Fuel Economy

2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe misses EV range estimate by 16%, is less efficient than the V6

Eileen Falkenberg-Hull
Mar 23, 2021, 4:30 am

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe is not as fuel efficient as its counterparts.

Photo courtesy of Stellantis

Stellantis doesn't have many electrified vehicles in its U.S. portfolio. With the exception of the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, the closest thing that buyers could get to an electrified power plant up until this year was the mild-hybrid Ram engines. It doesn't help that they also have one of the least fuel efficient lineups out there as well.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe is upon us. It's a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) that was said to allow for a Jeep-estimated 25 miles of all-electric range.

Jeep's estimates were off. Way off. Sixteen percent off. The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe only has 21 miles of all-electric range, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the governing body over the testing of these figures. It is good for 49 MPGe and 20 mpg. With gasoline and electric power combined, the SUV's range on a tank is 370 miles.

2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe delivers more horsepower and torque than other Wranglers. Photo courtesy of Stellantis

The Jeep's powertrain consists of an electric motor, 17- kilowatt-hour battery, eight-speed automatic transmission, and turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine working in unison. It delivers 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, which is only bested by the new Wrangler 392, which comes with a V8 under the hood that offers 470 horsepower.

Adding insult to injury, it can't go as far as other Wranglers on a single tank as well. The new fuel economy figures make the Wrangler 4xe less fuel efficient than the 2021 Jeep Wrangler two-door and the 2021 Jeep Wrangler four-door. All the models come standard with four-wheel drive and have an available eight-speed automatic transmission.

When equipped with the eight-speed automatic transmission, two-door gets 22 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway according to EPA estimates when equipped with a similar 2.0-liter turbo-four setup. The four-door, when equipped with the same power plant, gets 21 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. Their fuel tanks give the two- and four-door Wranglers 402 and 385 miles of range, respectively.

The Wrangler 4xe also isn't as efficient as the company's V6-powrered Wranglers. Those deliver 21 mpg combined in either two- our four-door formats. Drivers get access to 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque in both.

What's more, the Wrangler 4xe is one of the priciest Wranglers you can buy. It has a starting MSRP of $47,995.

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New SUV

New Jeep Compass Coming Soon

The Compass gets a major update for 2022.

Stellantis/Jeep

The Chicago Auto Show is happening now, which means we've already seen a few new models and concepts. Just yesterday, Jeep introduced the new 2022 Compass compact SUV. It gets a new design inside and out, updated tech, and a load of new available driver aids. The Compass' refresh comes as new models from Ford, Subaru and others could cut into Jeep's off-road dominance.

As it was in previous model years, the new Compass is powered by a 2.4-liter "Tigershark" four-cylinder engine that makes 177 horsepower and 172 pound-feet of torque. It's good for up to 31 mpg on the highway in 2WD models and can deliver a max towing capacity of up to 2,000 pounds in 4WD models. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard for Compass Sport and Latitude 4X2 models, while all others get a nine-speed automatic transmission that can handle the 20:1 crawl ratio setting in the Trailhawk model.

An all-new Latitude LUX trim joins the Compass lineup for 2022 as well. It features leather upholstery, heated front seats, a leather-wrapped heated steering wheel, an eight-way power driver seat, a seven-inch full-color gauge cluster, and the larger 10.1-inch screen.


2022 Jeep Compass The new Compass is more upscale than its predecessor.Stellantis/Jeep


The Compass comes with a class-leading 8.4-inch infotainment touchscreen, but higher trims get an even larger 10.1-inch unit. It offers standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and runs Uconnect 5, a colorful, responsive infotainment system with advanced features and tech.

Several new safety features make an appearance, but most are added-cost options. The highway assist system offers a semi-autonomous driving feature, which Jeep says will become available later. Other tech includes traffic sign recognition, standard pedestrian/cyclist automatic emergency braking, a surround-view camera system, parallel and perpendicular parking assist, and a long list of more traditional advanced driver aids like blind spot monitoring and parking sensors.

The Compass lineup for 2022 includes five trims: Sport, Latitude, Latitude LUX, Limited, and Trailhawk. Pricing for the new Compass starts at $26,490, including a $1,495 destination charge. At the top of the lineup, the Trailhawk and Limited models both start at $32,890. It's expected to start arriving on dealers' lots in fall 2021.


2022 Jeep Compass New color schemes highlight the Compass' interior.Stellantis/Jeep

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American SUVs

Jeep voted America's most patriotic brand

Jeep Freedom models get special appearance-related upgrades.

Stellantis

The Fourth of July is almost here, and for many of us that means relaxing with family and friends over hot dogs, drinks, and fireworks. For Jeep, the holiday is another opportunity to tout its all-American roots. The brand just picked up an award for America's "Most Patriotic Brand," which is based on a survey of 6,000 Americans to choose the 50 companies that best represent America's patriotic spirit.

No huge surprises here. This year marks the 19th consecutive year that Jeep has been recognized as America's most patriotic brand. The automaker 's vehicles are synonymous with American cars for some people, and since 1941 the company has been making SUVs and off-road vehicles here.


2022 Jeep Wagoneer Flags adorn the side of the upcoming Wagoneer and Grand WagoneerStellantis


To celebrate the occasion, Jeep is offering special-edition Freedom models of each of its vehicles for the 2021 model year. The Freedom models have military-themed design features, matte black or Satin Carbon wheels, and an American flag decal on the side. The vehicles' hoods will be emblazoned with a large "Oscar Mike" (military term for "on the move") star on the hood as well. Wrangler and Gladiator models add an extra Oscar Mike star on the rear tailgate. As part of the rollout, Jeep will donate $250 to the USO for every 2021 Freedom model sold. Active and recently retired service members may also qualify for a $500 cash bonus.

Even after the Freedom models have come and gone, Jeep will retain flag-emblazoned models in its lineup. The 2022 Grand Wagoneer and the 2021 Grand Cherokee L both have American flag badging on their sides. Jeep says it will show off the new Grand Wagoneer on the outside of its tower in Auburn Hills, Michigan.


2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L The new three-row Grand Cherokee also has flag badging.Stellantis

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