Jeep has unveiled the updated 2022 Wrangler for the European market which will be exclusively available with the 4xe plug-in hybrid powertrain. For the 2022 model year, the Wrangler gains more safety tech, additional paint options, a Gorilla Glass windshield, and Mopar’s Sunrider Flip Top.
The Wrangler 4xe was introduced in September 2020 as the first electrified variant of the iconic model. The plug-in hybrid system consists of a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, two electric motors, an eight-speed automatic gearbox, and a 17 kWh lithium-ion battery positioned beneath the back seats that can be charged in less than 3 hours from a 7.4 kWh charger. The combined output is 375 hp (280 kW / 380 PS) and 637 Nm (470 lb-ft) of torque transmitted to all four wheels. As a result, the Wrangler 4xe can accelerate from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 6.4 seconds, while the battery allows for a fully electric range of 50 km (31 miles) in the urban WLTP cycle.
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In terms of off-road performance, the Trail Rated Wrangler comes with the Select-Trac and Rock-Trac systems, Dana axles, Tru-Lok electric lockers for both axles, Trac-Lok limited-slip differential, and electronic sway-bar disconnect function.
New for 2022 in Europe is the Jeep Performance Parts Gorilla Glass windshield which is optional for the Sahara trim and standard on the flagship Rubicon, making it up to three times more resistant to chips, cracks, and fractures from off-road debris.
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The Wrangler is available with a soft-top or a black or body-colored three-piece hardtop. The latter also has the option of the new Sunrider Flip Top which adds a soft-top part over the front row of seats for an open-air feeling.
Buyers of all trims can opt for the Tuscadero and Gobi special-run colors, or the new Silver Zynith Metallic Clear Coat and High Velocity Metallic Clear Coat regular colors that join the existing palette of Black, Bright White, Firecracker Red, Granite Crystal Metallic, Sting-Gray, Hydro Blue, Snazzberry and Sarge Green.
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Inside there is an 8.4-inch touchscreen for the NAV Uconnect system integrating the latest Uconnect Services (My Assistant, My Car, My Remote, and My eCharge). Among the updates for the 2022 model year is the enriched ADAS suite. Standard systems now include the Automatic High Beam Headlamp Control, Full Speed Forward Collision Warning Plus with Advanced brake assist, and Adaptive Cruiser Control with Stop. Also standard are the Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Path Detection, the rearview camera, and the front and rear Park Assist.
Jeep has already started taking orders for the 2022 Wrangler 4xe in Italy, Spain, Belgium, and Serbia, with the rest of Europe following during December. Pricing will be announced at a later date. The decision to offer a PHEV-only Wrangler has to do with the strict European emission regulations, the sales mix, and the need for a lower fleet average. Moreover, Jeep wants electrified vehicles to account for 70 percent of its worldwide sales by 2025.