2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe vs 2022 Jeep Wrangler

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe maintained the classic Wrangler aesthetic, with only subtle hints of its plug-in hybrid nature, such as blue decals, specific badging, and a charger port on the driver's side front quarter panel. The vehicle retained signature Wrangler features like the exterior-mounted spare tire, removable doors, rounded headlights, and the iconic seven-slot grille. Inside, the Wrangler 4xe offered three grades, with the Unlimited Sahara starting at $54,995 CAD, featuring leather-faced seats and an 8-way power-adjustable driver's seat. The Unlimited Sahara High Altitude added heated front seats, while the top-tier Unlimited Rubicon came with standard unheated cloth seats, though leather seats with the Rubicon logo were available for an additional cost. Despite its premium pricing, the Wrangler 4xe lacked ventilated seats, a common feature in Canadian vehicles.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler offered a choice between the classic two-door or the more practical four-door body style. Buyers could select from various powertrains, including a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a gasoline-powered V6, a turbodiesel V6, a gas V8, or the Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid. The turbo-four and V6 engines came standard with a six-speed manual transmission, with an option to upgrade to an eight-speed automatic. The Wrangler was available in four core trim levels: Sport, Sport S, Sahara, and Rubicon, with numerous special editions like the Willys and Willys Sport, Sahara High Altitude, and Wrangler Rubicon 392. The High Tide model, based on the Sport S trim, featured LED exterior lighting, a body-colour hardtop with a Sunrider Fliptop, and a Gorilla Glass windshield upgrade. The Wrangler's interior was basic, with a focus on durability and practicality, featuring floor drain plugs for easy cleaning.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe combined a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, delivering a total system output of 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. This power was managed through an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Wrangler 4xe was equipped with a Selec-trac two-speed transfer case for the Sahara grades and a Rock-trac transfer case for the Rubicon, offering various 4WD settings. It boasted solid front and rear axles, locking differentials, a fully articulating suspension, and impressive ground clearance and water fording capabilities. The plug-in hybrid drivetrain provided an electric-only range of 35 kilometres, with hybrid, electric, and e-save modes for battery management. The Wrangler 4xe offered a unique driving experience with its electric motors providing a burst of energy from a stop, though it wasn't the quietest or best-handling vehicle for everyday driving.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler featured a 3.6-litre V6 engine with eTorque mild-hybrid electrification, producing 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. It was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and the optional Selec-Trac full-time 4WD system. The Wrangler's fuel consumption was rated at 11.2 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, though real-world testing showed an average of 14.0 L/100 km. The Wrangler's driving experience was characterized by its loud cabin, vague steering, and touchy brakes, but these traits were part of its charm for enthusiasts. The Wrangler offered a unique and immersive driving experience, with the ability to remove the top and doors for an open-air adventure. It was designed for off-road exploration, providing a sense of excitement and freedom.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe was designed to accommodate a battery pack under the rear seats, minimizing the loss of second-row space. Headroom for the Sahara grades was consistent with standard Wrangler models, while legroom was slightly compromised. The Wrangler 4xe offered 784 litres of cargo space with the second-row seats upright and 1,908 litres with them folded, slightly less than other Wrangler models. The vehicle's width made it manageable in urban settings, and a home charging cable was included. The Rubicon test unit featured an optional power-retracting roof, allowing for easy roof opening at speeds up to 96 km/h. The Wrangler 4xe retained some quirks, such as the centre stack location for power window controls.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler's raised suspension and added ground clearance made entry and exit challenging, especially for shorter individuals. The driver's seat had a manual height adjuster, but it required regular re-adjustment. The Wrangler's seats were comfortable, with durable cloth upholstery and a mix of plastic and rubber materials. Visibility varied, with some areas offering excellent views and others requiring adjustments. Rear-seat passengers faced similar entry and exit difficulties but found agreeable accommodations once inside. Storage options were limited, with netting on the lower door panels and small compartments. The Wrangler Unlimited offered 898 litres of cargo space behind the rear seat and 2,050 litres with the rear seat folded.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe featured the Uconnect 4C infotainment system with navigation on an 8.4-inch touchscreen, offering Android Auto and Apple CarPlay functionality. The system was intuitive, with touch layout and hard buttons for critical functions. The Wrangler 4xe included off-road pages and Hybrid Electric Pages for vehicle efficiency settings. The instrument cluster had a traditional tachometer and a gauge for electric power usage, with a 7-inch colour information display. The vehicle had four USB ports but lacked a wireless phone charging pad.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler, based on the Sport S trim, had a 7-inch touchscreen display with Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The larger Uconnect 8.4 system offered upgrades like satellite radio, connected services, and a navigation system. The Wrangler 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.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe shared its structure with other Wranglers, receiving a Good rating in most IIHS crashworthiness tests. However, it received a Marginal rating in the driver's side small overlap front test and rear passenger head protection. The NHTSA gave the 2021 Wrangler four stars for front crash tests and three stars for rollover resistance. Safety features included blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic detection, and rear park assist, with additional options available in the Safety Group and Advanced Safety Group.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler included the Safety Group and Advanced Safety Group, adding features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. The Wrangler received a three-star rating for rollover resistance from the NHTSA and a Marginal rating in IIHS testing. Safety features were optional, and the Wrangler's ratings suggested it required extra care when driving.