Hybrid Jeep Models to Consider

The Jeep brand is associated with rugged gas- and diesel-hungry vehicles built for performance, not fuel efficiency or low emissions. Things are about to change, though. Jeep has announced its plans to become the greenest off-road brand and will offer a zero-emissions model in every SUV segment by 2025. Jeep has already started rolling out plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV), the 2021 Wrangler 4xe being the only model currently available in the U.S. The next hybrid Jeep (PHEV) to be launched in the U.S. will be the 2022 Grand Cherokee 4xe. 

Wrangler 4xe

The Wrangler 4xe, which is pronounced “four-by-e,” is the industry’s first plug-in hybrid electric vehicle with a front and rear locking differential. The SUV offers an enticing combination of legendary off-road capability and eco-friendly electric power. You can opt for a 4xe model on the Sahara, Rubicon, and High Altitude trims. The powertrain comprises two electric motors and a 2.0-liter turbo engine that provides an output of 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of instant torque. It can propel the SUV from zero to 60 mph in just 6 seconds. A 17-kWh lithium-ion battery pack provides battery power.

With this powertrain, you’ll receive an electric-only driving range of around 21 miles and an estimated total driving range of about 370 miles. A Level I 120V charging system, which plugs into a typical household outlet, comes standard with all Wrangler 4xe models. To charge your Wrangler’s battery in approximately two hours, however, invest in a Level II 240V charger. E-Selec driving modes allow you to optimize your SUV’s performance according to your needs. Electric Mode, for instance, uses only battery power, while eSave Mode uses reserved battery power.

2022 Grand Cherokee 4xe

Jeep has announced plans to launch a 2022 Grand Cherokee 4xe in the spring and has even released a few images of this all-new plug-in hybrid. It features the two-row short-wheelbase design of the 2022 Grand Cherokee. Appearance-wise, the 4xe looks slightly different from both the Grand Cherokee and Grand Cherokee L models. The SUV features a charging port on the driver’s side front fender, as well as a revised C-pillar design. This offers an interesting interpretation of the floating roof theme.

Although Jeep has not yet announced many details regarding the Grand Cherokee 4xe, chances are the SUV will feature the same hybrid system that powers the Jeep Wrangler 4xe. However, some are speculating Jeep might introduce a new “Tornado” turbocharged engine named the GME-T6 with the Grand Cherokee 4xe. For now, all we can do is wait and see.

These two Jeep plug-in hybrid vehicles are only the first of many PHEV Jeep models to follow. In addition, we can expect all-electric Jeep vehicles to hit the market sooner than later. The manufacturer has already announced plans to offer all-electric versions of its forthcoming Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer full-size luxury SUVs. Although we don’t currently know much about the all-electric, and plug-in hybrid Jeep but, one thing is for certain: Eco-friendly Jeep vehicles are here to stay.

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