When it unveiled the Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid, Jeep estimated that it could go as many as 25 miles on a charge of its 17 kWh battery. As it turns out, that was optimistic.
That’s because, according to Roadshow, the EPA found that the PHEV Wrangler could travel on electric power alone for 21 miles.
With a full battery and the 2.0-liter turbo-four working, though, the Wrangler 4xe will get reasonably fuel economy. The EPA suggests that you can expect 49 MPGe when all systems are running. But when your battery is dead, you will find your mileage suffering. According to the agency, the regular fuel economy for the 4xe is just 20 MPG combined. That’s two miles worse than the standard Wrangler with the turbocharged inline-four, and one worse than the V6.
Mind you, the 4xe is also among the most powerful Wranglers in the lineup. With 375 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque, it is second only to the Wrangler 392 with its 470 hp Hemi V8.
Read More: 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe Plugs Into The Heart Of The 4×4 Class With 375 HP
The Wrangler 4xe is also the first true off-roader offered with a plug-in hybrid powertrain, with the possible exception of the Subaru CrossTrek (90 MPGe, 17 miles range), if we’re being very generous. That makes it a fairly unique proposition.
Other plug-in hybrid SUVs and crossovers are available, though. Vehicles like the RAV4 Prime (94 MPGe, 42 miles range), the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV (74 MPGe, 22 miles range), and the Audi Q5 TFSI e (65 MPGe, 20 miles range), even though they’re not as capable off-road, they all compete in the largest segment of the U.S. market with plug-in hybrid drivetrains.
The Wrangler Sahara 4xe starts at $47,995, excluding a $1,495 destination charge, and will be eligible for federal tax incentives.
