The 2024 Jeep Wrangler 4xe Only Has 1 Huge Advantage Over the Toyota RAV4 Prime
The Jeep Wrangler 4xe is America’s best-selling plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). The plug-in version of this iconic SUV increases efficiency without sacrificing the legendary off-road chops of the Wrangler. In a growing field of electrified SUVs, one of the rivals of the Wrangler 4xe is the Toyota RAV4 Prime, another plug-in hybrid version of a very popular SUV.
These two SUVs have a few things in common, but the Jeep has one significant advantage over the Toyota.
Jeep Wrangler 4xe vs. Toyota RAV4 Prime
Before we get into the big advantage of the Wrangler 4xe over the RAV4 Prime, let’s compare the two on paper. The 2024 Jeep Wrangler 4xe starts at $49,995, and the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime begins at $43,090. Part of the reason for the price difference is the size. Every Wrangler 4xe has a four-door body, and it’s about 6 inches longer, 1 inch wider, and 7 inches taller than the RAV4 Prime.
The Jeep Wrangler 4xe has 1 big advantage over the Toyota RAV4 Prime
The major advantage of the Jeep Wrangler 4xe over the Toyota RAV4 Prime is its performance. The turbocharged PHEV powertrain in the Jeep gets 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. The Toyota RAV4 Prime’s performance specs are impressive for a humble compact SUV but fall short of the Jeep. It makes a total output of 302 horsepower and 288 lb-ft of torque.
These advantages are part of what makes the Wrangler 4xe shine off-road. Electric torque and an advanced four-wheel drive system make the Jeep a stellar off-roader that can cross terrain a Toyota RAV4 Prime wouldn’t dream of. The RAV4 Prime does have standard all-wheel drive, making it suitable for snowy roads, but it doesn’t come close to the Wrangler 4xe in terms of off-road capability.
The many Toyota RAV4 Prime advantages
Unsurprisingly, the Toyota is more fuel-efficient than the Jeep. According to EPA estimates, the Toyota RAV4 Prime gets an all-electric range of 42 miles. When the battery runs out, it gets 38 combined mpg. Meanwhile, the Jeep Wrangler 4xe only has a 21-mile all-electric range and gets 20 mpg with a depleted battery. That adds up to an estimated annual fuel cost of $950 for the Toyota and $2,100 for the Jeep.
Despite being the smaller SUV, the Toyota also has more cargo room behind the rear seats than the Jeep. The RAV4 Prime has 33.5 cubic feet of cargo space, and the Wrangler 4xe only has 27.7 cubic feet of cargo room. However, the Jeep has slightly more rear-seat legroom and headroom than the Toyota.
Also, despite having lower horsepower and torque ratings, the Toyota has a quicker 0-60 mph time than the Jeep. According to Car and Driver’s testing, the RAV4 Prime sprints to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds, notably quicker than the Jeep’s 6.5-second 0-60 mph time.
Which is the better plug-in hybrid SUV?
The Toyota RAV4 Prime is a more practical and affordable daily driver than the Jeep Wrangler 4xe. The Toyota is more efficient, has significantly lower fuel costs, and even has more cargo space despite being smaller. However, the Jeep Wrangler 4xe has a unique character and off-road chops you can’t get from the RAV4 Prime.
