Written by Marco Carvajal
2021 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe
The new Jeep Wrangler Rubicon is specially designed for the most extreme adventures drivers. The attractive and powerful Rubicon includes 32-inch off-road wheels, 77.2 drivetrain ratio, and easy-to-use four-wheel-drive controls.
The gas model Rubicon is completely off-road ready and it has good efficiency, but when you add a 4xe hybrid engine to a Wrangler Rubicon, then you are talking huge power and efficiency.
PHEV Plug-in hybrid electric 4xe Wrangler
The new Jeep Wrangler 4xe is a new Wrangler using a powerful eco-friendly gasoline-electric model. 4xe models help to save preserving the environment by using electricity and gasoline at the same time.
This 4xe Jeep is a PHEV, a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, with a powerful electric motor and a gas engine that work together. The driver also has the option to switch between three different driving modes to use these two engines combined or separately.
The Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon 4xe that I am test driving is a very powerful and efficient SUV when its battery is fully charged, taking advantage of its electric and regular gas powertrains working and producing power together.
The new hybrid Wrangler Rubicon 4xe Plug-in Electric is not your traditional wrangler, it is part of the new trend of electric and hybrid cars of the future. Even if the Wrangler 4xe has live axles, a manual transfer case, and removable doors, it is ready to be charged plug-in electric and you can drive it in the all-electric mode without using its gas engine.
Three E-Select Drive Modes
The Wrangler 4xe operates in three different driving modes, Hybrid mode combining its gas and electric powertrains; Electric mode as an all-electric SUV, and eSave driving mode using only the gas engine and saving the battery power for later use when needed.
The eSave mode can be helpful when you know you can’t charge your Wrangler soon and you need to preserve electric power as much as possible. Electric mode is more efficient but less powerful and it can be used to save gas.
The Hybrid mode gives you the best performance and best fuel efficiency by using both gasoline and electric engines together.
The Wrangler 4xe is powered by a reliable 2-liter turbocharged DOHC PHEV Jeep Wrangler engine, combined with an 8-speed gearbox automatic 8P75PH PHEV transmision.
It is equipped with a start and stop option that automatically shuts off the engine when the car stops. The power and dynamics of this PHEV Jeep propulsion system make this Wrangler, the most efficient and modern Wrangler ever.
The new Jeep Wrangler is very safe and reliable with passive and active safety systems for powerful protection for the passengers. Blind spots, rear-view cameras, monitoring of moving objects in the “blind” zone, a complex of airbags among other safety features ensure you are driving a very safe and efficient 4xe Jeep.
Power is never a problem as the 4xe Jeep Wrangler Rubicon is fun, powerful and ready for adventure on any terrain with 375 horsepower
For the adventurer driver, the Wrangler is a highly capable off-roader and rugged-looking car but is now a PHEV hybrid.
Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe
The 2021 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon has 375 horsepower with its PHEV V-8 engine, permanent 4×4 all-wheel drive, functional bucket on the hood, dual-mode exhaust system, and a long list of premium standard features, including a sports steering wheel with paddle shifters and leather-covered seats.
The Wrangler 4xe is the second-most powerful and the most fuel-efficient Wrangler. However, because of its hybrid combination of gas and electric engine, this jeep weighs 200 pounds more than the traditional gas-only V-8 engine Rubicon model. The extra weight is due to its electric battery and hybrid engine.
If the 4xe is used without charging it, then it loses the great fuel efficiency benefits of combining electricity with the regular gasoline engine but also adds the additional weight compared to other jeep models, making the 4xe not efficient and heavy, therefore it is very important to keep it charged using the plug-in at home or at charging stations that every day are more common everywhere in the road.
Trims and Pricing for the 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe
There are 3 main trim model versions of the new 4xe Jeep Wrangler. Shara, High Altitude, and the Rubicon model that I am test driving. Pricing for the 3 models stays within a similar range between 51K and 57K
The Rubicon is my favorite model with the middle price in the lineup, starting at $54,925 MSRP.
4xe models are not the cheapest wranglers but you pay to drive the greener wrangler, full of power and very efficient when used with a fully charged battery.
If we look at the past, the new Wrangler generation includes changes to the chassis with a 2-inch factory lift, redesigned frame rails, unique suspension geometry, heavy-duty brakes, and high-performance FOX shocks. The Wrangler Rubicon handles low-speed descents using V-8 engine braking, improved transmission torque converter lockup, and a 48:1 gear ratio. This allows the driver to control the speed of the vehicle without having to use the brake pedal.
The interior includes leather seats with bronze stitching Rubicon. The new 2021 model has impressive performance, integrated top bolsters, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with paddle shifters, a first for a Jeep Wrangler. The Uconnect system is projected onto a standard 8.4-inch screen.
The Jeep Wrangler is ready for the roughest roads. The new Wrangler is redesigned with improved cabin materials, modern tech features, and a relatively more comfortable ride. The new Rubicon is an old-school-based SUV, with its big knuckle tires and specialized hardware to improve traction.
Attractive Interior Design
The Jeep Wrangler 4xe Rubicon welcomes the driver with simple, logical controls for almost everything. Every switch and button has been rethought to be easy to find and attractive with a Jeep theme. When driving the Rubicon 4xe you feel you are onboard a classic Jeep, even if its powertrain has been redesigned to be one of the cars of the future.
Many of the old parts switches have been replaced with new switch panels, buttons, and knobs designed for the Wrangler. The dash and seat materials are attractive and feel good.
There’s plenty of head and legroom in a Wrangler, but the cabin is narrow and the doors feel pretty close, especially at the elbow. The legroom in the rear seat is better than in previous years, but it can be improved.
The iconic Jeep Wrangler is always a pleasure to drive, you feel stronger with its off-road superpowers available just with the touch of a few controls and the pedal.
