2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe Review: First Look
2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe Review: First Look
Posted on April 26, 2021
The Jeep Wrangler has a long and successful history as one of the most rugged off-road vehicles on the market. But for 2021, the model has taken a giant leap into the future with the launch of the 4xe hybrid, the first time electric vehicle technology has appeared in the Wrangler range. How much of an impact will the new release make? Read our 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe review to find out.
Powerful Hybrid Performance
The 4xe's hybrid powertrain pairs a 2.0L turbo-4 gas engine with dual electric motors, giving a total output of 375 horsepower and 470lb-ft of torque. The power is passed to all-wheel drive via an eight-speed automatic transmission, with Jeep's Selec-Trac system optimizing power delivery to each of the four wheels as needed.
The raw figures are impressive enough, giving the Wrangler superlative power for traversing challenging terrains. But add in the fact that the generous torque is instantly available thanks to the electric motors, and the 4xe is a hugely responsive vehicle that makes for a great off-road experience.
What's more, the 17.3kWh lithium-ion battery holds enough juice for an all-electric range of 40km, while lowering the fuel consumption to a highly attractive combined figure of 4.7L / 100km. And importantly for a hybrid, the battery pack is tucked away under the rear seats without intruding into either passenger or cargo space.
Advanced Infotainment Options
Some Wrangler models make a virtue out of a sparse interior, but the 4xe supplies a generous amount of infotainment technology to give the cabin a thoroughly modern feel. A 7" or 8.4" touchscreen is supplied on every model, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto handling smart device integration. Navigation is an optional extra, along with an off-road friendly front camera to fill the blind spot below the front grille.
Active Safety Systems
As with all current Jeep models, the 4xe is equipped with an impressive amount of active safety and driver-assist features. Key standard and available highlights include:
- Forward-collision warnings with automatic emergency braking.
- Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alerts.
- Adaptive cruise control.
2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe Review: The Verdict
The Wrangler has always held a unique spot in the SUV spectrum, offering genuine off-road performance combined with quirky city sensibilities. But with the 2021 launch of the 4xe, the range has staked out a strong claim for the off-road hybrid top spot, and at the moment there's no challenger in sight.