Cars

2021 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe: The desert-running PHEV

Think a plug-in hybrid can't get you off the beaten path? The Wrangler Rubicon 4xe is just as capable as its gas-powered sibling.

Emme Hall

I love two-seater, RWD convertibles and own a 2004 Mazdaspeed Miata for pavement fun and a lifted 2001 Miata for pre-running. I race air-cooled Volkswagens in desert races like the Mint 400 and the Baja 1000. I have won the Rebelle Rally, seven-day navigational challenge, twice and I am the only driver to compete in an EV, the Rivian R1T.

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Emme Hall

July 5, 2021 5:00 a.m. PT

1 of 19 Emme Hall/Roadshow

The Wrangler 4xe is a plug-in hybrid off-roader.

2 of 19 Emme Hall/Roadshow

My steed here is the trusty Rubicon 4xe, with all the ground clearance, approach angle and locking differentials as a standard Rubi.

3 of 19 Craig Cole/Roadshow

A 2.0-liter turbo I4 engine is paired with two electric motors and a 17-kWh battery to produce a total power output of 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque.

4 of 19 Emme Hall/Roadshow

The Jeep's total EV range is 21 miles and it can be charged in 2 hours from a Level 2 charger.

5 of 19 Jeep

There are some cool pages in the Jeep's Uconnect infotainment system that helps drivers keep track of hybrid usage.

6 of 19 Craig Cole/Roadshow

You can drive the 4xe in pure EV, hybrid or eSave mode.

7 of 19 Emme Hall/Roadshow

The Rubicon 4xe can tow 3,500 pounds, but I had to remove the spare tire to get my trailer hitched up.

8 of 19 Emme Hall/Roadshow

Total trailer weight here is 2,500 pounds or so. The 4xe pulled cleanly up a 8% grade hill and accelerated just fine to 55 mph on the highway.

9 of 19 Jeep/Stellantis

Jeep has plans to install Level 2 chargers on 56 off-road trails in the next year or so.

10 of 19 Emme Hall/Roadshow

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe starts at an even $55,000 including $1,495 for destination. That's a staggering $10,100 premium over a standard Rubicon.