2024 Jeep Wrangler 4xe Review By Larry Nutson

2024 Jeep Wrangler 4xe
Trail rated and quiet

By Larry Nutson
Executive Editor and Bureau Chief
Chicago Bureau
THE AUTO CHANNEL

In late August the Jeep brand announced the sale of the five-millionth Jeep Wrangler, a 2023 Jeep Wrangler 4xe Rubicon 20th Anniversary Edition in Earl exterior paint, which was bought by a customer in Camden, New Jersey.

The very first Jeep Wrangler, the YJ, entered into production line 37 years ago at the American Motors Corporation factory. The YJ went on to sell 630,000 units between 1987 and 1995. Today, the all-new 2024 Jeep Wrangler offers more capability, more advanced technology features and more refinement than ever before. The expanded lineup now includes Sport, Sport S, Sahara, Willys, Rubicon, new Rubicon X, High Altitude and Rubicon 392 models.

For 2024, Wrangler Rubicon models add more 4x4 capability with an available factory-installed 8,000-lb.-capacity Warn winch, up to 100:1 crawl ratio and new Dana 44 HD full float solid rear axle that allows for tire upsizing by customers and up to 5,000-lb. maximum towing.

Wrangler exterior now features a new seven-slot grille, windshield-integrated trail-ready stealth antenna, 10 all-new wheel designs and multiple open-air freedom options, including exclusive Sky One-Touch power top.

On the inside there’s more technology and amenities, including available 12-way power adjustable front seats, an all-new instrument panel featuring Uconnect 5 system with 12.3-inch touchscreen radio and standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

On the safety front, Wrangler now delivers standard first- and second-row side-curtain airbags, standard forward collision warning (Sport S and above) and standard advanced cruise control with stop (Sport S and above).

Coincidentally, I just spent some time driving a 2024 edition almost like the five-millionth---a Jeep Wrangler 4xe Rubicon X finished in Earl exterior paint. The new Rubicon X is a more premium take on the Rubicon. It adds: Rock-Trac full-time transfer case, integrated off-road camera, steel bumpers, and Xtreme 35 Package with beadlock-capable wheels and 35-inch BFGoodrich all-terrain tires (only on 4-door with 2.0- or 3.6-liter automatic powertrain).

The Jeep Wrangler 4xe continues its run as the best-selling PHEV (plug-in hybrid) in America for two years in a row. Jeep says the Wrangler 4xe models, along with a range of electrified powertrains, play a role for the Jeep brand as it follows the Stellantis Dare Forward 2030 strategic plan, in which electrified and more efficient propulsion systems help Stellantis cut its global carbon footprint by 50% by 2030 and by achieving net carbon zero by 2038. By the end of 2025, the entire North America Jeep brand lineup will be electrified. By 2030, 50% of Jeep brand sales in the United States will be battery-electric vehicles and 100% of Jeep vehicles in Europe will be fully electric.

In my view, we all have a responsibility to reduce our personal carbon footprint. Vehicles with hybrid (HEV) or plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrains are a good choice for someone who wants to reduce their personal carbon footprint by moving away from a traditional pure thermal-powered (ICE-power) vehicle. They offer a transportation solution for someone who is not afforded by their needs for long distance driving, or their living arrangements that precludes at-home battery charging for the best user experience, to drive a pure battery electric vehicle.

With an EPA-certified rating of 49 MPGe (combined city/highway) and 21 miles of all-electric range, the Jeep Wrangler 4xe can conquer the toughest trails with zero emissions, and with nearly silent operation. You can sneak into that campsite without disturbing anyone.

The Wrangler 4xe is basically a different powertrain choice in the well know Wrangler model range. Total system output is 375-HP with a torque rating of 470 lb.-ft. Under the hood is the 270-HP 2.0-L turbocharged 4-cylinder that’s available in other Wranglers. Replacing both the traditional electric starter and alternator is a front-mounted belt-driven high-voltage motor generator. This unit provides engine starting.

An 8-speed TorqueFlite automatic is slightly modified for the 4xe. Instead of the conventional torque convertor, a 134-HP high-voltage electric motor generator unit with two clutches sits between the gasoline engine and the transmission. The front clutch functions to disengage the gasoline motor for electric-only operation. The rear clutch is used to engage the transmission.

A 400-volt 17-kWh lithium-ion battery pack is mounted in an aluminum housing above the frame and under the rear seat. The battery is completely sealed and waterproof and the Wrangler 4xe can ford a water depth of 30 inches.

New for 2024, select Wrangler 4xe models offer a Jeep 4xe Power Box that features four 120-volt outlets with 30 amps of total output, allowing the battery pack to power external devices such as phones and tablets.

Three selectable drive modes, Hybrid, Electric, and eSave allow for the best use of the system. The usual driving mode is hybrid which uses both the gasoline engine and the electric motor for driving power. Battery power is used first and then the gasoline engine starts for drive-power.

Electric mode is battery-only power for quiet, nearly silent and zero emission driving. The 21 miles solely of electric power might not seem like much. That’s plenty in an urban setting where you only drive short distances doing a daily household routine. Out on the trail that can give you 3 or 4 hours of trail-riding.

The eSave mode is just what it sounds like. Operation is on the gasoline engine only and battery charge is saved. Like all hybrids, regenerative braking puts electric charge back into the battery. Depending on driving style and traffic conditions, it has been my experience that regen braking can extend driving range a noticeable amount without needing to plug-in to recharge.

Two of the new Wrangler features were equipped on the Rubicon X I drove. I didn’t have the circumstance to need the Warn winch, perhaps fortunately. However, I did try out the new Sky one-touch power top. In my opinion, or perhaps for where I live, it’s the best. Simply with the push of a switch and you are open to the sky above.

The Wrangler 4xe is available only as a 4-door. Pricing starts at $49,995 with the Sport S model. Destination charge is $1,795. More information and specifications on the 2024 Jeep Wrangler 4xe can be found at www.jeep.com.

A wide portfolio of factory-backed, quality-tested parts and accessories is available for the 2024 Jeep Wrangler 4xe. Jeep Performance Parts provides off-road enthusiasts with high-end, hard-core quality aftermarket accessories and performance parts. The portfolio of factory-backed, quality-tested parts includes axles, lift kits, bumpers, winches, skid plates, suspension components and more. The products are created in close coordination with the Jeep brand, engineering and product design-office teams for development, testing and validation. A Jeep-branded 240-volt at-home electric-vehicle wall charger is available. To see the full line of Jeep Performance Parts, visit mopar.com/jpp

The future is electrified. Happy trails!

About Review Author Larry Nutson, The Chicago Car Guy

Larry has been the executive producer for The Auto Channel for more than 20 years.

Larry is a graduate mechanical engineer and an automobile enthusiast at heart. "I’ve enjoyed a diverse automotive corporate career that began in product planning and expanded into marketing and communications. I’m established as a successful contractor, a founder of the Individual Communicators Network (ICN) and operated a well-regarded 1000-home residential property management service. I'm equally at ease with technical matters, strategic planning, architectural plans, or communicating to an audience. Project management suits me well and I love to travel.

A Founding member and past-Chairman of the Individual Communicators Network. Past chairperson of the SAE International Public Affairs Committee. Public relations services for SAE Congress and Formula SAE. Sponsorship representative for and early-supporter of the Woodward Dream Cruise, Detroit, Michigan.

Independent management and communications professional since 1997.

Guest commentator on Drive Chicago-WLS 890AM, Consumer Guide Automotive Car Stuff Podcast, KRTK 93.3 Automotive Insights, Shunpiker's Journal-Michigan Business Network and Talk Lansing.net Radio. Executive Producer for The Auto Channel. Contributing writer to ClassicCars.com Blog and Chicago Tribune/Autos.

Past member of the Board and Treasurer of the Midwest Automotive Media Association

Specialties: Automotive Product Evaluation, Brand Communication, Automotive Event Planning and Management, Government Liaison, Automotive Marketing, Education Advocacy, Homeowner Association Management, German Language