There are myriad Jeep Wrangler models to choose from these days. They include two- and four-door versions and engines with four cylinders or even a fire-breathing V-8.
Now a greener version has been added to the options: the 4xe, which is a plug-in hybrid.
It will run 20 or so miles before the gas engine kicks in, and it allows you to move on for another 350 miles before stopping to fill up or recharge. This is also one of the peppiest Jeeps to drive. With a combined 375hp and 470lbs-feet of torque this off-roader becomes a quick machine when you mash the gas.
Keeping the Jeep in ESave mode can even help charge the battery when you are on the go, or hold the battery level for later use.
The Wrangler has improved interior materials and the Sahara I drove had leather and soft-touch materials. It would be a shame to splatter it with mud.
It has an 8.4″ touch screen and NAV, and a 4G LTE hot spot. The optional 3-piece hard top helps keep the noise down on the highway. Of course, you can still take the doors and the top off to have that real open-air feel.
The Wrangler 4xe has a few different visual cues that set it apart from other models. The charging port is housed just before the front door on the left front fender. There are also blue-colored badges and script around the car that hint at a different Jeep. Other than those subtle changes, this hybrid Jeep looks like any other Jeep Wrangler Sahara model only packed with more technology.
- Cost: $47,995; as tested $56,380
- MPG: 49MPGe 20 MPG. I managed 29.1 mpg in 328 miles of mixed driving.
- Options: $245 Billet Silver Metallic clear coat exterior paint; $995 customer preferred package 29P cold weather group; $2,495 3-piece hardtop body color; $995 safety group; $795 advanced safety group; $195 cargo group with trail rail system; $525 hardtop headliner by Mopar; $645 remote proximity keyless entry; $1,495 destination charge.
- Safety: electronic roll mitigation; ParkSense rear park assist system; adaptive cruise control with stop; blind spot and cross path detection; advanced brake assist; full speed forward collision warn plus
- Things to know: Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sahara 4xe keeps its off-road capability but allows you to run on electric power for 20-22 miles and then keep going with a gas engine.
Pros:
- The most technology stuffed in a Jeep Wrangler
- A Wrangler that can do nearly 50MPGe makes the plug-in Jeep thrifty to run
- Sahara trim level has a big dose of luxury in Jeep Wrangler
Cons:
- Cost of the plug-in hybrid version is large jump compared to gas version
- Only available on higher more pricey trim levels
- Still a bit unruly for some buyers looking for a softer crossover
