2023 Jeep Wrangler 4xe Hybrid

Even though it has only been available for a short time, the 2023 Jeep Wrangler 4xe has quickly become one of the US brand's top-selling models and the best-selling plug-in hybrid in the USA.

The 2023 Wrangler 4xe is only available in four-door guise due to the extra space necessitated for the batteries. Other off-roaders have four-door variants, including Wrangler competitors like the Land Rover Defender and Ford Bronco, but neither has a plug-in alternative (yet) to truly rival the Wrangler 4xe. Combining a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gas engine with an electric motor system, the 2023 Jeep Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid SUV develops 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. While its fuel consumption is no better than the standard V6 Wrangler in the real world, the 21 miles of all-electric range remains a unique selling point in this niche market segment.

To many, this car doesn't make sense. Why hybridize a vehicle so ill-suited to provide anything resembling decent fuel economy? We'll let you in on a little secret - not all 2023 Wrangler 4xe Hybrid models will be sold to off-road enthusiasts. The Wrangler is one of those cars one can genuinely refer to as iconic, which means it's also favored among those who buy it simply because it looks cool.

The Wrangler 4xe may have one of the most advanced powertrains in the industry, but the rest of the car is as modern as an ox cart. To be fair, the Jeep's pragmatic underpinnings make it an epic off-roader.

Jeep's body-on-frame construction is a design hallmark, as are the solid front and rear axles and the disconnecting sway bar on the Rubicon. When off-roading, these things combine to create a nearly unstoppable car. You'll love the robust ladder-frame chassis and how the solid axle forces the opposite wheel down as one wheel is pushed upward. Wheel articulation and grip are critical when off-roading and the ability to disconnect the sway bar has been a key selling point of the Rubicon for ages. It's so helpful; Ford included the same feature on the new Bronco.

Unfortunately, all the things that make the Wrangler so good off-road make it a pain on the road. There's a massive disconnect between the driver, the steering system, and the front wheels. The solid front axle is upset by the tiniest bump, and the electro-hydraulic power steering provides no feedback. Thanks to the ladder frame chassis, the Wrangler also leans, pitches and dives around. Hit the brakes, and the nose dives, and good luck if you take a corner at anything above a sedate pace. Be cautious of the infamous 'Death Wobble' if you intend to modify the car. It's real.

Thankfully, the hybrid powertrain and slick eight-speed gearbox go a long way toward making up for the above. Progress is smooth and effortless, though wind and road noise can be annoying at higher speeds.

All 4xe models are equipped with full-time 4WD and not the basic part-time system you'll find on low-end ICE Wranglers. We appreciate the additional layer of safety, especially when driving on wet or snow-covered roads. While it may feel unstable sometimes, it's good to know all four wheels receive power from the hybrid powertrain.

The Wrangler 4xe might be the only Wrangler left that makes any sense. That's a heavy statement, so allow us to explain.

Earlier in the 2023 Jeep Wrangler 4xe review, we mentioned all of the pragmatic components underneath the car. Many out there believe that it's simply impossible to build a serious off-roader without a ladder frame chassis and solid axles. The recent introductions of the Ford Bronco and Land Rover Defender prove this is not the case.

The Bronco's introduction highlighted the Wrangler's flaws; it has an independent front suspension, and it makes a massive difference. It's not perfect, but you at least know what the front wheels are up to. If you're going the ICE route, the Bronco is the current default car, as the Landy is still on the expensive side.

The Wrangler 4xe remains relevant thanks to its plug-in hybrid powertrain. None of its rivals have this option, but given how successful it has been for Jeep, we don't think we'll have to wait too long.

Until then, the Wrangler 4xe is a good buy for people looking for something different.