The Jeep Wrangler is switching its iconic 4×4 badges for new ones that read “4xe” as Jeep gears up for introducing the first-ever plug-in hybrid model from its lineup.
Arriving for the 2021 model year, the new Wrangler 4xe features an eco-friendly powertrain, making the same claim that made the brand famous.
But on top of its eco-conscious setup, the model is also built for serious off-road driving.
Equipped with a pair of Dana 44 axles, a two-speed transfer case that allows full-time four-wheel-drive movement, 10.8 inches of ground clearance, as well as the ability to wade through 30 inches of water, the Wrangler 4xe is just as capable as its gasoline-only counterpart.
Moreover, Jeep assures customers that the vehicle’s high-voltage components are thoroughly sealed and waterproof.
Inside, the new Wrangler features one electric motor mounted right in front of its turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four engine, plus another one mounted in front of the eight-speed automatic transmission.
This setup delivers a combined output of 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque, exceeding the numbers of all nonhybrid engines in the Jeep lineup.
Aside from the electric motors, the Wrangler 4xe also gets its juice from a 17.0-kWh lithium-ion-nickel-manganese-cobalt battery pack that is placed underneath the back seat. Drivers can easily access the battery by flipping up the bottom cushion.
Jeep, however, has yet to reveal the charger compatibility as well as the charging times required for the hybrid engine. What the automaker shared, though, is a description of the actual charging port.
According to the company, the port is located on the left front cowl of the vehicle, meaning drivers can enjoy the convenience of nose-first parking at charging stations. It will also include an LED light that indicates the charging status of the battery.
Taking everything into consideration, the 2021 Wrangler 4xe is projected to be the most fuel-efficient out of all the models from the Jeep lineup. It has an estimated 50 MPGe and can go as far as 25 miles on a full charge when put on electric-only mode.
Aside from the Electric mode, owners can also drive using any of the two other options from the “E Selec” settings: the Hybrid mode and the eSave mode. These driving modes can be activated using the buttons on the left side of the steering wheel.
Jeep has not released the official pricing details for the 2021 Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid so far. But the automaker confirmed that the model is expected to go on sale early next year.
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