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2024 Jeep Rubicon 4xe: Review, Interior & Specs – The Jeep Wrangler has achieved a cultural significance that few other vehicles can match. Jeep Wrangler is the direct descendant of the WWII military vehicles that accompanied us. It’s now widely considered to be one of the best factory-built off-roaders. Jeep’s 4xe plug-in hybrid was the first of its kind when it launched in 2021. This year, there are some notable upgrades.
Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe, Kia Sorento plug-in, or Toyota RAV4 Prime are all plug-in hybrid SUVs that could be considered by buyers. The Jeep Wrangler 4xe, however, is still the most popular plug-in hybrid vehicle in the United States.
Review
It’s not for everyone but the Wrangler has its fans. Jeep’s boxy utilitarian style speaks volumes about its purpose. Locking differentials, detachable anti-roll bar, solid axles, and other features support this. The Wrangler is a vehicle that excels at rock crawling, off-roading, and overlanding. Jeeps are among the most modified vehicles, thanks to the wide range of customization options that can be found in the market and on the aftermarket.
Although some customers may prefer the simplicity and reliability of the Jeep V-6 engine, the plug-in hybrid system in the 4xe is a much better option. The electric system’s instant torque at low speeds and its 21-mile driving range are impressive. And the additional weight helps to stabilize the vehicle. We also love the fact that the electric motor is integrated into the 4WD system. This means the 2024 Jeep Rubicon 4xe can be driven off-road just as well on battery power or with an engine. We’ve also noticed that the brakes feel odd at low speeds and the gains in efficiency of the Wrangler plug-in hybrid over the gas version are lost if the vehicle is not recharged.
Wrangler’s 4xe capability is not without compromise. It’s difficult to steer with the recirculating balls because of the solid front axle. The ride is also compromised by heavy, large rubber on each corner. The creature comforts, like the big screen this year and generous driver assistances make life easier. But this is not a comfortable crossover. The shortcomings of the Wrangler will not be lost on enthusiasts. There’s a good reason why these vehicles are so beloved.
Jeep’s driver assistance offerings have been improved for 2024. Now, adaptive cruise control and forward collision warning come standard. Blind-spot monitors and rear cross-traffic alerts are standard on the High Altitude trim and Rubicon X, but they’re optional for all other models.
Wrangler now has side curtain airbags in the first and second rows, as well as a Gorilla Glass windshield. It hasn’t been a particularly crash-worthy car in previous model years. NHTSA gave a three-star rating for the standard 2023 gas Wrangler model. The IIHS awarded the Jeep mixed ratings in crash tests (including an updated Poor rating on the moderate front overlap) and poor-marginal ratings for its headlights.
Interior
The interior space of the Wrangler 2024 is not likely to change. According to last year’s figures, the large battery pack of the 4xe reduces trunk space when compared with a four-door gas Wrangler. The Jeep’s interior legroom matches that of another plug-in hybrid SUV – the Toyota RAV4 Prime. Although the Toyota offers more room behind the rear seat, it can still hold a lot more with the seats folded.
The Wrangler could have the biggest improvement over its predecessor. The 4xe pre-refresh was equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen, but the new model comes with a 12.3-inch screen and wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The High Altitude and higher models come with navigation, an integrated off-road camera, and a nine-speaker Alpine Premium Audio. Rubicon X also comes standard with a wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The 2024 Wrangler is now available with a Power Box. You may be wondering what that is. This option includes an extra battery pack that has four 120-volt outlets with a combined 30 amps output. The PHEV Jeep Wrangler can now power devices and accessories at the job site or camp.
Engine
The Jeep Wrangler 4xe for 2024 retains its turbocharged 2.0-liter I-4 engine and two electric motors. The system’s output is 375 horsepower and 470 pounds-feet torque between all three sources. This makes the Jeep Wrangler 4xe the most potent and powerful off-roader, unless you go for the Rubicon 392 which has a thirsty engine and costs more. The 4xe reached 60 mph within 6.8 seconds.
The 2023 Wrangler was rated 49 mpg combined when it is running at full throttle (including its electric motors). The plug-in hybrid Wrangler’s 22-mile range was possible thanks to its 17.3-kWh large battery that battled the heavy weight of the 4xe and the fridge-like aerodynamics. The Toyota RAV4 Prime, with a slightly bigger 18.1-kWh lithium battery, can travel 42 miles on electric power alone.
It would be irresponsible not to mention that the efficiency improvements of the 4xe vanish if it isn’t plugged in on a regular basis. The 4xe’s combined mpg rating is the same as that of the V-6 once the battery runs out. For 2024, we don’t anticipate any changes to the efficiency rating.