The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe marks the first time this iconic off-roading SUV has been equipped with a plug-in hybrid engine. Beneath the familiar square shape of the Wrangler 4xe is a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder coupled with two electric motors and a battery pack mounted underneath the second-row seats.
In total, the 4xe directs 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque to its standard 4-wheel drive (4WD) system via an 8-speed automatic transmission.
This provides the 4xe with even more grunt for venturing off-road, plus swifter getaways while slicing through traffic. According to Jeep, the 4xe needs only 6 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph — more than a second faster than the standard V6-powered model.
While the engine and electric motors primarily work in unison, the Wrangler 4xe offers 21 miles of electric-only driving range. Recharging the battery pack takes approximately 12 hours using a regular household outlet, or around 2 hours using a Level 2 charging station.
Wrangler Sahara 4xe Price and Details
The starting price for the 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe in entry-level Sahara trim is $49,805, excluding the destination fee. This is a big jump from the regular Wrangler which, in 2-door format and base Sport trim, starts for less than $30,000.
Available only in Unlimited 4-door format, the 4xe comes in three primary trims: Sahara, Rubicon, and High Altitude. The gap between the three is fairly narrow, with the High Altitude ringing in at roughly $56,000.
While it’s pricey, the 4xe range isn’t the most expensive in the Wrangler lineup. Like the 4xe, the Wrangler 392 is a new addition for the 2021 model year. With a 470-horsepower Hemi V8 under its hood, the 392 comes with lots of speed, and an eye-widening price of more than $73,000 per copy.
Dimensions
The Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 4xe is 188.4 inches long and rides on a 118.4-inch wheelbase. While the 2-door version has a youthful appeal — and lower starting price — the 4-door Unlimited is much more practical if you plan on driving with more than one passenger.
It also has more cargo space, with 31.7 cubic feet of room behind the second row. That’s more than double what you get in the 2-door Wrangler. When the 60/40 rear seatback is folded, space expands to more than 72 cubic feet in capacity.
While it’s not the most wind-cheating shape in the automotive world, the Wrangler’s upright design pays off in terms of headroom. Visibility to the front and sides is excellent, though the view behind is impeded by the tailgate-mounted spare tire.
Engine
This is what makes the Wrangler 4xe so special, and perfect for off-road enthusiasts who want some zero-emission driving included with their adventuring. A turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder is paired with dual electric motors and a lithium-ion battery positioned beneath the rear seats.
Three driver-selectable driving modes allow the 4xe to run in hybrid format, using both the gas engine and battery power, in full electric mode (for 21 miles), and in what Jeep calls the eSave mode. This prevents the battery from operating, so the extra power it provides can be used later — for stronger acceleration when traveling over difficult terrain, for example.
Tires
The 2021 Jeep Wrangler Sahara 4xe comes standard with 20-inch painted aluminum wheels fitted with 275/55R20 BSW all-terrain tires.
Wrangler Sahara 4xe Standard and Optional Features
The Sahara 4xe is the base trim, though it comes with far more features than your regular no-frills Wrangler. In terms of appearance, the Sahara 4xe stands out by riding on 20-inch painted alloy wheels and features body-colored fender flares. A total of 13 different exterior colors are offered, including humorously titled hues like Nacho, Snazzberry, and HellaYella.
Like all Wranglers, the roof and doors are removable, and the windshield can be folded flat. The recently reintroduced Ford Bronco performs a similar transformation act, though it doesn’t offer the option to drop its windshield. The 4xe is also equipped with front and rear tow hooks and can tow a maximum of 3,500 pounds.
Standard features on the Sahara 4xe include automatic climate control, ambient interior LED lighting, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and an 8.4-inch touch screen for the UConnect infotainment system. This easy-to-use system includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, satellite radio, Wi-Fi hot spot, and additional USB ports.
In terms of safety equipment, the Sahara 4xe comes standard with only a rearview camera. Additional safety features, including blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, are available in one of two safety packages.
There is also the choice to upgrade to the Cold Weather Package, which includes heated front seats, heated steering wheel, and remote start.
Sahara 4xe Tech Features
- 2.72:1 SelecTrac 4WD system
- Dana solid front and rear axles
- Driver selectable E-Selec modes: Hybrid, Electric, eSave (turns off battery power for later use)
Available features:
- Remote start
- Automatic emergency braking
- Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert
Entertainment Features
- 8.4-inch Uconnect infotainment system
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Alpine 9-speaker stereo
- Satellite radio
- HD Radio
- Wi-Fi hot spot
Interior Features
- Auto-dimming rearview mirror
- Ambient LED interior lighting
- Leather seats
- Vinyl wrapped dashboard, door panels, and center console
- Beverage holders, 4 total
- Overhead console with front map light
- Manual tilt and telescoping steering column
- Sun visors with illuminated vanity mirrors (driver and front passenger)
- 115-volt auxiliary power outlet
- 12-volt power outlet
- 12-volt rear auxiliary power outlet
- Front row: Center floor console armrest, glove box, mesh door pockets
- Front row window controls: One-touch up and down feature
- Available heated steering wheel
Exterior Features
- Standard soft top
- Available body-color hardtop
- Available black-colored hardtop
- Dual soft and hardtop
- Sky One-Touch power-operated top
- Removable doors and top
- Foldable windshield
- Underbody skid plates
- LED headlights and taillights
- LED fog lamps
- 20-inch painted alloy wheels
- 13 available exterior colors
Sahara 4xe Seats
- Leather seats
- Available heated front seats
- 6-way manual driver seat
- 4-way manual front passenger seat
- Driver seat height adjuster
- Second-row 60/40 split-folding seatback
Sahara 4xe Optional Features
- Trailer Tow and Heavy-Duty Electric Group, includes 700-amp battery, Class II receiver hitch, 7- and 4-pin wiring harness auxiliary switches
- Black or chrome tubular side steps
- Integrated off-road camera
- Dual door group with base or premium uppers
- Hinge-gate reinforcement
- Sahara 4xe Optional Packages
- Safety Group
- Advanced Safety Group
- Cold Weather Group
- Smoker’s Group
Wrangler Sahara 4xe Tire Size and Options
The 2021 Jeep Wrangler Sahara 4xe comes standard with 20-inch painted aluminum wheels fitted with 275/55R20 BSW all-terrain tires.
This is the only tire option available on the Sahara 4xe. For beefier mud-plugging tires, a Wrangler 4xe shopper would want to upgrade to the Rubicon trim.
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