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 PHEV SUV

2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee gets 4xe plug-in hybrid power

The Grand Cherokee gets a plug-in powertrain for the first time.

Jeep

Jeep just announced the all-new fifth-generation 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee, featuring a new exterior and interior, updated tech, and class-leading capabilities from its optional engines. However, the big headline here is the new Grand Cherokee 4xe, a plug-in hybrid SUV that follows the Jeep Wrangler into electrified off-roading.

2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe The 4xe makes all-electric off-roading possible.Jeep

As it did with the Wrangler, Jeep electrified the Grand Cherokee for the new model year. The new 4xe powertrain is available in the Limited, Trailhawk, Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve trims. It uses a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four-cylinder engine and features an all-electric driving range of 25 miles, fuel economy of 57 MPGe, and a total combined driving range of 440 miles. The powertrain also produces 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque.

2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe All Grand Cherokee models get a more upscale interior for the 2022 model year.Jeep

With the water and terrain involved in off-roading, an electric motor and plug-in components could be a recipe for disaster, but Jeep took steps to protect sensitive parts of the drivetrain and vehicle. All high-voltage electronics are seats and are waterproof, and Jeep says that the Grand Cherokee 4xe can ford water of up to 24 inches in depth. The battery also comes with its own heating and cooling system to hold it in the ideal temperature range for optimum performance. The powertrain delivers impressive capability, as Jeep says a Grand Cherokee Trailhawk 4xe was able to tackle the Rubicon Trail on electric power only.

2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe The 2022 Grand Cherokee gets updated tech and safety features.Jeep

The 4xe's charging port is located on the front fender to allow easier charging in tight spots. LED indicators show the charging status and there's an LED battery monitor inside the vehicle on the instrument panel. Three driving modes allow the driver to select the right vehicle and powertrain behavior for the situation. Hybrid mode combines both the electric motor and gas engine, and balances the two for the best fuel efficiency and performance. Electric mode operates on electric power only until the battery's power is depleted. eSave prioritizes the gas engine to preserve battery power. As with all PHEVs, the Grand Cherokee 4xe functions like a traditional hybrid once the battery's power is mostly depleted.


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Jeep Wrangler upgrades

Jeep Wrangler Willys gets 35-inch tires with new package

Larger tires headline the upgrades.

Jeep

The off-road wars are heating up. This year alone, we've seen the new Ford Bronco, Rivian's R1T electric pickup truck, new off-road models of the Ford Ranger, GMC Canyon, and Chevrolet Silverado, and more rugged versions of the Subaru Outback and Forester. Jeep, already deep in the game, doesn't need to do much to bolster its off-road offering, but the brand is doing just that for 2022. The automaker is offering a new Xtreme Recon Package for the Wrangler Willys SUV, which brings more capability and style to the boxy off-roader.

Jeep Wrangler Willys Xtreme Recon Package The package can be ordered for Wrangler Willys models later this year. Jeep Wrangler Willys Xtreme Recon Package

Beyond beefy 35-inch tires tires, the Wrangler Willys with Xtreme Recon Package gets a 1.5-inch factory lift, a 4.56:1 axle ratio, 17-inch wheels and swing gate reinforcement. Jeep says those improvements give the Willys best-in-class approach and departure angles, ground clearance, and water fording capability. Approach angle improves to 47.4 degrees, breakover angle improves to 26.7 degrees, and departure angle jumps to 40.4 degrees. The extra ride height also pushes ground clearance to 12.9 inches and the water fording depth to 33.6 inches.

The package's 35-inch tires make the Willys Jeep's third Wrangler model with hardcore rolling stock. It joins the Wrangler Rubicon and Wrangler Rubicon 392 in the 35-inch club, all of which can be equipped with the tires directly from the factory.

Jeep Wrangler Willys Xtreme Recon Package A factory lift helps improve ground clearance and capability.Jeep

The Xtreme Recon Package can be ordered starting in October and will be available for the Jeep Wrangler Willys with 3.6-liter eTorque engine. The package adds $3,995 to the Wrangler Willys' price tag, which brings the total starting price to $40,930, including a $1,495 destination charge.

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