The Jeep Wrangler 4xe Still Crushes as the Best-Selling PHEV
It’s time to congratulate the Jeep Wrangler 4xe for continuing to be a reigning champion. When the Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid (PHEV) debuted, it took off with instant success, and things haven’t slowed down. The 2023 Jeep Wrangler 4xe carries the torch as the best-selling PHEV.
Why is the Jeep Wrangler PHEV the best-selling PHEV?
There are multiple attributes that make the Jeep Wrangler 4xe the best-selling PHEV. But to put it simply, it provides people with the best of both worlds. It gives people Wrangler freedom while saving fuel.
The market for PHEV vehicles is still small, but the Wrangler 4xe is the dominant option. It sold nearly 19,207 models so far in 2022. But some of the success could be attributed to availability. Stellantis is churning out 4xe models faster than Toyota and Kia.
However, rivals such as the Hyundai Tucson PHEV, Toyota RAV4 Prime, and Kia Sportage PHEV could catch up soon. Catching up to production speed is an excellent start.
But the 4xe also has a unique advantage. It’s a highly capably off-roading model. So, the competition has been trying to beef up their models for off-roading too.
That’s why we’re seeing options like the Kia Sportage X-Pro, Hyundai Tucson XRT, and Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road emerge.
How much range does the 2023 Wrangler 4xe have?
According to Mopar Insiders, the 2023 Jeep Wrangler 4xe has an all-electric range of about 21 miles on a single charge. It also gets an EPA-estimated 49 MPGe and has a range of 370 miles in Hybrid mode.
It uses a 2.0-liter inline-four engine, two electric motors, and a 400-volt battery pack to generate 375 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. The Wrangler 4xe can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 6.0 seconds and tows up to 3,500 lbs.
In Electric Mode, the 4xe operates with zero-emission electric power until the battery is depleted or until you open things up with more torque.
Hybrid Mode uses a blend of electric and gas power to best suit your driving conditions. The battery is used first. Then more torque is drawn from the engine. The eSave mode prioritizes power from the motor and saves the electric charge for later.
Regenerative braking and coasting return electric energy to the battery pack. With 4×4 engaged, each wheel provides extra juice. Also, Max Regen Mode provides more aggressive regenerative braking based on the throttle input.
How capable is the Jeep Wrangler 4xe?
The 2023 Jeep Wrangler 4xe is an incredibly capable off-roader. It arrives from the factory with a 10.8-inch ground clearance and rides on heavy-duty Dana 44 axles.
It has a solid axle, electronic sway-bar disconnect, coil springs, a stabilizer bar, and gas-charged monotube shock absorbers with MTV technology and hydraulic rebound stops.
The Wrangler 4xe can ford water up to 31.8 inches deep because the batteries are protected by waterproof casings. It has an approach angle of 44 degrees, a 22.5-degree breakover angle, and a 35.6-degree departure angle.
Plus, the 4xe goes off-roading quietly thanks to hybrid power. But the 2023 model starts at $53,559. So, if rivals get more off-roading chops with a lower price, they could have a chance to take the 4xe down. Stay tuned for the latest PHEV updates.
