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Is it time for Jeepers to go hybrid? The 2022 Jeep Wrangler 4xe could be changing the game. But is the 4xe better than gas-powered Jeep Wrangler models? Let’s dig in and see how these options compare. 

2022 Jeep Wrangler 4xe vs. the regular Jeep Wrangler 

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler 4xe in the sand
2022 Jeep Wrangler 4xe | Jeep

One potential drawback to the 2022 Jeep Wrangler 4xe is the price. The Wrangler 4xe starts at $52,230. But you can get started with the Jeep Wrangler base model for about $33,225. But the entry-level 4xe is the Sahara, and the gas-powered Sahara Wrangler starts at around $39,950. 

So the comparable gas-powered Sahara Wrangler costs about $12,280 more. That’s a pretty penny. The regular Rubicon starts at about $40,500, and the Rubicon 4xe begins at around $55,930. Goodness, that’s a $15,000 upcharge. 

Is upgrading to the Wrangler 4xe worth the extra cash? 

Yes, if you want the most fuel-efficient and one of the most potent Wrangler models ever, then the 2022 Jeep Wrangler 4xe is worth the extra dough. Also, with the 4xe, you may qualify for a $7,500 tax credit to help with the extra costs. 

The Wrangler 4xe has a 2.0-liter turbo inline-four engine that’s paired with an electric motor and rechargeable battery. This setup provides 375 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. The Wrangler 4xe can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about seven seconds. 

With the regular Wrangler’s turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, you get 270 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. This engine helps the Wrangler reach 60 mph in about 7.4 seconds, meaning it’s not far behind the 4xe. 

If you need more power, you can check out the Rubicon 392. It has a 6.2-liter V8 engine with 470 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. It reaches 60 mph in about 4.5 seconds but starts at about $74,995. 

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler gets an EPA-estimated 22 mpg in the city and up to 29 mpg on the highway. The Wrangler 4xe receives an EPA-estimated 49 MPGe in the city and on the highway. It gets 22 miles of electric range before gas kicks in. 

Does the 4xe perform better than the regular Wrangler? 

A black 2022 Jeep Wrangler in the snow.
2022 Jeep Wrangler | Jeep

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler 4xe and gas-powered model can tow up to 3,500 lbs. But the 4xe only has a payload capacity of up to 1,178 lbs, while the gas-powered Wrangler can carry a payload of up to 1,351 lbs. 

Remember that the 4xe is heavier than the gas-powered models, so it has less confident braking. But it also has instant torque for a peppier acceleration. Both Rubicon models have the same off-roading equipment. 

But the 4xe has a lower departure angle due to the extra equipment needed to protect the battery. It may sink a bit more in mud as well.  

The 4xe may have a silent engine, but this only provides a peaceful ride at lower speeds. Each Wrangler has an upright, body-on-frame design that contributes to quite a bit of road and wind noise. 

On a positive note, the newer models are quieter than the previous generation. However, they still provide quite the jittery ride on the pavement. 

It seems like the 4xe’s main benefit over other models is the ability to save fuel. If you drive less than 22 miles on a typical day, then you can fully rely on electric power.

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Charge Your 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe at Trailheads