Naming a vehicle can be tough. A series of numbers and letters that, without context, can be hard to remember or even say correctly in some instances. Sometimes it’s not even that complicated; it’s just a word we’ve never heard before or something that isn’t a word at all. While some automakers get all tight over people mispronouncing their creation’s names, Jeep isn’t really one of them. This is good because Jeep would stay bunched up over the number of people (including me) saying “Jeep Wrangler 4xe” wrong. 

The hybrid Jeep Wrangler has a bit of a confusing name, sort of. Motor1 has set the record straight on the 4xe. Even as I type the name, how did you say it in your head? 4-Ex-E? You wouldn’t be alone in thinking it was said this way. I, along with many others, without thinking, think this is what the hybrid Jeep Wrangler is called. 

It’s pronounced 4-BY-E

Much like the classic Lynard Skynard record, Pronounced ‘Lĕh-‘nérd ‘Skin-‘nérd, sometimes you just gotta point blank tell people how to say your name. The Jeep Wrangler 4xe name’s confusion would certainly make more sense if we weren’t talking about a 4×4. See, there it is. Now it all clicks. The hybrid Jeep is playing with the 4×4 term. Consider me a part of the unwashed masses. Even an automotive journalist and Jeep lover was out here calling it the 4-Ex-E when I should have seen the play on 4×4 from a mile away. 

In efforts to put an end to any further discussion or interpretation, Motor1 called up Jeep, and the automaker itself confirmed the play-on-words pronunciation; Say it with me, 4-BY-E. Ok. Now that we are on the same page, we can talk about how cool the Jeep Wrangler 4xe is. 

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe is a powerhouse

The Wrangler 4xe has serious power. It’s powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with two electrified motors makes for a total of 375 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. Jeeps aren’t usually like this. I mean, that is a serious amount of power for the road-legal go-karts. Jeep’s Eco-diesel doesn’t even have the low-end grunt that the hybrid has. 

As we’re are in the days of multiple driving modes, the Jeep Wrangler 4xe plays along and has Hybrid, Electric, and eSave modes. The first two are fairly self-explanatory. Hybrid is the main driving mode and uses battery and fuel power. Electric will silently power the Jeep for about 25 miles; then, the gas engine takes over. The eSave mode turns off any electric help and saves it like an electric reserve tank. 

Like any good EV or plug-in hybrid, the Wrangler 4xe has regenerative braking. Not only does the 4xe have it standard, but Jeep even gives drivers more control over how they use it. For instance, when the Jeep is doing what it’s supposed to and is in four-wheel-drive, the regenerative braking hits all four of them, bad boys. 

What Wrangler trim levels get the 4xe powertrain?

When the Wrangler 4xe lands at dealerships, three trim levels will be offered with the powertrain; the 4xe, the Sahara 4xe, and the Rubicon 4xe. The base model and Sahara 4xe will have full-time four-wheel drive and front and back Dana 44 axels, a two-speed transfer case, and limited-slip differentials, according to Motor1. 

The top-dawg Rubicon 4xe trim will have the Rock-Trac 4×4 system, electric locking axels, a crazy crawl-gear ratio of 77.2:1, and sway bar disconnect. Electric motors or not, the Rubicon gonna Rubicon. 

Can you still customize the 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe?

Most importantly, Jeep making sure all potential buyers are reminded of the best part about Jeeps; a mile-long list of aftermarket parts to customize your rig. Jeep has made lift kits, bumpers, bead-lock wheels, you know, all the Jeep stuff. Just remember, when you go to snag a 4xe or meet a Jeeper driving one on the trail, you show some respect and call it by its rightful name, 4-BY-E.