With the pure power and ruggedness of a classic Jeep paired with better fuel economy and off-road capability, there’s only one vehicle on our mind: the Jeep Wrangler 4xe. It offers go-anywhere capability in an all-in-one vehicle—but with a steep starting price of $53,120, it caters to a particular crowd of rugged plug-in hybrid lovers.

If you’re ready to explore everything the 2021 Jeep Wrangler Plug-in Hybrid offers, let’s get going.

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2021 Jeep Wrangler Plug-in Hybrid

While some electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids cater to the futuristic lifestyle with sleek lines and streamlined bodies, the Jeep Wrangler 4xe does the opposite—it retains all the classic features of the off-roading beast and just switches up the engine.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler Plug-in Hybrid is for those not willing to compromise on capability but want a more efficient powertrain. It takes all the qualities we know and love about a Jeep and makes it hybrid. While the price tag may not be on an even playing field with other PHEV SUVs, drivers are willing to take the plunge for the thrill.

If you want flashy and fantastic, the 4xe isn’t for you. But if you want durable, capable, and incredibly fun, the 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe has what you need.

Pricing

The 2021 4xe starts at $53,120 for the base model Sahara—a good amount more than its gas-powered cousin. All three trim levels of the Jeep 4xe feature the same performance stats, so the $56,820 price tag for the Sahara High Altitude or the $58,695 for the top-level Rubicon isn’t going to land you more power or sharper performance.

What it will give you is a bit of a cosmetic switch-up. The higher-end models offer extra convenience features and driver-assist technology, but most differences come with exterior colors, decals, side steps, and the like.

And remember—your 2021 Jeep Wrangler Plug-in Hybrid purchase is eligible for the maximum $7,500 federal tax credit!

Performance and fuel economy

Pronounced the “four-by-e,” the Wrangler 4xe mixes a battery, electric motor, and turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder PHEV engine with direct injection and dual overhead cams, all combined with an 8-speed automatic PHEV transmission system. The Jeep offers a combined output of 375 horsepower with 470 pound-foot of torque, making the 4xe the second-most-powerful model behind the 470-hp V-8-powered Wrangler 392.

Jeeps aren't known for their stellar fuel economy, and while the Wrangler plug-in might get better mileage than the gas-powered models, they’re still nothing to write home about. The Jeep Wrangler Plug-in Hybrid’s 20 mpg combined fuel economy is rather unimpressive and low for the thirsty Wrangler lineup, along with its 49 MPGe combined gas and electric rating. But there is one plus—as a plug-in hybrid, the 4xe does get 21 miles of all-electric driving.

But before we move on from its performance, we can’t forget about charging time! If you’re hoping to keep your Wrangler running in electric-only mode, there is some good news—you’ll need just two hours of charging to reach a full charge on a Level 2 charger (220V) but expect to wait about 12 hours with a standard 120-volt household charger.

While it may be complex, the Wrangler 4xe still performs, and in all-electric mode, it offers peppy acceleration. And when it comes to driving dynamics, the 4xe fares pretty well. In Car and Driver’s road test, the Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon 4xe went zero to 60 mph in just 5.5 seconds, but you’ll want to shift into 4WD Auto if you want to hustle the PHEV hard—two-wheel drive mode is capable, but it throttles the torque, leaving you with a zero to 60 mph time that's 1.3 seconds slower.

Exterior styling

At first glance, you probably couldn’t tell the Wrangler plug-in hybrid from the gas-powered models. The 4xe features all the classic exterior styling of the standard Wrangler—the slab-sided, high-fender styling with high ground clearance, removable roof and doors, LED headlights, and more—and isn’t preachy about being a plug-in hybrid.

So, how can you tell the difference? Check out the tow hooks—the 4xe swaps out the conventional red hooks for bright blue.

All three trim levels for the Wrangler 4xe come in various colors, but the base Sahara gets a few extras that the Sahara High Altitude and Rubicon don’t have. That way, your Jeep can be just as unique as you are.

Interior and comfort

The Wrangler’s interior has always been simple and to the point, and it remains constant even with a hybrid powertrain. It comes fitted with manually-adjustable leather seating that offers excellent comfort, but there’s one downside—the seating position can be tight, especially for larger-framed people.

However, a compact interior means essential controls are within easy reach. And the 27.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats can be expanded to 67.4 cubic feet with the proper configuration.

MORE:

How to get a hybrid or electric vehicle tax credit

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Technology

Don't expect any serious tech upgrades with a car as classic as the Jeep just because it’s gone hybrid. It comes stock with a host of standard and optional features for all three trim levels, including a Uconnect 4C infotainment system with integrated navigation—a must for any adventure-focused driver. The Uconnect 4C system has Apple Carplay and Android Auto compatibility and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hot spot.

The Wrangler 4xe also comes equipped with ample driver-assistance tech:

Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross path detection

Forward collision warning

Adaptive cruise control

Automatic high-beam headlamps

Parksense® rear park assist system

Parkview® rear back-up camera

But remember, if you’re looking to maximize your driving experience with driver-assist features, you may want to consider upgrading to the Sahara High Altitude or the Unlimited Rubicon.

Warranty coverage

Unlike most other plug-in hybrids, Jeep doesn’t offer drivers much to get excited about when it comes to warranty coverage. Jeeps come standard with a limited warranty and powertrain policies similar to most rivals, but all 2021 models come with three years of free maintenance. Here’s what you’re getting:

Limited warranty: 3 years or 36,000 miles

Powertrain warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles

Battery warranty: 10 years or 100,000 miles

Three years of complimentary scheduled maintenance is included

Trim levels and options

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler Plug-in Hybrid is available in three trim levels: Sahara, Sahara High Altitude, and Rubicon. All three Jeeps are powered by the same powertrain and come surprisingly well-loaded. A few features that don’t come standard on the base Wrangler—such as heated seats and a rear window defroster—are available as an option.

Upgrading to the Sahara High Altitude or Rubicon brings primarily cosmetic upgrades. However, if you want to deck your Wrangler 4xe out with the latest tech, there are plenty of packages you can add such as:

Safety group

Advanced Safety group

Cold Weather group

Trailer-tow

Heavy-duty electrical

Remember, more features and add-ons mean a higher price for an already-pricey vehicle.

The bottom line

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler Plug-in Hybrid is a good choice for anyone looking for a solid adventure vehicle without the steep gas bills. It has the same capability as the gas-powered Jeeps with a peppy hybrid powertrain. But if you’re looking to lap up luxury in a hybrid SUV, the Wrangler 4xe probably isn’t the best option.

And if you’re looking to save a few bucks, lucky for you—the 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe isn’t all that different from the 2022 model year—so you can get the same great Jeep for a lower price.

MORE:

Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sahara towing capacity

2021 Jeep Wrangler PHEV vs. 2021 Range Rover Sport P400e

Range Rovers are the epitome of a luxury SUV, and while they haven’t always been good for the wallet—MSRP or fuel costs-wise—they just got a little bit better. The release of the Range Rover Sport P400e, the all-new luxury plug-in hybrid, brought a new member to the game. But how does it stack up against the Wrangle 4xe?

Range Rovers are known to blend a long-standing tradition of reliable cars with the newest tech features. They’re classy and offer unmatchable comfort. But with a new hybrid powertrain, they’ve changed up the game. While the $84,350 starting price of the Range Rover Sport P400e is tens of thousands of dollars more than the Wrangler 4xe, it offers a punchy 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder hybrid engine boasting 398 horses and 472 lb-ft of combined torque.

The Wrangler 4xe’s 21 miles of all-electric is matched by the P400e’s slightly higher 25-mile all-electric driving range. However, when it comes to mileage, there’s not too much distance between them. So, if you’re looking for luxury, the Sport P400e might be the way to go, but if you’re after durability and all-around capability without the steep price, stick to the Wrangler 4xe.

Model	Starting price	Fuel economy (gas only)	Fuel economy (gas + electric)	Driving range	Charging time (Level 2)	Hybrid battery warranty
2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe	$53,120	20 mpg	49 MPGe	21 miles	2 hours	10 years or 100,000 miles
2021 Range Rover Sport P400e	$84,350	42 mpg	133 MPGe	25 miles	3 hours	8 years or 100,000 miles

2021 Jeep Wrangler PHEV vs. 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

Another less luxurious (and pricey) competitor for the Wrangler 4xe is the

Mitsubishi Outlander

PHEV. It comes at a much more affordable starting price of $36,995.

When it comes to a good off-roading hybrid, the Outlander outdoes the Wrangler in one area: price. With a starting MSRP of more than $6,000 less, it may not offer the same ruggedness or capability as the Wrangler 4xe, but it might be worth making some compromises. That said, it offers comparable and less-than-impressive 24 miles of all-electric driving but makes up for it with a better combined gas and electric fuel economy.

While it may be slightly dated in design, the Outlander Plug-In Hybrid is a pleasant, roomy, and economical crossover loaded with plenty of standard equipment. But if durable is what you’re after, it might not fit the bill.

Model	Starting price	Fuel economy (gas only)	Fuel economy (gas + electric)	Driving range	Charging time (Level 2)	Hybrid battery warranty
2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe	$53,120	20 mpg	49 MPGe	21 miles	2 hours	10 years or 100,000 miles
2022 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV	$36,995	26 mpg	74 MPGe	24 miles	4 hours	10 years or 100,000 miles

MORE:

Does Jeep have a self-driving car?

How to save money on car insurance

Opting for a plug-in hybrid is a great way to reduce car expenses by lowering fuel costs, but insurance is one downfall to going green. While it may seem counter-intuitive, insuring a green vehicle often costs more than their gas-powered counterparts, which means you’re making up for the gas savings by spending it on insurance.

But before you start losing your cool, there’s a simple solution:

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