Here’s Jeep’s Current Hybrid SUV Lineup Explained
Jeep currently offers two plug-in hybrid SUVs and one mild hybrid (the Wagoneer). It also promises to begin offering its plug-in hybrid drivetrain in the Wagoneer soon. Here’s a simple explanation of Jeep’s current and future hybrid SUV lineup.
Jeep Wrangler 4xe: an iconic hybrid SUV
Jeep’s first ever plug-in hybrid vehicle was the Wrangler 4xe. After several electric Jeep Wrangler concepts, the brand began offering a hybrid version of its iconic SUV in early in 2021. It combines the regular Wrangler’s turbocharged I4 with an electric motor between the I4 and transmission and lithium-ion battery for as much torque (470 lb-ft) as the HEMI-powered Wrangler 392. Today, the Wrangler 4xe is actually the cheapest hybrid Jeep SUV you can buy. The 2022 Wrangler 4xe starts at $54,595. The 2023 Jeep lineup will be slightly more expensive, so the automaker is introducing a new entry-level hybrid, the Wrangler Willy’s 4xe which will have a $53,995 MSRP.
The heavy-duty construction of the full-frame, solid-axle Wrangler combined with its less-than-aerodynamic shape makes it the least efficient full hybrid Jeep currently offers. According to the EPA, the Wrangler 4xe gets the equivalent of 49 mpg (MPGe) in electric mode. Because its batteries make it heaveri than a regular Wrangler, the Wrangler 4xe gets just 20 mpg in gasoline-only mode. Jeep advertises the Wrangler 4xe’s all-electric range as 22 miles.
Here’s a review of the Wrangler 4xe as a daily driver.
Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe: a refined hybrid SUV
Jeep rolled out a Grand Cherokee SUV with its plug-in hybrid 4xe drivetrain for the 2022 model year. The Grand Cherokee has always been a slightly more refined, and even luxurious SUV than the Wrangler. The Cherokee 4xe does not disappoint. Jeep offers five increasingly well-optioned Grand Cherokee 4xe trim levels. This SUV starts at $58,095, but you’ll dish out at least $74,695 for the top-trim Summit Reserve. The Trailhawk trim claims Wrangler-like off-road capability.
The Grand Cherokee’s lower weight and more aerodynamic shape makes the Grand Cherokee 4xe more efficient than the Wrangler version. It boasts an EPA rating of 56 MPGe, a 26 mile electric-only range, and a gas-only rating of 23 mpg.
Find out more about the Grand Cherokee 4xe.
Wagoner and Grand Wagoneer: Jeep’s best tech
When Stellantis decided to build a full-size SUV it resurrected Jeep’s old Wagoneer badge and threw every bit of advanced technology it had into a huge, luxurious, hybrid SUV for the 2022 model year. Though the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer don’t wear any Jeep badges, they do fall under the Jeep brand. But their hybrid technology is actually borrowed from Ram trucks.
The Wagoneer’s chassis has much in common with the Ram 1500 pickup truck. But it benefits from independent rear suspension and a larger, 6.4-liter HEMI V8 (shared with the Jeep Wrangler 392). For the first time ever, Stellantis combined its largest V8 with the eTorque mild hybrid technology found on Ram’s smaller engines. This includes a relatively small 48-volt battery and a combined starter/alternator unit on the gasoline engine’s serpentine belt. It is capable of some regenerative braking, but not as much as the 4xe. The resulting Wagoneer gets just 13 city/19 highway mpg (15 combined)–the 4WD version only claims 18 mpg on the highway. A Wagoneer’s MSRP is $61,995 while the more luxurious Grand Wagoneer starts at $88,640.
Jeep Grand Wagoneer 4xe: on its way
At Jeep’s 4xe day the head of the Jeep Brand, Jim Morrison, unveiled a Wagoneer 4xe. He did not reveal whether it would have an I4 or larger (perhaps V6) internal combustion engine. He did claim that the Wagoneer 4xe is being designed for a 500-mile combined gasoline/hybrid range. He added that Jeep plans to offer electrified 4xe models of every model by the end of 2025. This will likely include the Renegade 4xe that Jeep currently offers in Europe as well as the upcoming Jeep Recon and Wagoneer S fully electric vehicles. See the reveal on Youtube.
Next, read about the Grand Wagoneer vs the Rolls-Royce Cullinan or watch the Wrangler 4xe reviewed in the video below: