PHEV 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe Priced at $49,490

author: Vineeth Joel Patel   

Jeep is one of the few automakers on the market that continues to stick with high-powered V6 and V8 engines for its off-roading-oriented vehicles. It makes sense, hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and electric vehicles aren't really seen as highly capable machines when it comes to off-roading. While the GMC Hummer EV and Rivian's EVs might change that in the future, off-roading and efficiency don't go hand in hand at the moment. Jeep's looking to bring the two together with the Jeep Wrangler 4xe, which recently got its official price tag.


High Starting Price


When the 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe goes on sale sometime in the first quarter of next year, the PHEV will carry a starting price tag of $49,490 (including destination). That's for the Wrangler Sahara 4xe Launch Edition. Jeep will also sell the Wrangler Rubicon 4xe Launch Edition, which will be priced at $53,190. Compared to the non-electrified versions of the Sahara and Rubicon, those are large increases in pricing. The regular Sahara starts at $40,160, while the Rubicon is priced at $43,710. 


Over the regular Wrangler, the Wrangler 4xe comes with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that's paired with two electric motors and a 17-kWh battery pack. Combined output is rated at a stout 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. Those are much better figures than the standard 3.6-liter V6 in the regular Wrangler that makes 285 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque.


The electric motors, according to Jeep, result in power that "arrives instantly on demand from the driver." For owners that enjoy going off-roading, having low-end torque is a necessity, as it helps the vehicle get over large barriers and through rough terrain.


Beyond the power, the plug-in hybrid powertrain will bring far better fuel economy figures. The Wrangler 4xe is expected to get up to 50 MPGe and travel up to 25 miles on a single charge. Depending on what kind of off-roading trail you're on, that could be enough to complete the entire thing without using any fuel.


Is The PHEV Worth It?


As far as features go, the Wrangler Sahara 4xe Launch Edition will come with 20-inch wheels, leather upholstery, an 8.4-inch touchscreen, LED lights, an Alpine audio system, full-time four-wheel drive, and Dana 44 HD axles. The more rugged Wrangler Rubicon 4xe Launch Edition features LED lights, an 8.4-inch touchscreen, an Alpine audio system, and Jeep's Rock-Trac heavy-duty four-wheel-drive system.


For Jeep, the Wrangler 4xe is a huge deal. It's the automaker's first plug-in hybrid model to go on sale in the U.S. and highlights how it's possible to make efficient vehicles that are still highly capable off-road. To help consumers with range anxiety, Jeep also plans to install solar-powered charging stations at numerous off-road parks around the country.


While the two trims are expensive, they certainly look appealing. Over time, we expect to see more Wrangler 4xe trims, more affordable prices, and more plug-in hybrid models.

Vineeth Joel Patel

Joel Patel has been covering all aspects of the automotive industry for four years as an editor and freelance writer for various websites. When it comes to cars, he enjoys covering the merger between technology and cars. In his spare time, Joel likes to watch baseball, work on his car, and try new foods