Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe First Drive: Trail Rated Meets Electrification
Wrangler 4xe is quicker and more efficient without any compromise to the legendary Jeep abilities.
When Jeep introduced the hybridized Wrangler 4xe, there were some folks in the off-road enthusiast community who questioned whether an electrified drivetrain can deliver the proper feel and capabilities. Last week, the folks from Jeep flew me to Austin, Texas to spend a day behind the wheel of the Wrangler Rubicon 4xe and whether we are talking about driving on-road or off, the addition of the electric drive components only make this turbocharged SUV better.
In the Hybrid drive mode, the Wrangler 4xe performs like any other model on- and off-road, but this package also offers more than 20 miles of all-electric driving and that is where this Jeep shines brightest. Not only does the Wrangler 4xe offer the instant torque supply that comes with electric drivetrains, but off-roading without the noise of the engine creates a very unique experience and a better engagement with your surroundings.
Best of all, with the state and federal tax credits, buying the Wrangler Rubicon 4xe can actually end up costing you less than a non-4xe model, making this package a no-brainer.
All-Electric On-Road
Our drive time with the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe began with a fully charged battery began in downtown Austin during rush hour, allowing us to experience the all-electric drive mode in the type of driving where it is the most helpful. Dense city driving with lots of low speeds and stop-and-go action is the most common situation for most electric vehicle drivers, so Austin proved to be an ideal setting.
The Wrangler quietly made its way through the narrow seats, with quick throttle response and instant torque supply with just a light touch of the throttle. When you hammer the pedal a little harder, the Wrangler 4xe moves out in a hurry, but the tight traffic didn’t allow for many hard pulls from a stop.
We drove around Austin for 17.7 miles before the gasoline engine kicked-in during a long, steep uphill climb, but once at the top of that hill, the gas engine shut off and stayed off until the battery indicator reached 0%. That happened at 20.9 miles, so considering the stated range of 21 miles and the fact that I wasn’t exactly driving gently, that is a solid number for gas-free driving.
Once the battery is depleted and the vehicle switches to Hybrid mode, the 4xe feels a great deal like any other Wrangler Rubicon with the turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. The addition of the electric drive system still provides sharper throttle response and during periods of low throttle input, the gasoline engine shuts off and lets the electric drive system do the work, but when the gasoline engine is running, it feels very much like the non-4xe models.
The key difference is the regenerative braking system, which is activated by the Max Regen Braking button on the dashboard. When the system is active, the brakes apply automatically when you let off of the throttle, almost allowing one-pedal driving. In short, the vehicle brakes as soon as you let off of the throttle and that takes some getting used to, but once you are comfortable with the system, it is great. It provides extra charging input to the battery while also slowing the vehicle down in traffic, without you having to move your foot to the brake pedal.
Silent Wrangler Off-Roading
After spending a few hours cruising around the roads of Austin, Texas, we arrived at the location of our off-road testing. It was a sprawling ranch with free-range cattle and a combination of muddy paths and steep rock piles. It also poured rain all morning, so the paths were muddy and the rocks were slick, but if we were going off-roading in any factory-stock vehicle after a hard rain, I would want it to be a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon. The only question was whether or not the electric aspect of the 4xe package would have a positive or negative impact on off-road fun.
Thanks to the Jeep solar-fed charging station, my Jeep had time to charge a bit before hitting the trails. Due to the rain, the trails were muddy, the run-off areas were like deep streams and the rock was wet and very slippery. With the Wrangler 4xe in 4-low, we had no issue digging through the mud and pushing through water that was deep enough to make me appreciate the water-fording abilities. Thanks to the 8-speed transmission, we were able to accelerate in 4-low with only electric power as we moved from obstacle to obstacle, so those who like to move through the wilderness a bit faster will not be disappointed.
The most difficult aspect of off-road testing with the Wrangler 4xe was the rock crawling exercises. The rocks were wet and steep, making the smooth granite like ice in many places. With the Jeep in all-electric mode, it climbed the wet rock face just as well as a gasoline-powered vehicle. There was one unique advantage of the electric drive. The instant-on torque supply meant that when you hit the throttle and ask for power when climbing, there is no delay. You don’t need the engine to rev up; the electric drive provides the torque needed to climb immediately. Also, there is no need to hold the engine speed level in a certain range, so if you steadily apply the throttle, the Wrangler 4xe climbs smoothly on only electric power.
It really is a unique experience to rock climb in a vehicle that doesn’t make any engine noises, as you can hear much more of what is going on around you. You can hear the sound of the tires digging against the rocks and the sounds the mud splashing under the tires, with only the soft hum of the electric drive system in the background.
A Great Combination
If you want a vehicle that is more capable off-road than just about any new SUV on sale today, but you also want something that offers all-electric, gas-free daily driving, the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe is unbeatable. This Jeep offers all of the off-road capabilities of the modern JL Wrangler Rubicon, but you can enjoy those abilities on pure electric power. You can also make your short daily commute without using any gasoline, but you don’t have to sacrificing styling or functionality for that all-electric freedom.
As for the pricing, the 4xe package adds right around $6,000 to the price of the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon with comparable features, but this electrified SUV is eligible for some very lucrative tax credits. For example, buyers are eligible for the $7,500 federal tax credit, which effectively makes the 4xe less expensive than the non-4xe models. Paying less for a quicker vehicle that requires no compromise for all-electric driving is a no-brainer, so if you are looking at a Wrangler Rubicon with the turbo-4, take a close look at the 4xe package.
Patrick Rall images for JK-Forum.com
