2022 Jeep Wrangler 4xe Expert Review

Reviewed by Willis Kuelthau

Ferrari is making hybrids , the Hummer has gone electric , and the Wrangler is available as a plug-in. Times, they are a changin'.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler 4xe returns for its second year on the market as Jeep's flagship hybrid. It isn't perfect, but it retains the virtues that made the Wrangler such a hit while adding a few of its own.

What We Think

Though it will soon be joined by the upcoming Grand Cherokee 4xe, the Jeep Wrangler 4xe is the brand's standard-bearer for alternative powertrains. It has already established itself as a strong seller, competing against eco-warriors like the Toyota RAV4 Prime.

In the ways that count, the 4xe goes toe-to-toe with the regular Wrangler (or any other trail-ready SUV). It remains a fearsome off-roading machine, and the electric torque provides some welcome grunt. On the road, we found that the extra weight from the batteries lowers the center of gravity and makes the 4xe more stable than the conventional Wrangler.

Of course, the 4xe's biggest attraction is its 49 mpg-e rating. That number will only be achieved by owners who have access to a charging station, but it's impressive nonetheless. The integration of electric and combustion power isn't seamless, and braking feel can be inconsistent at slow speeds.

The Wrangler 4xe has no direct competition, but more is coming around the corner. A hybridized Ford Bronco is on the way, and Rivian will likely throw its hat in the ring. The Wrangler 4xe is a worthy first attempt from Jeep, and we look forward to a fully electric version in the future.

Performance and Fuel Economy

The 2022 Wrangler 4xe combines a 2.0-liter turbo engine with a 17-kWh battery, two electric motors, and an eight-speed automatic transmission. It all adds up to a net output of 375 hp and 470 lb-ft, making the 4xe the most powerful Wrangler after the Rubicon 392. Our test team measured a 6.8-second 0-60 mph time from a Rubicon-spec model. Thanks to all that torque, the 4xe retains the Wrangler's 3,500-pound towing capacity.

But while the 392 is the least efficient Wrangler, the 4xe is the thriftiest. For owners who take advantage of the 4xe's charging port, the EPA estimates a combined 49 mpg-e. That number decreases significantly without a full charge — as a conventional hybrid, the 4xe manages only 20 mpg city/highway combined. As a result, it's best suited to owners who can take advantage of a charging station.

Electric Off-Roading

When we tested the Wrangler Rubicon 4xe, we found it just as capable as its gas-powered counterpart. The plug-in version has a neat party trick: For the drive to the trail, you can put the powertrain in "E-Save" mode to preserve battery power. At the trailhead, you can put the 4xe's electric range to use tackling boulders and gullies in silence while saving gas for the return journey. The electric motor is limited to 134 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque, but it will still take the 4xe farther than most SUVs could dream of.

To encourage 4xe owners, Jeep is installing solar-powered charging stations at some trailheads. It's a nice alignment of environmental recreation and stewardship, and the stations may gain popularity as Jeep adds more electric models to the stable.

Safety Ratings and Features

The plug-in hybrid 2022 Jeep Wrangler hasn't been rated by NHTSA, but other versions receive a three-star rollover rating. In IIHS testing, the four-door 2022 Jeep Wrangler received Good scores in moderate overlap front, side, roof strength, and head restraint and seat tests.

Safety tech is available for a price. Blind-spot monitors and parking sensors are bundled together for $995 on the Sahara 4xe, with adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking available in an additional package for $795. Stepping up to the High Altitude 4xe makes the first package standard, but not the second.

Cargo Space and Interior Room

Compared to the conventional Wrangler Unlimited, the Wrangler 4xe loses some cabin and cargo space to its batteries. The difference is fairly small, especially with the second row upright.

Cargo space (behind first/second rows):

2022 Jeep Wrangler 4xe: 27.7/67.4 cubic feet
2022 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited: 31.7/72.4 cubic feet

Legroom (first/second rows):

2022 Jeep Wrangler 4xe: 40.8/38.2 inches
2022 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited: 41.2/38.3 inches

Technology

All Wrangler 4xe trims get the same 8.4-inch infotainment system. It comes with navigation, Apple and Android compatibility, and an LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. A premium sound system by Alpine is also standard. Rubicon and High Altitude trims can add a forward-facing trail camera for off-road spotting duties.

Trim Levels

The 2022 Wrangler 4xe is available in three trims: Sahara, Rubicon, and High Altitude. Prices start at $54,125 before federal tax credits.

The Rubicon adds $3,700 to the price for dedicated off-roading features such as all-terrain tires and a disconnecting front anti-roll bar. The High Altitude is mostly an appearance package and boosts the sticker price by $5,675.

Unless you plan to do significant off-roading, the Sahara 4xe should be plenty for most buyers. After a tax credit of $7,500, the Sahara 4xe is about $4,500 more expensive than a Wrangler Unlimited Sahara.