Jeep Wrangler 4xe Offers 375 horsepower, Hours of All-Electric Off-Roading
4xe Drive Modes
The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe comes with three drive modes: Hybrid, Electric and eSave.
The Hybrid mode blends power from the gasoline engine and the electric motors, focusing on electric power with the gasoline engine providing support when needed. This mode becomes the default setting when the battery power levels drop below a certain point, with the engine and the regenerative braking system working to continuously charge the battery in Hybrid mode.
The Electric mode in the Wrangler 4xe is, as you might expect, an all-electric mode with some exceptions. In normal driving situations and when the battery power levels are high enough, the gasoline engine doesn’t provide any power. However, if the driver pushes the vehicle to wide-open-throttle, the gasoline engine engages to add extra power.
Finally, the eSave mode reserves battery levels during stints of driving that are especially hard on the electric drive system. Say that you are leaving your house, driving 40 miles on the highway then driving 10 miles in a dense city area. In Hybrid mode, you would likely burn through enough of your battery power that when you get to the city, Electric mode will not be available. With eSave mode, the Wrangler will run on gasoline only for the first leg of your trip, reserving battery power for the city driving. You can also use this mode to save battery power for some all-electric off-road fun.
These modes work with an Eco Coaching system that is embedded in the UConnect infotainment system. This system displays power flow, driving history, the charging schedule and the eSave settings. There is also a Max Regen system that uses a “more assertive regenerative braking calibration” to help charge the battery pack more quickly.
In terms of plug-in charging, the battery will charge to full from its lowest point in 10 to 12 hours with the level 1 charging system that comes with the Wrangler 4xe. When using a level 2 charger, reloading the battery takes just two hours.
Proper Trail Rated Capabilities
The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe is offered in three trimlines, 4xe (base), Sahara and Rubicon, with all three offering trail rated capabilities. Thanks to the battery pack being mounted above the frame, under the rear seat, there is no loss of ground clearance. The 4xe and Sahara models offer 10.1 inches of clearance while the Rubicon offers 10.8 inches, which is the same amount as the non-hybrid Wrangler Rubicon. Also, all of the electrical components, including the battery pack, are fully sealed and waterproof, leading to 30 inches of water-fording abilities.
In base and Sahara trim, the Wrangler 4xe features the Selec-Trac two-speed transfer case with a 2.72:1 low-range gear ratio and a pair of Dana 44 axles. These models also come with skid plates, rear tow hooks and 20-inch wheels wrapped in tires that combine on-road comfort with off-road capabilities. The Wrangler 4xe Rubicon is similar to the other Rubicon models, featuring the Rock-Trac 4×4 system with a two-speed transfer case with a 4:1 low-range gear ratio and a 77.2:1 crawl ratio. The Rubicon models also come with Tru-Lok electric front and rear locking axles, electronic sway-bar disconnect and 17-inch wheels wrapped in 33-inch off-road tires.
In addition to offering 30 inches of water-fording ability and 10.8 inches of ground clearance, the Wrangler 4xe has an approach angle of 44 degrees, a breakover angle of 22.5 degrees and a departure angle of 35.6 degrees. When coupled with the hybrid electric drivetrain, the 4xe Rubicon is at least as capable as other Wrangler models, if not more capable thanks to the electric torque delivery.
A Subtle Look
The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe looks a great deal like the rest of the line with a few exceptions. Of course, there are package-specific logos with light blue trim on all of the badges while the Rubicon tow hooks are painted the same blue hue.
This model is offered in 10 exterior colors including Black, Bright White, Firecracker Red, Granite Crystal Metallic, Hella Yella, Hydro Blue (late availability), Sting-Gray, Snazzberry, Sarge and Billet Silver Metallic. The most unique exterior feature of this package is the charging port that is mounted high on the driver’s-side fender.
On the inside, the 4xe package adds light blue stitching on the seats and trim pieces. There are two interior packages, Black and Heritage Tan cloth or Black and Dark Saddle leather.
Photos: FCA
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