America’s Favorite Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle Is Still Not a Toyota
Toyota has built a reputation for making excellent plug-in hybrid cars like the Prius Prime and RAV4 Prime. And while PHEVs become more popular, you might assume the Japanese auto giant makes America’s best-selling plug-in hybrid vehicle. But that’s not the case.
What is America’s most popular plug-in hybrid vehicle?
Toyota sells affordable PHEVs like the Prius Prime and RAV4 Prime. Although those two models are excellent, they’re not the best-selling plug-in hybrid vehicles in the United States.
That distinction goes to the Jeep Wrangler 4xe. Jeep only introduced the first 4xe for the 2021 model year, and it quickly became America’s favorite PHEV. It retains the iconic SUV’s off-roading chops while appealing to eco-conscious consumers. This model is so popular that the 4xe makes up 38% of Wrangler sales.
An overview of the 2023 Jeep Wrangler 4xe
The 2023 Jeep Wrangler 4xe packs a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine and a motor harnessing 375 hp and 470 lb-feet of torque. It’s the first PHEV with front and rear locking differentials for improved traction.
Pricing starts at around $50,000. Though not cheap, this PHEV is a true off-roader. It can tow 3,500 pounds while boasting an EPA-estimated 49 MPGe. In addition, the plug-in hybrid range is 370 miles on a full battery and fuel tank, with the option of about 20 miles in electric-only mode.
Notable infotainment features include Alpine premium speakers, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration, and six months of satellite radio service. Other attractive amenities are keyless ignition, a rear-view camera, painted alloy wheels, and all-season tires.
In addition, the 2023 Wrangler 4xe also has many advanced driver-assistance features. They include a post-collision safety system, stability and traction control, and emergency braking assist.
Jeep Wrangler 4ex sales numbers are impressive
Jeep Wrangler 4xe sales figures prove this SUV remains America’s best-selling plug-in hybrid vehicle. Stellantis reports it sold 14,392 Wrangler 4xe PHEVs in the first quarter of 2023. That’s nearly 40% of total Wrangler sales. By contrast, Toyota says it sold only 994 Prius Prime units and 5,416 RAV4 Prime PHEVs in Q1 2023.
While Wrangler 4xe sales remain excellent, Jeep has a few changes in store for customers. The SUV offers two new interior colors and a decal featuring an American flag on each front fender. This versatile vehicle has many attractive traits, continuing to boost sales as this model flies off dealership lots.
