2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe vs 2022 Jeep Wrangler

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe made a statement with its unique sound and appearance. Aside from a "4xe" badge and sky blue accents, it looked like a regular Wrangler, with the only notable difference being the power port at the windshield's base. When the battery had enough charge, the SUV moved silently, except for the pedestrian notification system's whine, which turned heads as it cruised through Yosemite National Park. The Firecracker Red Rubicon trim test vehicle, loaded with over $13,000 in options, had a price tag of $66,690, including destination charges. Inside, it retained the classic Wrangler look with some unique touches like blue seat stitching and special PHEV gauges, offering a blend of rugged simplicity and unexpected soft-touch materials.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Wrangler required buyers to choose between a two-door or four-door model and various powertrains, including a turbocharged four-cylinder, gasoline V6, turbodiesel V6, gas V8, or plug-in hybrid. The Wrangler came in four core trims: Sport, Sport S, Sahara, and Rubicon, with numerous special editions. Our test vehicle, the High Tide special edition, featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine with eTorque mild-hybrid electrification, an automatic transmission, and Selec-Trac full-time 4WD. Priced at $58,845, it included the Xtreme Recon package, which added a 1.5-inch suspension lift, 35-inch tires, and other off-road enhancements. The High Tide's Hydro Blue paint sparkled brilliantly, and the Sunrider Fliptop made it easy to open up the Jeep while driving.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, two electric motors, and a 17-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack. This setup provided an estimated 21 miles of pure electric driving with a combined efficiency rating of 49 MPGe. As a hybrid, it achieved 20 mpg combined, offering a total driving range of 370 miles. The Wrangler 4xe had three powertrain modes: Hybrid, Electric, and e-Save. In Hybrid mode, it delivered 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, accelerating to 60 mph in six seconds. Electric mode allowed for pure electric driving, while e-Save preserved battery power for specific situations. During a weekend road trip to Yosemite, the Wrangler 4xe covered 757 miles, averaging 19.1 mpg with 120.9 miles on electricity.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide, equipped with a 3.6-liter V6 engine and eTorque mild-hybrid electrification, produced 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. The eight-speed automatic transmission was a mandatory $4,000 option, and the Selec-Trac full-time 4WD system was ideal for slippery conditions. The EPA rated the Wrangler Unlimited with the eTorque V6 at 21 mpg combined, but the Xtreme Recon Package modifications reduced this to an average of 16.8 mpg over 435 miles of driving. The Wrangler's driving experience was unique, with loud cabin noise, vague steering, and a rough ride, but it offered an immersive and adventurous experience. The Wrangler's off-road capabilities and open-top design made it a favorite for those seeking excitement and exploration.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe's high door sills and lack of side steps made entry and exit challenging, especially for shorter passengers. However, once inside, the Wrangler offered a comfortable driving position with manual front seat height adjusters and optional heated seats. The center console had limited storage due to the hand-brake and transfer case lever. Rear-seat passengers had air conditioning vents, USB charging ports, and MOLLE-style storage straps. Cargo space measured 27.7 cubic feet behind the back seat, with a maximum of 72.4 cubic feet when folded down. The swing-out tailgate and flip-up rear window could be inconvenient in tight spaces.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide's raised suspension made entry and exit even more difficult, especially for shorter individuals. The manual height adjuster for the driver's seat required regular re-adjustment. The Wrangler's seats were comfortable, with durable cloth upholstery and some soft, padded spots for arms and elbows. Visibility was a mixed bag, with excellent views in some areas and compromised views in others. Rear-seat passengers faced similar entry and exit challenges but had agreeable accommodations once inside. Storage options were limited, with netting on the lower door panels and small trays on the dashboard. The tailgate's heavy 35-inch wheel made it challenging to open on hills or when parallel parked. Cargo space measured 31.7 cubic feet behind the rear seat, expanding to 72.4 cubic feet when folded down.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe Rubicon's technological advancements were primarily related to its plug-in hybrid powertrain and 4WD system. It featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen Uconnect infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, and SiriusXM Guardian connected services. A WiFi connection was available, and the Alpine sound system could overcome wind noise on the freeway. However, the Uconnect system showed signs of aging in terms of load time, responsiveness, and graphics. The Trip Summary data panel provided charging time estimates, and the five blue charging indicator lights on the dashboard were helpful for monitoring charging status.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide, based on Sport S trim, had a relatively basic infotainment system with a 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The optional Uconnect 8.4 system offered upgrades like satellite radio, connected services, and a navigation system, but the 7-inch system met most needs. The High Tide included remote engine starting, satellite radio, passive keyless entry, and single-zone automatic climate control with a new air filtration system. The Cold Weather Group added heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, extending the open-air driving season.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe offered advanced driving assistance systems in the Safety Group (blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, rear parking sensors) and the Advanced Safety Group (adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, automatic high-beam headlights). The blind-spot warning system was particularly useful due to the Wrangler's narrow side mirrors. The LED headlights with automatic high beams were effective but rated Marginal by the IIHS. The Wrangler received a four-star frontal-impact crash-test rating and a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA. However, it earned a Marginal rating for small-overlap, frontal-impact protection for the driver, with the vehicle tipping over in two tests.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide included both the Safety Group and the Advanced Safety Group. The Safety Group added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking sensors, while the Advanced Safety Group included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and automatic high-beam headlights. The Wrangler's small side mirrors and tall center of gravity made the Safety Group a valuable upgrade. The NHTSA gave the Wrangler a three-star rating for rollover resistance, and the IIHS rated it Marginal for small overlap crash-test protection and side-impact protection. Headlight performance was rated Poor for standard headlights and Marginal for LED upgrades.