When you think of plug-in hybrid vehicles, chances are you think about top-selling hybrid cars and SUVs from companies like Honda and Toyota. After all, these car brands helped make hybrid vehicles mainstream in the American market. However, you would be surprised to hear that Jeep is producing the top-selling plug-in hybrid of 2022, at least up to this point.

Yes, you read that correctly. The manufacturer of the thirsty Wrangler, Gladiator, and the Wagoneer is producing the best-selling plug-in hybrid of 2022 so far, the Jeep Wrangler 4xe. Here is everything you need to know about this top-selling hybrid, the competitors it outsells, and what is contributing to Jeep’s top spot in sales so far.

How many Wrangler 4xe models have been sold?

For the first half of 2022, CNN reports Jeep has sold 19,207 Wrangler 4xe models. What makes this sales number even more impressive is the disparity between its competition. The next best-selling hybrid behind the Wrangler 4xe is Toyota’s top offering in the hybrid market, the Toyota RAV4 Prime. Even then, Toyota has only sold 10,153 RAV4 Prime models in the first half of 2022.

With the Jeep Wrangler almost lapping the competition with sales nearly doubling the RAV4 Prime, they must be doing something better than the competition, right?

A league of its own

The Jeep Wrangler 4xe is doing great in its class, but that can also be attributed to the fact that this is the only vehicle in its class. The Jeep Wrangler 4xe is an off-road performance vehicle. SUVs are hot sellers in the American automotive market. 

Whether it is a small crossover or full-size SUV, they have always been a favorite for consumers for their space and versatility. Still, with the Wrangler 4xe aiming for the off-road market, there is no competition for plug-in hybrid SUVs that are capable off-road.

The Jeep Wrangler 4xe specs and price

With a top-selling vehicle like the Wrangler 4xe, it is important to see how it compares to similar cars to see what it is doing right. Of course, the biggest pull for the Wrangler 4xe is the plug-in hybrid drivetrain, which offers a fuel efficiency rating of 49 MPGe, and a combined 20 mpg when driving with gas power only. 

While these numbers aren’t necessarily impressive, one important selling point of a plug-in hybrid like the Wrangler 4xe is the option to drive with electric power only. The drivetrain on this Jeep is capable of a 21-mile range powered solely by the electric drive train. Many consumers have reported commuting daily using full electric power only. The Wrangler 4xe gives buyers a roomy full-size SUV with an electric range that might satisfy their daily commute.

The Jeep Wrangler 4xe starts at $54,765 MSRP. Comparably, the gas-powered Jeep Wrangler starts at $30,295, meaning this plug-in hybrid Jeep almost doubles in price when a hybrid powertrain is added. Still, for consumers who drive a lot, the electric possibilities may save drivers a ton of money in the long run. The Wrangler 4xe also offers 375 horsepower compared to the 260 horsepower found in the lowest trim gas-powered Wrangler.

The Wrangler 4xe vs. the competition

While the Wrangler is more of an off-road vehicle, it is possible to compare it to the Toyota RAV4 Prime, and the competition may be closer than it looks.

The RAV4 Prime is cheaper than the Wrangler, with a starting price of $39,800. Regarding fuel efficiency, the RAV4 Prime is way ahead of the Wrangler with an MPGe of 94 and a combined mpg of 38 on gas alone. The RAV4 can also drive on electric power alone, with a range of 41 miles on the electric drivetrain.

In terms of price, features, and fuel efficiency, the RAV4 Prime looks like the better option in almost every category. While the RAV4 Prime is selling well, they are selling less than expected due to inventory shortages. According to Ivan Drury of Edmunds.com, the RAV4 Prime is selling at a rate of 13 days on the lot on average. The Jeep Wrangler 4xe is selling at a rate of 20 days on the lot on average.

With product availability shortages, it is no question that the RAV4 Prime could be selling more if demand was being met with supply, but for now, the Wrangler 4xe remains the top-selling plug-in hybrid vehicle for 2022.