The automotive industry takes steps toward a lower emission future quickly. The roads now consist of more electric vehicles than ever before and the same can be said for hybrids. Now, one of the last and perhaps most challenging types of vehicles to electrify are the hard-core 4x4s like the Jeep Wrangler. The reason it is difficult to electrify such trucks is simply because they are heavier, but they also need to do work in areas where there is no access to electricity. The increased weight makes achieving decent mileage more difficult while their working conditions provide zero ability for charging.
This means that in the case of capable off-roaders like the Wrangler, the best solution is to utilize a hybrid system. This is what the Jeep 4xe does, and in a sense, it may be the perfect off-roader in today’s complicated market.
The Features An Off-Roader Needs
Front three-quarter shot of the 2023 Jeep Wrangler 4xe Rubicon Convertible SUV on the track
As you may be aware, most so-called 4x4s nowadays aren’t all that capable off-road. Most SUVs are just taller sedans that look tough, but underneath aren’t. A perfect example of this are SUVs like the BMW X5, Porsche Cayenne, and other similar vehicles. The Wrangler, on the other hand, falls into the old-school and very capable category that is shared by vehicles like the 4Runner and Ford Bronco. These vehicles usually sit on a body-on-frame platform with a solid front and rear axle (in the case of the Jeep) or a solid rear and independent front (in the case of the 4Runner and Bronco). The platforms these vehicles utilize enable them to articulate over rough terrain while also providing owners with the ability to further modify the vehicles according to their specific needs.
These platforms are also more reliable and durable than those of conventional SUVs and crossovers meaning that such 4x4s can be used for extensive off-road work without needing too much maintenance. However, the chassis itself isn’t the only thing that makes these off-roaders great. Traction systems like diff lockers, low range, traction control, and large tires all add up to make a capable vehicle suited for the dirt.
Jeep Wrangler 4xe Off-road Angles
|
Approach Angle |
44 degrees |
|
Breakover Angle |
22.5 degrees |
|
Departure Angle |
35.6 degrees |
The Problem Such 4X4s Face In Today’s Automotive World
Jeep Wrangler down the desert highway
Lately, the automotive industry is facing a lot of challenges. Aside from production and delivery issues, we also have the problem of emissions. Automakers are being forced to make changes as soon as possible to ensure that vehicles on the road are as clean as possible. Now, since 4x4s use heavy-duty components and are less aerodynamic, they need powerful power plants to ensure they can be usable on a daily basis. These larger power plants are what make such cars hard to electrify or make more environmentally friendly. At the time of writing this article, the technology to power capable 4x4s with full electricity does not exist. Batteries are not at the level of being able to power a larger vehicle efficiently over rough off-road terrain where recharging isn’t a possibility, however, things will change for the good.
Why The Jeep Wrangler 4xe Is The Perfect Off-Roader By Today’s Standards
A rear shot of the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe in the desert
The Jeep Wrangler 4xe is the perfect off-roader because it is future-proof but also provides incredible off-road abilities. The 4xe is future-proof simply because it uses a hybrid system paired with a smaller and less polluting 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. The 4xe can also run on full electricity meaning that on short city trips, it emits zero emissions. When off-roading, owners won’t have to worry about running out of electricity because the engine is there to power the vehicle alongside the electric motors. Therefore, the jeep can be enjoyed for as long as possible without the inconvenience of having to recharge.
Best of all, the electric system doesn’t really hinder the Jeep’s ability. Sure, it makes it heavier, but the vehicle keeps its tough solid axles, low range, and good clearance. Also, the batteries are enclosed in a waterproof compartment to ensure water and dirt don’t get to them.
Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe charging in a garage
Also, worth mentioning is the fact that the 4xe is actually one of the most powerful Jeeps you can get your hands on. The combination of the 2.0-liter turbo and electric motors leads to a total output of 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. It is incredible to think that this vehicle produces fewer emissions and is also more powerful than other variants of the model. However, it is important to remember that battery production and utilization in vehicles isn’t an emission-free process. By the time those batteries have been mounted in the vehicle they have already been mined and shipped across the world in incredibly polluting tanker ships. So, hybrids and full EVs aren’t emission-free. That being said, they certainly lead to cleaner air in the areas they operate in.
Jeep Wrangler 4xe Specs
|
Engine |
2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with two electric motors |
|
Horsepower |
375 horses combined |
|
Torque |
470 pound-feet combined |
|
Transmission |
Eight-speed automatic |
|
Fuel Economy |
49 MPGe |
But, with the little side-point aside, it is safe to say that the Wrangler 4xe is the perfect off-road platform for today’s standards. It is just as capable as the normal internal combustion Wrangler, it doesn’t have the downsides of recharging, and it is more powerful, and more future-proof due to lower emissions. There isn’t much more one could need out of an off-roader.
Wrangler 4xe Rubicon Off-Road Features
- Diff Locks
- Sway Bar Disconnect
- 33-Inch Off-Road Tires
- Low-Range Transfer Case
- Tougher Dana 44 Axles with low 4.88:1 gears
Are There Any Other Hybrids That Can Compete With The 4xe?
Rear action shot of the 2024 Toyota Tacoma
Up until a few months ago, the 4xe was in a game of its own. However, lately, it is starting to receive competition. Firstly, Toyota has released the all-new Tacoma TRD Pro which also utilizes a hybrid system. The TRD Pro offers great off-road features and, just like the Jeep, lower emissions thanks to a marriage between electricity and internal combustion. Now, the Tacoma is longer, and has independent front suspension; therefore, it won’t be as capable as the Wrangler off-road. That being said, it will still provide good competition.
Soon, the 4xe will face a renewed rival in the form of the sixth-generation 4Runner. It is widely anticipated that the 4Runner will use the same drivetrain as the Tacoma making it safe to assume that it will also be a hybrid. The 4Runner is shorter with better overhangs and tends to be more focused towards off-roading meaning that it will be a viable alternative to the Wrangler. It is safe to say that the future of 4x4s is unclear but certainly exciting!
