The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe has been with us since 2021. Not too long ago. But for 2024, the Wrangler 4xe is already receiving a few small updates to make off-road hybrid driving a bit more enjoyable.
Performance
Engine – The 2024 Jeep Wrangler 4xe doesn’t see any changes to the powertrain for the model year. It is still powered by a 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine and a couple of electric motors (one between the engine & transmission and one connected by the accessory belt). The total system output is 375 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque (280 kW & 637 Nm). A very healthy amount that can take the 2,370 kg (5,226 lbs) Jeep to 100 km/h in around 6 seconds. Pretty quick for an off-road focused SUV. Just like many other hybrids, power is instant from the electric motors. When the engine does have to kick in, it’s a smooth transition with plenty of power on tap. It actually has the same torque figure as the V8 powered Wrangler.
Fuel Economy – Officially, the 2024 Jeep Wrangler 4xe is rated for 11.6 L/100km (20.3 MPG) in a city and 11.9 L/100km (19.7 MPG) on a highway. This is just on the engine alone. Combined with the electric motors, it is rated for 4.8 Le/100km (49 MPGe).
The latter number, however, is a bit misleading. During my time with the 2024 Wrangler 4xe, I averaged 8.8 L/100km (26.7 MPG) according to the trip computer. The reason why it may seem a bit misleading is because every time that you reset the trip computer, it will not reset to 0 L/100km but rather something like 7.5 L/100km (31 MPG). From what I was able to find out, this is because the Wrangler 4xe automatically converts the kWh/100km (Miles/kWh) into Le/100km (MPGe). Ideally, the trip computer should also have a reading of the kWh/100km instead of converting the number. I can also tell you that during my time with the Jeep, I drove for 304 km (189 miles) on electricity, 233 km on gasoline (145 miles), and put in 33.971 L (8.97 gallons) to fill up the tank again (presuming the tank was filled up by the previous auto journalist). So by doing some maths, my average should have been around 6.3 L/100km (37.3 MPG).
Battery & Charging – Another thing that doesn’t change for the 2024 model year is the all-electric range. It is still rated at 35 km (22 miles). During my time with this 2024 Wrangler 4xe, I only managed 32 km (20 miles). The last time I drove the Wrangler 4xe, I managed 36 km (22.3 miles). But the last time was in the summer and this time, it’s in the winter with colder temperatures.
Once the battery is depleted, the 2024 Jeep Wrangler 4xe will operate as a traditional self-charging hybrid like a Prius. But don’t worry about the power, you’ll still get the full 375 hp and 470 lb-ft because while the battery charge gauge may say 0%, in reality there’s still about 15% charge. This is to allow for the full power anytime that you may need it.
The 2024 Jeep Wrangler 4xe has 3 different electric modes; Hybrid, Electric, & E-Save. Hybrid is the default and it’ll run primarily on electricity as often as possible with the engine providing extra oomph under heavier acceleration loads. Electric mode uses only the battery’s power until it runs out. E-Save mode holds the battery’s charge to be used later. In this mode the engine powers the vehicle most of the time with it shutting off at slow speeds, such as maneuvering in a parking lot. You can switch between the battery holding the charge or the engine also recharging the battery while you drive. Of course, the latter will use up more fuel.
Recharging the Wrangler 4xe from a home wall outlet will take around 13 hours from 0% to 100%. The same charging state can be done in around 3 hours from a level 2 charger.
Transmission – The Jeep 4xe uses an 8-speed automatic transmission to control the power. The transmission shifts are very smooth whether the engine is running or just driving around on electricity. Additionally, it’s decently quick to react to a stab of the throttle pedal.
Braking – Like many other PHEVs, the 2024 Jeep Wrangler 4xe utilizes regenerative braking to recoup some energy. By default, the normal regen braking mode feels the same as taking your foot off the throttle pedal in a normal gasoline powered car. But it also has a strong regen braking mode which provides enough braking power to pretty much stop the Wrangler. It’s not quite 100% one-pedal driving because you have to still use the brake pedal for the last little bit to stop. But when the regen braking mode is on its default setting, the combination of regen braking and the physical brakes is good. There’s no discernible difference between the two and it feels like you’re stopping in a normal Jeep.
Handling – On streets & highways, the 2024 Jeep Wrangler 4xe feels like a Jeep Wrangler. As in, it requires a lot of sawing away at the steering wheel just to stay in a straight line. This effect gets magnified on highways especially if there’s a light crosswind. There’s nothing wrong with the Jeep, it’s just a characteristic of these unique vehicles. But overall it does drive better than previous generations of the Jeep Wrangler on city streets.
Off the paved roads, the Wrangler 4xe is exactly the same as non-hybrid variants. The only difference being is that if you are going to do some rock crawling, the instant and linear torque from the electric motor can provide you with better control than what a gasoline or diesel engine can provide. This Jeep still has front and rear locking differentials, a disconnecting sway bar, 4-Hi and 4-Lo transfer case, and 33-inch tires to get you through the tough stuff.
Comfort
Ride Comfort – Overall, the 2024 Jeep Wrangler is much better over bumps and on city streets than it has ever been in the past. But it’s still a ways away from other SUVs. Though manhole covers and potholes don’t feel too rough as you drive over them, you don’t get the same feeling of isolation as you do in the Grand Cherokee.
Off the beaten path, the sturdy suspension can take the punishment of the rough roads… or lack of roads. It feels as though you can plow through anything at almost any speed.
Interior Space – The battery for the hybrid system is positioned underneath the rear seats. You can actually see it if you lift up the rear bench portion every time you want to fold the rear seats. As a result of the battery placement, the Wrangler 4xe still has good ground clearance but it loses the under seat storage compartment. It can be a bit of a challenge for shorter individuals to get in or out though.
Front occupants have quite a lot of space. Legroom and headroom is good for tall adults like myself at 6’4”. The rear seats are a bit tighter but my knees don’t feel squashed against the back of the front seats behind my driving position. Head room is good but just be aware of the roof bars if you’re in the back when going off-roading.
In the trunk, you’ll find 784 L (27.7 cu-ft) of cargo space with the rear seats up. There’s also a little bit of storage underneath the floor for the charging cable and other small items. With the rear seats folded, the Wrangler has 1,908 L (67.4 cu-ft) of cargo capacity.
Noise, Vibration, & Harshness – With the hybrid powertrain, there isn’t any noise coming from the engine when driving on electricity. But this does make other noises much more evident. Wind and tire noise is abundant inside the Wrangler. When you take the SUV off road, you can hear squeaks coming from the roof as the chassis flexes over rocks and uneven surfaces.
Odds and Ends
Pricing – Another change for the 2024 model year is the availability of the 4xe powertrain. You can get it on many more trim levels. The least expensive 2024 Jeep Wrangler Sport S 4xe starts at $62,190 CAD ($50,695 USD). This Rubicon X 4xe starts at $85,460 CAD ($70,990 USD) with the as equipped price being $92,870 CAD ($77,150 USD). And in case you’re wondering, the paint colour is called “Earl”. Just “Earl”.
Gadgets – Another change for 2024 is the updated infotainment system. It is now displayed on a 12.3” touchscreen and it is the latest Uconnect 5 system. This system has fresh new graphics and a new menu layout. It is customizable with different widgets being available on the home screen and you can select your favorite apps and display them on one page, instead of endlessly scrolling through all of them. This infotainment system also allows the use of wireless Apple CarPlay & wireless Android Auto. The first time I tried this system in the Jeep Grand Cherokee L, I encountered the infotainment system disconnecting from my phone on numerous occasions. Now in this 2024 Jeep Wrangler 4xe, I never had one issue with it. So, continuous updates and over the air updates do help.
Other gadgets on this Rubicon X 4xe trim of the 2024 Wrangler include leather upholstery, heated seats & steering wheel, forward facing camera, keyless entry with push button & remote start, adaptive cruise control, rear parking sensors, dual-zone automatic climate control, and AUX switches to name a few.
Interior Design – Apart from the new touchscreen, the rest of the 2024 Jeep Wrangler 4xe’s interior remains unchanged. The design is utilitarian with simple to understand and use controls. Everything is either a button or a knob, no touch sensitive controls. The one-Touch power top lets a lot of light into an otherwise dark cabin and makes the Wrangler feel like a convertible because the top opens all the way to the 2nd row. You can take the roof and doors off and fold down the windshield for the full open air Jeep experience.
Exterior Design – Apart from the 4xe badges, blue tow hooks and emblem highlights, and charge port, the 2024 Jeep Wrangler 4xe Rubicon looks like any other Jeep. It is instantly recognizable.
Safety – The Jeep Wrangler 4xe has most safety & driver aids that should come equipped with vehicles these days. Blind spot sensors, forward collision alert with automatic emergency braking, front and side curtain airbags, and the aforementioned adaptive cruise control. All, apart from the blind spot sensors, are standard features on the Wrangler 4xe.
Warranty – The 2024 Jeep Wrangler 4xe is covered by a 3 year / 60,000 km basic and 5 year / 100,000 km powertrain warranty. The battery warranty is 10 years or 160,000 km, whichever comes first. For more information on Canadian warranty, click here. For information on USA warranty, click here.
Conclusion – So is the 2024 Jeep Wrangler 4xe worth it over the non-hybrid variant? Well, that depends on your driving habits. If your commute is far longer than the 35 or so km of electric only driving range, then the extra cost of this 4xe may not be worth it in your case. The non-hybrid 2.0L Turbo Jeep Wrangler gets pretty much identical highway fuel economy to this Wrangler 4xe. But if you do have a short commute and you can complete your errands within the all-electric driving range, then this 4xe may be worth it in the long run. At some point, you could save more money by using less fuel to offset the extra cost of this 4xe. But before you sign on the dotted line, make sure you do some quick calculations to ensure that it’s the right off-roader for you.
Thank you to Jeep Canada for providing the vehicle. www.Jeep.ca
2024 Jeep Wrangler 4xe Rubicon X Gallery
