Test drive of the Jeep Jeep Wrangler 5-door Rubicon 4xe 380 hp PHEV, a 4x4 beast with 0 emissions

The motoring world is undergoing a shift in the mobility model, which is reflected in an increasingly electrified range, to the point that legendary models such as the Jeep Wrangler have become plug-in hybrids.

This is how the Jeep Wrangler 4xe came about, and we tested its most powerful version off the asphalt: the Rubicon. This Wrangler Rubicon features a hybrid powertrain delivering up to 380 hp, full-time 4×4 with a low-range transfer case, and an electric range of 45 km. Does it really save money compared with its diesel variant? Is the Wrangler Rubicon 4xe still a true 4×4?

Design: a well-judged update of a legendary 4×4

The Jeep Wrangler received a very well-judged refresh in 2019, with a much more modern interior and subtle, tasteful exterior changes. Our test unit, in Rubicon trim, stands out for its M+S tyres with a tread pattern specific to off-road use (size 255/75 R17), the exposed tow hooks in an eye-catching blue (a feature of the 4xe version), and the LED headlights that provide outstanding illumination.

Inside, if we manage to climb up given its raised body, the new dashboard design stands out, with the touchscreen as the centrepiece and a partly digital instrument cluster (a real step forward over the previous generation).

The driving position is characterised by very upright seats and a steering wheel set lower than usual, which is not a very comfortable position for covering long distances, but is good for off-road use. Visibility, however, is outstanding thanks to the vehicle’s height.

The rear seats are difficult to access due to the height and narrower doors, being tight for three adults and adequate for two. They are not noted for comfort, but they feature air vents, USB charging ports and a standard 220 V socket.

The boot is quite tall, with a capacity of 533 litres. The tailgate and the glass can be opened separately. A distinctive feature is the spare wheel, full-size, something you hardly see on any car today.

Engine and performance: 2.0 ATX 380 hp PHEV

The hybrid system of this Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe consists of a petrol combustion engine of 2 litres delivering 272 hp and two electric motors (one to drive the vehicle and another to generate electricity), with the whole system producing 380 hp and 637 Nm of torque.

The engine and its assembly are much more refined than the previous diesel unit, although they do not reach the smoothness of the six-cylinder versions sold in the USA.

The gearbox – a torque-converter unit – does not allow every one of the system’s horses to be fully exploited, although the rapid acceleration once we pass 4,000 rpm stands out, along with a distinctive sound.

It is clear the system is focused more on delivering a good response than on being eco, since it does not behave like conventional hybrids nor does it run for long periods in electric mode, either in town. Once the battery is depleted, the combustion engine barely switches off, except on long descents, low-speed driving or at stops.

Handling: better on the road, outstanding off it

The new generation of the Jeep Wrangler brought a notable improvement in on-road behaviour, with more composure and stability than the previous generation. That said, this impression is far more evident in the Sahara version which – surprisingly – fits conventional road tyres, rather than our Rubicon unit, which is fitted with M+S tread tyres that considerably reduce its agility on roads and motorways.

Given the tyres we had fitted, handling on the road is acceptable and, of course, outstanding off it on any type of terrain.

Looking more closely at off-road behaviour, this Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe fears no terrain. It offers several drive modes: 2H, 4×4 Auto, 4×4 Part Time (50/50) and 4L (low-range). Along with the traction system, the Rubicon incorporates front and rear differential locks, as well as the ability to disconnect the anti-roll bar, allowing us to head off into the wild with practically no traction limits.

During our tests we drove through the Galician hills, that is, on tracks that put grip and traction to the test with surprises well beyond what can be analysed on a purpose-built 4×4 circuit. Whether advancing along a firebreak or driving through mud, the tyres and traction system ensure everything goes smoothly; the most we needed was to engage the differential locks in addition to the low-range gearing.

As an interesting detail, the greater technology in traction management is clearly present, something less evident in the previous generation, but the end result is satisfying, as it is no worse off-road than a traditional 4×4 with the same type of tyres (we did a shared route with a Mitsubishi Montero from ’98 fitted with knobbly tyres, and it kept pace).

Besides mud, another area where it performs very well is in snow, thanks partly to the tyres and a good traction system.

To test this we headed to the Ancares area, driving along several snowy tracks at an altitude of 1,600 metres; part of the route was hard snow (with ice underneath) and 20 cm deep, and we advanced without problems and with confidence, even downhill, where the hill descent control combined with the low-range gearing keeps the Wrangler Rubicon controlled at all times. The management of the low-range gearing with the descent control, is one of the points where the technology is most noticeable, but it does the job and does not penalise it compared with a classic low-range transfer case.

Consumption: a battery that can reach 45 km in fully electric mode

This Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe is fitted with a 17.3 kWh battery, which allows a maximum of 45 km in fully electric mode, although in unfavourable conditions the figure is around 30 km.

Thanks to the battery, the average consumption over the first 100 km (measured on the motorway) is 8 litres per 100 km. On the same test but on country roads (battery charged and 100 km covered) consumption drops to 6.5 litres per 100 km (I was unable to reach the 4.1 l/100 km declared on the data sheet).

Once the battery is depleted, the average consumption was around 10.5-11 litres per 100 km. Although that may seem a lot, with battery charges the first kilometres achieve a sensible consumption, far removed from the figures of its diesel equivalent.

That said, better management of the electric system could improve consumption and efficiency, for example with paddles to control energy regeneration (it has only one button for this purpose) or the option of fast charging; the fastest takes 2.5 hours and the slowest 6 hours.

Equipment

With the Wrangler range trimmed down, and this plug-in hybrid engine being the only one available, the line-up has been simplified and only two trims are on offer, both very well equipped: Sahara and Rubicon.

The Sahara trim already includes full-LED headlights with outstanding illumination, navigation with a touchscreen, and a 9-speaker sound system signed by Alpine (with excellent sound quality), blind-spot assist in the mirrors, among others.

The Rubicon trim adds elements specific to the trim, such as its specific tyres, a black bonnet stripe, a front off-road camera and “Gorilla Glass” reinforced glass.

Personal opinion and price

The Jeep Wrangler 4xe range starts at €72,450 for the Sahara trim and €74,350 for the Rubicon, a high price, but at least it comes fully equipped. The Jeep Wrangler, especially this Rubicon unit, is one of those legendary, charismatic vehicles with a unique presence.

Until now it had no plug-in hybrid version, but today it is the only version available in our country (compared with the extensive American range). This can be a strength and a reinterpretation of how one can build, in 2022, an off-roader that is at the same time eco-friendly and frugal (even if only for the roughly 40 km the battery charge lasts).

The good news is that the technological load has not harmed its off-road capabilities; rather, it complements them. In short, this is the first true 4×4 available as a hybrid and that allows us to use it in town or on short journeys consuming only electricity, and today this makes it unrivalled.

That said, for anyone choosing this Rubicon version, take it to the countryside, because its tyres, capabilities and aptitudes are designed for that purpose and not for the road.

Photos | Test team

Technical specifications of this car

Off-RoadJeep Wrangler2 versions · from 87,750 €