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Driving Impressions was thoroughly impressed with the new JL Wrangler when the fourth generation first appeared in 2018. Average annual sales have increased as compared to the previous five years by about 28K units (to an average of 211K per annum) despite the headwinds of a global pandemic and supply chain issues.
The 4xe, introduced in 2021, has been a sensation and over the first three quarters of this year has accounted for roughly 40% of Wrangler model sales. It is the number one selling plug in hybrid in the United States. The newest edition represents a significant update. Though still seven slotted, the grill has changed to allow more airflow (to cool the Hemi version) and accommodate a substantial front bumper which supports a factory warranted winch with an 8000-pound capacity. It’s bordered by massive steel projections or bumperettes which make so much sense and a great impression especially when surrounded by baby blue hooks and multiple LEDs (by the grill, in the fenders and as fogs in the bumper).
Gone in 2024 is a whip antenna, it’s now integrated into a windshield (which still can be folded forward!) and won’t get caught in brush or branches. A 12.3-inch touch screen is now standard in all Wranglers as are side curtain airbags.
Wranglers come in a dizzying array of trims. Hybrids start at $51,890 for the Sport S model. A strictly gas burning Sport S starts at $37,490 but if you want to compare apples to apples, I share that PHEVs only come as four doors with automatic transmissions, a combination which boosts the price of the non-hybrid Sport S to $46,585. During October of 2023 when this was written, the Sport S hybrids were eligible for a $2000 discount. The delta being $3305 and with a tax credit of $3750 being available for the vast majority of US households (95.7%), the more fuel efficient and quicker Jeep PHEV suddenly looks more attractive.
Our test model was the was a top-of-the-line Jeep Wrangler Rubicon X 4xe. All 2024 Rubicons sport a Dana full floating rear axle (these supply more support as the axle exits its housing). Associated with this is a wider track which should give the Jeep more stability as should a lower roll center associated with the heavy batteries beneath the rear floor. While I did not test this on a skid pad, the jeep felt comfortable as I changed lanes and approached exit ramps with modest aggression. High winds moved the SUV and it’s not a car for the twisties but that’s not why you’re considering a Jeep.
Straight line performance was impressive, the combination of Jeep’s traditional Turbo I4, a 17.3 kilowatt-hour 400 V lithium-ion battery, a peripheral electric motor, and a larger one pancaked between the gas powerplant and the 8-speed transmission give the vehicle 375 horsepower and 470 lb/ft of torque. The Rubicon and I consistently achieved sub six second zero to 60 times. All electric range is said to be 22 miles. At 20 miles, the battery percentage ducked into single digits.
Part of the X Preferred package was acoustic glass and carpeting, and active noise control. Around town engine and road noise diminution was impressive despite the presence of 33′ off road capable tires. Decibels rose to 78 (on a smart phone app) at 70 mph on a North Carolina interstate. Still, this was no impediment to conversation and no surprise with a modestly padded canvas top. And I wouldn’t have it any other way; the Sky One-Touch Power Top gives much more than a sunroof experience. With removable rear quarter windows, it’s a near convertible experience. Want to remove more? Accessory tools are included as are 3 cords – one for charging, a remote for the winch and an external power cord with four outlets. While there are multiple USB ports, there’s no wireless phone charger; Jeep favors secure, deep upright storage between the cupholders.
The 12- way adjustable seats were heated but not ventilated as into every Jeep a little rain or splatter might fall (through perforations).
As expected, there was plenty of capability for off-road use. The U Connect 5 infotainment system guided you to multiple off-road venues and on trail, provided a front facing view and enough landmark mapping to allow Theseus to escape the Minotaur’s lair.
I took the Rubicon to nearby ‘Lake Houser Adventures Off-Road Park (lhaoffroad.com). Josh Houser was kind enough to coach me through the trails which would challenge but not damage the Jeep and its Silver Zynith paint. Electronic sway bar disengagement was quick and effective. The travel along all else but the powerline trail required a few stops to remove brush but no major problems. The Rubicon and I escaped spent but unscathed.
As one can see from the spec sheet below, Jeeps can be outfitted similar to many luxury cars. There’s a cost for this. But if your goal is to sit high above the fray, have economical short distance commutes, join a very established fraternity (sorority) of like-minded individuals, seat four, enjoy an open-air experience and have a ton of fun on the weekend, the Jeep 4xe may be your answer.
Photo credit: Mark Moskowitz MD
About Mark Moskowitz MD
Mark Moskowitz MD is a retired surgeon, racer, and car collector. He is director and curator of The Museum of Automobile History (pvt), manages the estate of renowned automotive artist, Carlo Demand, serves on the Board of Directors of Carolina Motorsports Park and is Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of The Motorsports Hall of Fame of America. He is a frequent contributor to multiple motoring publications. Dr. Moskowitz is a member of International Chief Judge Advisory Group and has been privileged to judge concours events at Boca Raton, La Jolla, Santa Fe, Arizona, Greenwich, Hershey (the Elegance), Radnor Hunt, Cobble Beach, Hilton Head, Dusseldorf, Knokke-Heist, Monticello Raceway and Delhi, India. Dr Moskowitz has served as chief judge for the race car concours at Monticello Raceway, the Trump Charlotte Concours and the Miami Concours.
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