Auto review by Veeno Dewan
The venerable Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon is the go-to for affordable superbly capable 4×4 off roaders. With two and four-door models and convertible options, the Jeep is not only much loved, but its retro styling is also still winning customers. Over time, the Wrangler has morphed into a supreme performance off – roader with V6 and four-cylinder models, plus hardcore rock-crawling Rubicon versions that have extra ground clearance with off-ready tires and upgraded suspension. For 2024, Jeep continues with its new plug-in hybrid 4xe version of the Wrangler 4xe models in the Rubicon and Unlimited versions, with four doors, eight-speed automatic transmissions. There are two new trims (Sport S 4xe and Rubicon X)new wheel designs and new exterior and interior colours and refinement. Safety is upped with new structural side impact improvements, new standard side-curtain airbags and active and passive safety and security features. Ther is now as standard forward collision warning and standard advanced cruise control with automatic braking. An all-new instrument panel features an excellent 12.3-inch touchscreen utilizing Uconnect5 infotainment and standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Ther is also a new Jeep 4xe Power Box with four 120-volt 30-amp outlets to power external devices.
Jeep has played an ace with the introduction of the new Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon 4xe plug-in hybrid model. The new 4xe model leads the brand’s transition to electrification. The plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain comprises of a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine; and electrified motor/battery to produce a remarkable 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. The 17.3-kWh lithium-ion battery can provide around 35 kilometres of all-electric driving when conditions are optimal before switching over to the gasoline engine automatically.
Other powertrain options include a non-hybrid 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder with270 horses and 295 lb-ft of torque, The non-turbo 3.6L V6 offers 285 hp and 260 ft lb of torque. Ther is also a brutish 6.4L V8 with a mighty 470 horsepower. The V6 is available with a manual transmission; all other models make do with the automatic tranny.
The 2024 Jeep Wrangler 4xe model pricing ranges from $59,995 to $83,265 MSRP. The entry-level, Sport S model starts at $59,995 for the Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle: 2.0L I-4 & 17.30-kWh & Lithium-Ion battery. The price for the mid-range Sahara trim is $68,270. The top Rubicon X is priced at $83,265. Freight and PDI is $2,095.
The as tested Wrangler Rubicon 4xe arrives with electric blue accents such as the blue tow hooks front and rear, “Rubicon” graphics and a tiny 4xe badge on the rear. There are still the usual high-performance off-road equipment such as: skid plates, rock rails, Rubicon.
A new available factory-installed 3,628 kg (8,000 lb) Warn winch for Wrangler Rubicon, along with an up to 100:1 crawl ratio and new Dana 44 HD Full Float solid rear axle that allows for tire upsizing and up to 2,268 kg (5,000 lb) maximum towing. Normal towing for other models including 4xe is 1,587 kg (3,500 lb). The interior is the normal Wrangler Rubicon affair with an upright windscreen and a retro, tough looking interior design theme. The battery pack does mean the rear seat sits higher, but it does fold flat, with just a slight decrease in cargo capacity.
On the road, the additional weight of the electric battery and motors doesn’t have much of an effect on the Wrangler 4xe’s on-road manners. The only give away is the eerie silent electric drive as the 4Xe drives and the jarring engine note when the gas engine kicks in. The ride is harsh on the off-road tires – Steering, ride, and handling will be familiar to those who own Wranglers – an acquired taste with wind and road noise, not the most predictable of handling and a bouncy ride, typical Jeep, and loving it! The 4xe E-Save button favours the gas engine to conserve battery power.
Of course, off—road capability is not harmed at all- the two-speed transfer case enables the 4xe to operate in rear-wheel drive, full- or part-time high-range four-wheel drive, or four-low.
Jeep have kind of knocked one out the park with s the Wrangler 4Xe PHEV- No compromise at all with legendary Jeep off-road performance and some added green credentials. Jeep is installing Jeep-branded Level 2 charge points at the trail heads of some key off-road destinations in the U.S. So, this shows the commitment Jeep have to electrification. Jeep says it will eventually add electrification to all North American models. Good on them. Nice work Jeep!
2024 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe PHEV priced from $59,995 – $84,215 plus options.
www.jeep.ca
