The Jeep Wrangler has had many upgrades over the years. The upcoming 2021 model is no exception, but it will bring a whole new side to the Jeep this time. The anticipated 4xe is coming, and critics can’t wait to get their hands on it to see just how well it will perform. 

While we’re used to all the quirks the Jeep Wrangler provides, the new model has many questioning just how it will differentiate itself from its siblings. MotorTrend explains what the 4xe is and shows how its interior features are what will set it apart. 

What is the new Jeep Wrangler 4xe?

Jeep is producing a PHEV, which is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. The Jeep Wrangler 4xe utilizes both gasoline and electric powertrains to deliver excellent fuel economy while keeping the Jeep experience the same, if not better than what you’re used to. 

The Wrangler 4xe runs on a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder PHEV engine that puts out 375 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. It also has two electric motors. One is a 44-hp starter/generator, and the other is a 134-hp electric motor. Mated to them is an eight-speed automatic transmission. 

What people will love most about it, is that the hybrid aspect of it makes it safer for the environment. No more worrying about releasing anything harmful into the atmosphere with constant use of gasoline. Now, you can use it sparingly. 

How does it set itself apart from the other trims?

The features found in the interior of the Jeep Wrangler 4xe are what make it different from the Jeep Wrangler models you’re used to. The PHEV system enables it to offer three different driving modes. One is your typical hybrid powertrain, which uses both the electric motors and gasoline engines interchangeably. 

A second driving mode is your normal electric setup where the vehicles will use the battery for most of the trip. When the batteries are almost depleted, the Jeep will switch over to the gasoline powertrain to keep you going. 

Lastly, there’s the eSave mode, which lets you increase battery charge using the gasoline, or it can help keep the battery’s charge at the same level to save it for another part of the trip. 

The 4xe also comes with a dash-mounted charging accessory that indicates how much the battery has charged. The gauge clusters and infotainment menus have offerings specific to the 4xe and not found on any other Jeep Wrangler models. 

Will it be a powerhouse on off-roading trails like other Wranglers?

While the Jeep Wrangler 4xe has a hybrid powertrain, it doesn’t mean that it’s not capable of handling off-road trails. In fact, it’s just the opposite of what you might think. As with other Wrangler trims, this one also has the Dana 44 axles for both the front and rear of the vehicle. Suspension tuning has never been better. 

The hybrid setup allows the Jeep to travel further without stopping to pour more gas in the tank. You can travel more miles off the beaten path than you would with a regular gasoline-powered Jeep.

Also, the 4xe models have more ground clearance than some of the gas-powered models, so taking on rocky terrain is a breeze. The only limitation you might see with the 4xe are the standard 20-inch wheels. But, if you choose the 4xe Rubicon trim, you’ll get 17-inch wheels with 33-inch tires.

The Jeep Wrangler 4xe promises to bring just as much of a thrilling off-road adventure as we well know its siblings for – except with a twist. A gas/electric hybrid may just pave the way for how all-terrain journeys will be made in the future.