For the first time in its model history, the Jeep Wrangler is getting the plug-in hybrid treatment. Back in September, Jeep unveiled the new electrified Wrangler 4xe. Initially, two trims will be available: the Rubicon 4xe and Sahara 4xe. Pricing details were kept under wraps - until now. The 2021 Wrangler Sahara 4xe model carries an MSRP of $47,995, while the Wrangler Rubicon 4xe will start at $51,695.
Both prices exclude the $1,495 destination charges and an available $7,500 federal tax credit. To compare, the regular Sahara starts at $38,695, while the four-door Rubicon costs $42,195, meaning the hybrid variants carry premiums of around $9,000 without the tax credit. However, applying the tax credit brings the premium to around $1,500. Considering the 4xe's superior performance and efficiency, that sounds like a very good deal.
"The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe is the greenest, most efficient and capable Wrangler we have created yet," said Christian Meunier, Global President of Jeep. "We are committed to making Jeep the greenest SUV brand, and the new Wrangler 4xe is part of that goal, delivering an efficient, eco-friendly and fun-to-drive experience both on- and off-road."
Both launch editions of the Wrangler Sahara 4xe and Rubicon 4xe are powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder paired with two electric motors and a 400-volt battery pack. Combined with a TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission, this setup produces 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque, enabling the electrified Wrangler to accelerate from 0-62 mph in six seconds.
That's a substantial improvement over the regular V6-powered Wrangler rated at 285 hp and 260 lb-ft, as well as Jeep's 2.0-liter turbo-four producing 270 hp and 295 lb-ft. It's also more powerful than the Wrangler Unlimited's recently introduced 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 that generates 260 hp and 442 lb-ft. As well as offering more power, the Wrangler 4xe is also more efficient as you would expect, delivering an estimated 50 MPGe and 25 miles of pure electric drive.
As standard, the 4xe Launch Editions are equipped with LED lights, leather bucket seats, and an 8.4-inch display, while the Wrangler Sahara 4xe Launch Edition rides on 20-inch wheels.
Production of the Jeep Wrangler 4xe will take place at FCA's Toledo Assembly Complex in Ohio, with dealer deliveries expected to start in Q1 2021.