Are you, like many Americans, becoming increasingly interested in electric-powered automobiles? There are plenty of reasons to consider purchasing an EV or plug-in hybrid. They’re exceptionally fuel efficient, they reduce an individual’s carbon footprint, and, in some cases, the government will provide a tax credit of up to $7,500 following your purchase. Most importantly, many companies traditionally associated with gas-inefficient vehicles are starting to manufacture electric cars. Among these brands are Jeep and their hybrid configuration 4×4—the 4xe. Read on to learn how the Jeep Wrangler 4xe compares to other hybrid SUVs.
Where the Wrangler 4xe Shines
The Jeep Wrangler 4xe is a plug-in hybrid configuration of the standard Wrangler models. This vehicle boasts superior power and off-roading capabilities synonymous with the Jeep brand; the electric hybrid powertrain is robust and capable of effortlessly tackling the most challenging terrains and environments. Thanks to the hybrid technology, the 4xe gets 49 miles per gallon when using combined power sources, which is almost double that of a standard Wrangler. Lastly, the 4xe retains a removable hardtop and doors, affording drivers a truly unique open-air experience. Ultimately, no other hybrid SUVs on the market have the off-roading chops of the Wrangler 4xe.
Where the Wrangler 4xe Disappoints
The biggest disappointment concerning the Jeep Wrangler 4xe is, ironically, its subpar fuel efficiency. Compared to the standard Jeep Wrangler configuration, the 4xe drives significantly farther on a full tank of gas. However, when measured against other hybrid SUVs, 49 miles per gallon isn’t that impressive.
The 4xe only gets 20 miles per gallon when using the gasoline engine alone, which is disappointing considering the competition. Toyota, Honda, and Hyundai all manufacture similar hybrid vehicles that attain 25–30 miles per gallon when using the gasoline engine, and even more when driving with combined power settings.
It’s important to understand that the 4xe is simply a configuration of the existing Wrangler design. As such, it shares many of the same drawbacks associated with standard Wranglers, including a bumpier driving experience and smaller cargo space.
The Best and Worst Alternative Hybrid SUVs
Aside from exceptional off-roading and open-air driving capabilities, the Wrangler 4xe underperforms in many essential areas, especially compared to other popular alternatives. Since the 4xe comes in at $54,735 MSRP, there are certainly competitor cars worth considering. Vehicles such as the Kia Sportage Hybrid, Honda CR-V Hybrid, and Hyundai Sante Fe Hybrid are all under $45,000 and provide many more high-quality amenities, features, technologies, and capabilities.
The two hybrid SUVs most comparable to the 4xe are the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid ($30,225–$38,530) and Hyundai Tucson ($30,900–$44,310). The RAV4 is powerful and off-road capable, while the Tucson simply includes the most desirable SUV features, such as premium cabin space, superior fuel efficiency, robust powertrain, and more. Ultimately, Kia, Toyota, Honda, Subaru, and Hyundai are the industry leaders in manufacturing hybrid—and fully EV—SUVs.
The Jeep Wrangler 4xe compares quite well to other hybrid SUVs for numerous reasons. However, the fairly barren plug-in sport utility vehicle market makes it difficult to truly determine this automobile’s value. For the time being, consumers should wait to see how off-roading hybrid SUV technology grows or opt for fully electric alternatives. Jeep does plan to unveil an EV 4×4 comparable to the Wrangler—the Recon—by 2024. Hopefully, electric and hybrid SUVs of the future will become standard throughout the off-roading community. Thanks to Jeep’s fascinating history and prestigious brand, there will always be interest surrounding these vehicles.
