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Does A Plugin Hybrid Jeep Wrangler Make Sense? It Depends. 2023 Wrangler Rubicon 4XE Review

George

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The Jeep Wrangler 4xe is a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version of the iconic Wrangler, blending the off-road capability Jeep is known for with the efficiency of a plug-in hybrid powertrain. Here's a comprehensive overview:
Overview


The Jeep Wrangler 4xe combines a traditional internal combustion engine with an electric motor, allowing it to offer both electric-only driving and hybrid functionality. It's designed for those who want the rugged capability of a Wrangler with the added benefits of electrification.

plug in hybrid jeep wrangler.jpg
Prices

Base Model (Wrangler 4xe Sahara): Starts around $55,000.
Wrangler 4xe Rubicon: Starts around $60,000.
Wrangler 4xe High Altitude: Starts around $63,000.
Fully loaded versions with additional packages and options can exceed $70,000.

Battery and Electric Range

Battery Capacity: 17.3 kWh lithium-ion battery pack.
Electric Range: Approximately 21-25 miles on electric power alone, depending on driving conditions.
Charging: Can be fully charged in about 2.5 hours using a 240V Level 2 charger. A standard 120V outlet will take longer, typically around 12 hours.

Fuel and Electricity Consumption

Hybrid Mode Fuel Efficiency:
Combined fuel economy of around 20-22 MPG when using both gas and electric power.
Electric-Only Efficiency: Equivalent to about 49 MPGe (Miles Per Gallon Equivalent) in electric mode.
Gasoline Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine with an 8-speed automatic transmission, combined with electric motors for a total output of 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque.

Dimensions

Length:
188.4 inches (4,785 mm)
Width: 73.8 inches (1,875 mm) excluding mirrors
Height: 73.5 inches (1,867 mm)
Wheelbase: 118.4 inches (3,008 mm)
Ground Clearance: 10.8 inches (Rubicon trim)
Cargo Space: 27.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 67.4 cubic feet with rear seats folded down.

Type Defects and Considerations

Weight: The Wrangler 4xe is heavier than the standard Wrangler due to the battery pack, which can slightly affect its handling and off-road agility.
Electric Range: The electric-only range is limited, so for longer trips, reliance on the gasoline engine is necessary, reducing overall fuel efficiency.
Complexity: As a PHEV, the 4xe has more components (like the electric motor and battery system) that may require specialized maintenance compared to a traditional Wrangler.
Price Premium: The 4xe variant is more expensive than the conventional gasoline-only Wrangler, which might not be justifiable for some buyers considering the limited electric range.

Fuel and Electricity Costs

Electricity Cost:
Assuming an average electricity rate of $0.13 per kWh, it would cost approximately $2.25 to fully charge the battery, providing around 21-25 miles of range.

Fuel Cost: With an average gasoline price of $3.50 per gallon, and assuming a combined fuel efficiency of 20 MPG in hybrid mode, the cost per mile when using the gasoline engine would be around $0.18.

Overall: The cost savings from using electric power would be most noticeable on short commutes where the vehicle can be primarily driven in electric mode. For longer trips, the fuel costs would be comparable to traditional SUVs.

Conclusion

The Jeep Wrangler 4xe offers a unique combination of off-road capability and plug-in hybrid efficiency, making it an attractive option for eco-conscious adventurers. However, its electric-only range is limited, and the added complexity and cost may not appeal to everyone, particularly those who prioritize simplicity and traditional gasoline power. Despite this, the Wrangler 4xe represents an important step towards more sustainable off-roading without compromising the Jeep's legendary capability.
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