Vehicle electrification is a controversial topic. Some people state that it is the right step towards a more carbon-neutral future, while others suggest it isn't as environmentally friendly as we are being told, while also being inconvenient. To some extent, both arguments are true. However, we believe that currently, the best middle ground is hybrid technology as it blends the positives of electricity with the versatility of an internal combustion engine. There aren’t many drawbacks here. Jeep engineers have seen the benefits of a hybrid powertrain and have incorporated it in the Wrangler. The result is the famous by now Jeep Wrangler 4xe and in this article, we are explaining why it may be one of the most important vehicles for the off-road world.
How Does The 4xe Work?
The Wrangler 4xe is a plug-in hybrid – meaning that you can plug it in and charge the 17 kWh battery which will give you roughly 30 miles of fully electric range. Once you run out of electricity or when you need more power to accelerate, the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine will kick in. So, unlike a fully electric vehicle, there is no chance of running out of juice. The combined power of the electric motors and engine is 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. This is a fast car – not just by Jeep standards. Thanks to the electrical assistance, it is also economical with a rating of 49 mpg. However, you must keep in mind that when the electric batteries are depleted, the economy falls to 20 mpg. This is because the 4xe is also hauling around the heavy batteries and all the peripheral technology needed to make it work. Some positives that you don’t tend to think about is the fact that you have instant heat on those cold days due to an electric heater. Also, you can plug a fridge or any other electrical device into the power socket without having to install a dedicated power system. This is because the Jeep has plenty of juice on board and is able to recharge while courtesy of regenerative braking.
The 4xe Is Just As Capable As The Other Wranglers
The coolest part about the 2022 Jeep Wrangler 4xe and one that Jeep deserves kudos for is the fact that it is just as capable as the other Wranglers. All the electric gear is incorporated in the same chassis and is linked to the same axles and suspension. This means that buyers still get diff locks, sway bar disconnects, and the ability to extensively modify the vehicle if needed. You might also be surprised to learn that the 4xe Wrangler can ford the same 30 inches of water depth without having any electrical issues since the battery unit is sealed. Jeep has also given us a glimpse of what a fully electric Wrangler might look like with the Magneto concept. Once again, the Magneto incorporated electricity with solid axles, diff locks, and great suspension travel.
If you have a look at the rest of the plug-in hybrid or electric vehicles available, you will soon realize that their underpinnings aren’t really made for off-roading. In most cases, they are independent suspension units with power delivery being managed through electric motors. The electric motors do a great job of distributing the power; however, suspension capabilities are left lacking. Jeep isn’t taking that route. This is a glimpse of hope that even if all vehicles become electric, lovers of off-roading and truck modifying will still have a vehicle to personalize and take to their favorite trails.
What Are The Drawbacks Of The Jeep Wrangler 4Xe?
As is the case with most things, there are a few drawbacks with the 4xe. Most notable is the fact that we lose a considerable amount of cargo space. The sealed battery unit sits underneath the rear seats. This means that the seats can no longer be folded flat leaving an eight-inch hump roughly in the middle of the cargo area. Depending on your usage, this may or may not be an issue. Other problems we can see revolve around serviceability. While the vehicle is new you shouldn't have any issues. However, if you are planning on keeping it for a long time there may come a point when you need to change the battery pack. Such a job isn't going to be cheap. Finally, the Jeep Wrangler 4xe is far more complicated than a normal Wrangler which means that working on it yourself will be more difficult. Also, if you experience software glitches on the trail, you don’t have many repair options.
Final Thoughts
The Jeep Wrangler 4xe is a great vehicle. It blends the environmental friendliness of EVs without inconveniences. In our opinion, the positives outweigh the negatives. You must also keep in mind that the 4xe is more future-proof than the other internal combustion Jeeps as it won’t be subject to the same road tax increases that may lay ahead. You also get to save on fuel while also having one of the most powerful Jeeps ever made, all the while being kind to the nature and places which you planned to visit in your Jeep in the first place!