Jeep’s Clean Machine

The 4xe Wrangler Rubicon is eco-friendly with EV capabilities…but does it deliver the power on the trails?

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Words and photos by Mathieu Godin Instagram @math_godin

Picture this. You’re off-roading with your brand-new Jeep Wrangler Rubicon in near silence - all you can hear are branches pinstriping the sides and rocks scraping the skid plate. Sound relaxing? It is and trail-running with the Wrangler 4xe’s electric mode engaged is a pretty cool experience.

As many wheeling enthusiasts had played with a radio-controlled (RC) 4x4 when they were a kid, you now can drive a Jeep powered by its battery. However, with an electric range of just 35 km (22 mi), you’re limited to how far you can explore in this mode. Nonetheless, it’s a good start until an EV Wrangler becomes available.

My test vehicle was a 2021 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe. It didn’t look much different than a regular Rubicon from the outside but there were some subtle differences including blue recovery points, a 4xe decal on the hood, and Rubicon inscription on the sides. Since it is outfitted with Jeep’s PHEV technology, there’s a charging port on the driver side just above the blue Trail-Rated badge.

The interior was also a little different. Some stand-out appointments included blue stitching (that was pretty much everywhere), a display on top of the dash to indicate battery charging status (when it’s plugged in) and a switch where you can select three driving modes including Hybrid, Electric, or eSave. In addition, the dash displays more information about the Jeep’s battery status and there are Hybrid Electric Pages on the Uconnect system.

When you opt for the 4xe, it comes with a 2.0 L turbocharged, four-cylinder engine with two electric motors for a total output of 375 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. The engine is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission and according to Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), it can sip fuel as low as 4.8 L/100 km (49 mpg). I mostly used the eSave mode to keep the battery’s juice for the trail and averaged 12.5 L/100 km (19 mpg).

During my test of the 4xe, temps were below 0°C (32°F), which affected fuel consumption. This four-cylinder engine is not particularly pleasant to listen to so I wouldn’t mind trading it in for a fully electric Wrangler should one become available with reasonable autonomy.

Thankfully, selecting this or the Unlimited Sahara trims doesn’t mean giving up any off-road performance. These models keep their live axles, body-on-frame structure, as well as their usual 4x4 systems and features. Other than the two electric motors fitted to the powertrain and the 17-kWh lithium-ion battery pack installed under the rear seats, the 4xe’s DNA is barely touched.

On and Off-Road Driving Impressions

I had just learned about a new trail system to explore near Denholm, QC. The plan was to experience the electric mode off-road and see how it would feel and operate. I had a very small window of opportunity and while a buddy was to join me with his Ford F-150 FX4, he had some errands to run first before joining me. So, I decided to recon the area solo.

Shortly after hitting the road, I experienced the first significant snowfall of the year and the twisty mountain back roads were soon blanketed with the white stuff. As I approached the beginning of the trail where there was a steep hill, I engaged the 4xe’s automatic 4WD mode for extra traction. Since the snow made this part of the trail a little more challenging, I further engaged the rear locker to make it up. Even though the terrain was difficult to read and a little rocky, I decided to press on.

I then realized there wasn’t cell reception in the area. With the slippery conditions, I figured it was just too risky to continue without immediate backup if I got stuck. Even though I had the proper recovery equipment, wheeling in the snow solo on an unknown trail without cell service seemed like a very bad idea. Unfortunately, my trip with the 4xe was cut short but I had still had the chance to experience off-roading in electric mode and my short recon on the trail confirmed that I would be returning to this area soon.

Activating the 4xe’s electric mode only required the pressing of a button when it was needed. Although this system is not a huge advantage off-road on slippery, snow-covered terrain, it was still a unique experience. All of the 4x4 features were easy to engage and worked as they would have on a regular Rubicon. I also realized that electric mode offers a more immersive experience in the remote outdoors. It’s just too bad I had to turn around.

I had never driven a plug-in hybrid vehicle before so I did some research to see where recharge stations were located in my area and how these systems work. There was a Level II (240 volts) recharge station at my local library, which was within walking distance from where I live. A level I (115 volts) plug adapter was also included with the Wrangler to recharge it at home.

I downloaded the iPhone app Electric Circuit, which has coverage for Quebec and Eastern Ontario that allowed me to locate other charging stations and availability. You can also order a membership card as a backup solution to the app. Opening an account was straightforward and I transferred $10 CAD to my account via a credit card to test the service.

According to Jeep, it takes about two hours to fully recharge the battery pack when using a Level II charger versus 12 hours with the Level I charger. The battery had 20 percent of power remaining after my short-lived trail run and it took a little more than two hours to fully recharge it as I expected. I was billed a mere $2.31 CAD on the membership card.

The Wrangler 4xe is still the ‘go-anywhere Jeep’ and provides all of the advantages of an EV when off-roading thanks to its direct power and the fact that it doesn’t need to rev up to generate torque. While 35 km (22 mi) of electric autonomy doesn’t sound like a lot, if you live in the city and have a short daily commute, you can possibly get through the better part of a week using this mode.

The 4xe I tested had an MSRP of $74,340 CAD with many options including the Sky One Touch Power Top ($3,995 CAD), which is worth it if you’re planning to go with the soft top. You’ll also want to discuss some of the clean energy incentives of the 4xe with your local dealer. According to Jeep, owners are entitled to a rebate of up to $8,000 CAD on new purchases or leases, depending on select provincial guidelines across Canada.

For the full Wrangler 4xe specs and features visit us at https://suncruisermedia.com/4WDrive/trucks/jeep-wrangler-4xe-hybrid/