View Photos of the 2021 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon 4xe

Michael SimariCar and Driver

Jeep’s plug-in-hybrid Wrangler 4xe is billed as a guilt-free alternative to traditionally thirsty off-roaders. It can drive on electric power for up to 21 miles, according to the EPA, and has the same amount of torque as the V-8-powered Wrangler Rubicon 392. But that doesn’t make it a perfect solution in the real world.

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The Wrangler 4xe combines a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four with two electric motors for a total output of 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque.

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Officially, the Jeep Wrangler 4xe is rated at 49 MPGe, but you’ll have to keep your trips short and plug in often if you want to see that kind of fuel efficiency. We averaged a dismal 16 MPGe, largely due to a long-distance trip with limited charging.

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As with any other Wrangler Rubicon, the 4xe version packs serious off-road capability from its 33-inch tires, front and rear locking differentials, and an electronic front anti-roll bar disconnect. It also can ford up to 30 inches of water.

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Pricing for the plug-in-hybrid Wrangler 4xe starts at $51,695. Our Rubicon test truck cost $62,415.

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The 4xe’s interior is nearly identical to that of other Wranglers. The big changes are a trio of mode buttons to the left of the steering wheel and a rear seat that folds differently due to the battery pack underneath it.

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The Wrangler Rubicon 4xe can be identified by its Electric Blue tow hooks, seat stitching, and badging accents.

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The 4xe plug-in-hybrid powertrain is offered only with the Wrangler Unlimited’s four-door body.

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In addition to the Rubicon model, Jeep also sells the 4xe in Sahara and Sahara High Altitude trims with less off-road hardware.

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Level 1 (120-volt) charging refills the 4xe’s battery in about 12 hours. A Level 2 connection (240 volts) can do the task in about two hours.

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The Wrangler 4xe has three drive modes: the default Hybrid mode, an Electric mode, and an eSave mode that can hold the battery charge at its current state or recharge the battery.

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