2023 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe: Most Capable Ever

Off-roading has always been a thrilling and adventurous pursuit for automotive enthusiasts, and now, Jeep has taken it to a whole new electrifying level with the Jeep Wrangler 4xe. The Jeep Wrangler has a storied history that goes back to its first revealing in February 1986 at the Chicago Auto Show. That is why the announcement of the Jeep Wrangler being produced as a plug-in-hybrid (PHEV) made big news in the automotive industry in 2021. It's fine to have your little beep, beep electric vehicle to run your errands and pick up the kids around your suburbia home, but creating an electric vehicle for off-roading, is that even possible? The answer is yes. 

At the heart of the all-new PHEV Wrangler 4xe is a powertrain system that features a 2.0L DOHC DI Turbo Inline- 4-cylinder engine that works in tandem with two electric motors to generate 375 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. The combination produces a combined 49 MPGe and 21 miles of electric-only driving. You are still able to travel anywhere with confidence in the 4xe because its two electric motors are powered by a powerful 17.3 kWh battery that is located in the center of the Wrangler for better vehicle balance. The batteries are sealed behind a waterproof casing allowing you to traverse bodies of water up to 31.5 inches deep. That means the Wrangler 4xe offers the same water-fording capability as its gas-powered counterparts, sacrificing nothing.

In the 4xe Jeep, engineers created an E-Selec driving mode that allows the driver to choose when to use the Electric only capabilities. This electric motor-only mode is great for driving in low-emission zones in large urban centers or can be utilized by hunters allowing them to enter their hunting zones quietly and safely with less walking. Charging the battery back at base camp only takes a few hours to fully recharge with a Level 2 battery charger allowing you to get back to your Jeep fun sooner.

As someone who worked for a computer company in the late 1980s and had an integral part in designing the world's first laptop cellular computer, I can honestly say being the first to market in the technology world does not always guarantee the best product or even its longevity. Look at Betamax and VHS as the case study. When it comes to technology, I am strongly in the camp of the old saying “The second mouse always gets the cheese.” 

Though the Jeep Brand was a bit late to the whole electrification party by their own admission, I believe the Wrangler 4xe proves beyond a shadow of a doubt the Jeep electrification program is set on an “off-road” rock solid foundation. The reason Betamax (not even in MS spellcheck) failed, they didn't listen to their industry demographic needs. That was not the case with the Jeep Brand and they should be commended.

We were a little late to the electrification party, partly because of the sophisticated system that we have but most importantly, because we didn't want to launch it in a Jeep until it could be a pure Jeep. Electrification provides the extra torque, but it also takes away a lot of limitations that a gas engine has with the angles you can climb and the way that we can instantly develop the torque at the tires.

Jim Morrison, Vice President of Jeep Brand

Another great quote that is appropriate for this Jeep situation is ood things happen to those who wait as the Wrangler 4xe, though late to the party, is now recognized as the best-selling plug-in hybrid in North America. It is also the industry's first electrified open-air SUV and in full electric mode; the Jeep can travel for 21 miles on a full charge with nearly zero tailpipe emissions up to highway speeds. 

My Wrangler press loan for the week was the 2023 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 20th anniversary edition commemorating two decades of Trail Rated innovation and incredible adventures. The Rubicon branding was introduced in 2003 and named after the legendary Rubicon Trail in the Sierra Nevada Mountains 80 miles west of Lake Tahoe. The 20th Anniversary Edition Wrangler Rubicon features a number of redesigns, improvements, and new branding decals. The front has a redesigned seven-slot grille, a triple-hoop grille guard, and a steel bumper to give a new and aggressive look to the Rubicon front end. For off-road adventurers the 20th anniversary Rubicon provides a gorilla glass front windshield, heavy-duty steel rock sliders, a half-inch suspension lift, and 33-inch BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 tires on 17-by-7.5-inch beadlock-capable wheels.

The Jeep Wrangler 4xe embodies the future of off-roading by combining electrified power with Jeep's legendary capability. Its innovative powertrain, off-road dominance, and eco-conscious design make it a trailblazer in the automotive world. So if you are not sure what a PHEV is, head to a Jeep dealership and they will be happy to walk you through the top PHEV in North America.

Specifications

Engine: 375 horsepower 2.0L DOHC DI Turbo Inline- 4-cylinder engine and two electric motors
Torque: 470 pound-feet
Transmission: 8-Speed
Wheels: 33-inch BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 tires on 17-by-7.5-inch beadlock-capable wheels
Sound: CONTENT
Color: CONTENT
Fuel: 49 MPGe combined, 21 miles EV only
MSRP (starts): $69,585

Learn More

For more information or to test drive this vehicle for yourself, stop by a local dealer or visit online at:
Jeep Wrangler

About Jeep

Built on 80 years of legendary heritage, Jeep is the authentic SUV brand that brings capability, craftsmanship, and versatility to people who seek extraordinary journeys. The Jeep brand delivers an open invitation to live life to the fullest by offering a broad portfolio of vehicles that continues to provide owners with a sense of safety and security to handle any journey with confidence. The Jeep vehicle range consists of the Cherokee, Compass, Gladiator, Grand Cherokee, Grand Cherokee 4xe, Renegade and Wrangler and Wrangler 4xe. Jeep Wave, a premium owner loyalty and customer care program that is available to the entire Jeep lineup, is filled with benefits and exclusive perks to deliver Jeep owners the utmost care and dedicated 24/7 support. The legendary Jeep brand's off-road capability is enhanced by a global electrification initiative that is transforming 4xe into new 4x4 in pursuit of the brand's vision of accomplishing Zero Emission Freedom. All Jeep brand SUVs will offer an electrified variant by 2025.