Jeep Wrangler 4xe Off-Road Capability

The Jeep Wrangler 4xe powertrain is a plug-in hybrid, meaning it uses a combination of gas and electric power. Under the hood is a 2.0L turbocharged I-4 engine with an electric motor replacing the traditional alternator for a seamless Engine Stop-Start function at idle and greater regenerative braking. The engine is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission that has another electric motor in place of the torque converter to provide immediate torque. This setup gives the Wrangler 4xe 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of instantaneous torque. This immediate torque distribution is a large part of the Wrangler 4xe’s off-road capability. This is because torque is the power that gets the wheels moving. With instant torque, off-roaders don’t have to wait for engine RPMs to build up before the wheels move over a trail obstacle as they would with an internal combustion engine alone. The electric motors are powered by a 400-volt battery pack that is recharged by an external power supply. By now, you’re probably saying that water and electricity don’t mix, and you’re right. However, Jeep took this into consideration when designing the Wrangler 4xe and gave the battery pack a watertight seal and tucked it away under the rear seat. Additionally, the electric motors and all electrical connections feature a watertight seal to protect from water damage.

The Wrangler has been recognized around the world for its superior off-road chops for more than 30 years now. Off-road enthusiasts choose the Wrangler most because of its elite 4×4 systems. By combining immediate torque from the electric power with Jeep’s legendary 4×4 systems, the Wrangler 4xe is an off-road machine unlike any other. Most Wrangler 4xe models come equipped with Selec-Trac 4×4. This is a full-time, automatic 4×4 system that constantly reads road conditions and makes the necessary adjustments to the torque distribution to maintain traction at all times. One trim, the legendary Wrangler Rubicon, gets Rock-Trac 4×4.

The Wrangler Rubicon is the most rugged Wrangler trim level, thanks in part to the Rock-Trac 4×4 system. The Rock-Trac transfer case uses a low-range gear ratio of 4:1 to provide higher torque at low speeds making it nearly effortless to crawl over even the most rugged terrain. The gear ratio is in reference to the ratio of how many times the axle shaft turns and how many times the wheels turn. In the Rubicon’s transfer case, this means that every four turns of the axle shaft rotates the tires one time. This provides phenomenal traction even when crawling at low speeds over rocks, logs, and other trail obstacles. Another way the Rubicon stands out in the Wrangler 4xe lineup is with an electronically disconnecting sway bar. This allows drivers to unlink the front stabilizer bar at the push of a button. This allows the front wheels to compress and drop further to maintain contact with the rugged terrain beneath the vehicle. Additionally, the Rubicon uses locking front and rear differentials. A vehicles differentials are responsible for sending torque to the wheels that need it. While operating like normal differentials and sending power to the axle with the most traction, drivers can flip a switch in the Rubicon to lock both differentials or just the rear, depending on what the terrain requires. Locking the differentials will keep up momentum at low speeds by moving all four wheels at the same time. The Rubicon also has exclusive features like 33-inch mud-terrain tires, additional skid plates, FOX shock absorbers, and more.

The common misconception that electric power sacrifices off-road capabilities is just that, a misconception. If you’re interested in learning more about the Jeep Wrangler 4xe, head over to our research center to read our full review. Or you can visit our showroom to work with a friendly sales expert and take a test drive. Be sure to browse our new inventory to find our new Wrangler 4xe inventory. We look forward to working with you!