra grunt comes with a weight penalty. As per Jeep, the batteries and electric motor add 500 pounds to the curb weight over the 3.6L V6 equipped Wrangler, tipping at 5,222 pounds for the 2021 Rubicon 4xe. The weight difference increases to more than 800 pounds if we put the 4XE against the lightest Wrangler four-door, the Sport. 

The one region where the 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe has a clear lead over its rivals and even other Wranglers is the fuel efficiency department. The Jeep Wrangler 4xe has a 17-kWh lithium-ion battery packed under the SUV's rear seats, good for an all-electric driving range of about 25 miles. The Jeep system is a “P2 hybrid,” Which in the Wrangler is rated to deliver 50 MPGe. Certainly, the 4xe will be the most fuel-efficient Wrangler model on the roster.

Model	2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe	2021 Ford Bronco	2020 Toyota 4Runner
MPG (City)	N/A	21	17
MPG (Highway)	N/A	26	20
MPG (Combined)	50 (MPGe)	23	18
Fuel Capacity (Gallons)	N/A	18	23
Range (City/Highway/Combined) (miles)	400	378/ 468/ 414	391/ 483/ 414

The automaker also claims while off-roading in 4-Lo, the EV system can propel this SUV off-road for hours, allowing the owners to enjoy the great outdoors in complete silence. It's good that as the battery reaches its minimum state of charge, the Wrangler 4xe automatically switches back to the default Hybrid driving mode that on a full tank can travel up to a range of 400 miles. Jeep says the Wrangler 4xe's battery will charge fully in 2 hours on a 240-volt, Level 2 charger. 

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe gets the same interior setup as the rest of the Wrangler lineup. For starters, it features a quality fit and finishes inside the cabin. For a vehicle that is so capable of off the road and can technically go naked thanks to the removable doors, roof, and windscreen, the cabin houses great materials in the form of leather and soft-touch plastic. Although the cabin does have the classic rugged vibe running through pretty strong with the chunky and rugged controls, the Wrangler is no longer a toy to be used on the weekends but an actual vehicle that can serve as one’s daily driver without ever letting you miss a creature comfort.

The front seats on both the variants are genuinely comfortable by any modern standard and have come a long way from what the previous generations of the Wrangler offered. The seats feature great adjustability and the overall support and cushioning have been tuned to perfection.

Model	2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe	2021 Ford Bronco	2020 Toyota 4Runner
Seating capacity	5	5	7
First Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in.)	42.6/ 55.7/ 41.2	41/ 57.1/ 43.1	39.3/ 57.8/ 41.7
Rear Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in.)	41.7/ 55.7/ 38.3	39.8/ 51.8/ 36.3	38.6/ 57.8/ 32.9

The new Ford Bronco is arguably the only real competition that the Wrangler is going to face in recent times and it is pertinent to know that the Bronco packs in some serious heat. The Bronco comes with some great looking interiors that we expect to rival the Wrangler. Present SUV’s when pitted against the Wrangler serves as a pretty unconvincing argument as the parameters that have been employed in the construction of the Jeep carve its niche.

How’s the 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe infotainment system?

Just like the regular Wrangler, the 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe is expected to get a standard 7-inch touchscreen powered by FCA's Uconnect infotainment system. Like other FCA products, Wrangler also gets an option to upgrade to a bigger 8.4-inch touchscreen. 

The U Connect system in all honesty should appeal to most buyers as it is responsive enough for the wider array of customers and houses the latest and greatest in terms of tech. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come in bundled with this system alongside a generous year subscription to Sirius XM radio.

Some of the noteworthy infotainment features include:

• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Digital Radio and Bluetooth
• Selectable Tyre Fill Alerts(STFA)
• Roof Mounted Speakers
• Optional 9 Speaker Alpine System
• In-Built Navigation on 8.4 inch UConnect
• Digital Climate Controls

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe looks subtly awe-struck that attracts the new generation’s eyes without losing its old-school charm. The fact that the 4xe is almost indistinguishable from the regular Wrangler apart from the badging is a boon.

There are several design features in the base trim common to the old Jeep such as steel wheels and easily removable doors. For the more modern outlook, there are 18-inch alloy wheels and hardtop on the Sport trim and above. So, matter what you want the Wrangler to look like, there is something for everyone in the lineup. The Wrangler 4xe will be available in 10 colors, including new Snazzberry and Hydro Blue.

Model	2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe	2021 Ford Bronco	2020 Toyota 4Runner
Curb Weight (lbs)	5,222	N/A	4,675
Length (in.)	188.4	190.5	190.2
Width (in.)	73.8	76.3	75.8
Height (in.)	73.6	73.9	71.5
Ground Clearance (in.)	10.1	8.9	9.6
Wheelbase (in.)	118.4	116.1	109.8

As for the ground clearance, the Wrangler 4xe promises to offer the same general capability of other four-door Wranglers. The entry-level 4xe and next-in-line 4xe Sahara models' have a 10.1 inches of ground clearance, better than the 9.7- and 10.0-inch figures of non-hybrid Wrangler Sports and Saharas. 

Expect the Jeep Wrangler 4xe to be fitted with the same safety technologies and driver-assist features as gasoline-powered Wrangler 4-door models. Moreover, we can't derive the new Wrangler 4xe's safety from the crash-test ratings of other versions due to its added components and chassis modifications.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe is expected to be equipped with the following safety and driver assistance-technology:

• Advanced brake assist
• Advanced multistage front airbags
• Electronic roll mitigation
• Electronic stability control
• Hill Start Assist
• Trailer sway damping
• Traction control

2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe vs 2020 Toyota 4Runner

The Wrangler and the 4Runner might seem completely different on paper, but in reality, they both are the top choices for Overlanding and Off-road adventures due to their unmatched capabilities off-road. The Wrangler 4xe might offer better fuel efficiency and in certain cases better off-road capabilities but there’s no getting away from the fact that the Toyota 4Runner offers better practicality and with its extremely reliable engine, and affordable price tag, it might just prove to be the more sensible option and an easier SUV to live within the real world.

2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe vs 2021 Ford Bronco

The Wrangler and the Bronco are designed to go head-to-head in every single way. Both these SUVs represent a modern take on iconic SUVs from the past but the bronco is fairly fresh and is yet to prove itself while the Wrangler has established itself in the market with years of experience. However, if it's a PHEV that you are after then, the Jeep is the clear winner here, but if that’s not a priority, then it's completely up to personal preference as they are both extremely capable SUVs.

 

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe is a bold new step for Jeep. This all-new PHEV promises to combine the best of the Wrangler’s abilities and aims to combine it with the efficiency and convenience of a PHEV to take the Wrangler to the next level and truly future proof its survival. So, if you can afford the steep price tag, then the Wrangler 4xe seems to be a promising proposition.