Jeep has been hard at work lately trying to convince buyers and dealers that its long-running Wrangler is up to the task of competing with the red hot 2021 Ford Bronco. First, it tried to spoil the official Ford Bronco debut by revealing the V8-powered Wrangler 392 Concept on the same day. Then, it sent a humorous memo to dealers outlining all the reasons why the Wrangler was better than the Bronco. And now, Fiat Chrysler has revealed its electrified Bronco-fighter – the Jeep Wrangler 4xe.
Like the 392 Concept, the Jeep Wrangler 4xe presents buyers with a drivetrain choice that the Bronco doesn’t yet offer – a plug-in hybrid. The Wrangler 4xe is scheduled to go on sale in the United States, Europe, and China in early 2021, before the Bronco arrives in June, and it joins the Jeep Renegade 4xe and Compass 4xe models, both of which went on sale in Europe earlier this summer.
The Wrangler 4xe’s drivetrain consists of FCA’s 2.0L turbocharged I-4 coupled with engine and transmission-mounted motor generator units, a 400-volt, 17-kWh, 96-cell lithium-ion, nickel manganese cobalt battery pack, and TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission. Total output is 375 horsepower (280 kW) and 470 pound-feet (637 Nm) of torque, with an estimated fuel economy rating of 50 MPGe.
The plug-in hybrid powertrain is also capable of traveling up to 25 miles on electric power alone, while the twin electric motors provide instant torque on demand. All high-voltage electronics, including the wiring between the battery pack and the electric motors, are sealed and waterproof. Like all Trail Rated Jeep Wranglers, the Wrangler 4xe is capable of water fording up to 30 inches (76 cm).
The Jeep Wrangler 4xe will be sold globally, with electric vehicle (EV) charge port plugs tailored to specific regions. It is assembled at FCA’s Toledo Assembly Complex in Toledo, Ohio.
We’ll have more on the Wrangler 4xe and all Ford other competitors soon, so be sure and subscribe to Ford Authority for more Ford Bronco news and continuous Ford news coverage.
Comments
Anybody know if these options will be available on the 2 door???
And nobody cares or really wants one or would pay for one. Detroit being forced to build stuff that no one wants. Get ready for the 80s boys
Funnie how After all these years of doing little New Competition make Jeep run back to the drawing board Panic Mode maybe
Yes but not panic mode
They are beating Ford with production by about 6 months
I was planning on getting the Bronco(love the styling), and just dealing with the 4×4 gas mileage. Would prefer a Bronco plug in, but I need something next year. Now I plan on getting the Jeep. I just hope it is more reliable than my 2000 Grand Cherokee was.