Jeep Discontinuing Four-Cylinder Hybrid on Wrangler

Recent reports have surfaced claiming Jeep is discontinuing the production of the four-cylinder hybrid variant of the 2021 Wrangler.

Introduced in 2018 for the JL Wrangler model, the eTorque mild hybrid system is the brand’s main weapon for smooth acceleration and a better fuel economy. It’s also a reliable feature in adding small bursts of torque to the vehicle as needed for off-roading and it works well with the 2.0-liter turbo engine that delivers 270 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque.

If the reports are true, it won’t come as a surprise considering Jeep’s decision to only offer it as an option on the Wrangler Sahara trim this year.

Mopar Insiders was the first to report on the rumors, citing “dealer connections” as the source of information.

According to the online publication, the four-cylinder hybrid powertrain will be completely unavailable on the Wrangler starting next year and that the eTorque system will only be offered with the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6. Moreover, the four-cylinder engine will be available alongside other drivetrain options but only in a non-hybrid format.

But based on the report, the discontinuation of the hybrid powertrains does not mean Jeep is no longer pushing through with its electrification plans. The automaker will continue to pursue its goal of launching more electric vehicles in the future but instead of a hybrid four-cylinders, it will launch plug-in hybrid (PHEV) “4xe” versions of its models, including the Wrangler, Compass, and Renegade.

Jeep is working to release electrified versions—hybrid or fully electric—of all its models in the lineup, which suggests that a Gladiator PHEV may also be on the horizon.

Future plans, however, are still very much subject to change depending on whether Jeep is able to maintain its market share considering the upcoming arrival of the 2021 Ford Bronco.