The most affordable plug-in hybrid Wrangler 4xe starts at $53,995 and brings many off-road goodies that fit the legendary Willys moniker.
If you are a fan of retro-style special editions, you might be interested in Jeep’s latest offering. The company added a new member to the Wrangler family — the 2023 Willys 4xe. The model might carry the name of Jeep’s first vehicle but employs the brand’s latest plug-in hybrid powertrain for better performance and efficiency.
It’s the same powertrain from the regular 4xe model, pairing a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four with two electric motors. The combined PHEV system produces 375 hp and 470 lb-ft torque, making it much more potent than the Pentastar V6. Jeep paired the hybrid engine to a TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic gearbox. The all-electric range of the new Willys 4xe is 21 miles, thanks to a 17-kWh battery pack. It’s not much, but it should be enough to provide cheaper electric-only drives in urban scenarios.
When the battery depletes, Jeep says the WrangIer Willys 4xe will provide a 49 MPGe (miles per gallon gasoline equivalent), but that includes driving with the battery charged. A more realistic rating is less than 30 MPG on the highway, which is respectable for a Wrangler.
As for the electric motor configuration, one replaces the alternator to help with efficiency, while the other connects to the transmission case to aid acceleration. Meanwhile, the battery pack sits under the rear seats, so cargo space is intact.
The Wrangler Willys 4xe will offer three drive modes — Electric, Hybrid, and eSave. Electric, predictably, lets you cruise around town only using electricity, while Hybrid uses both systems to achieve better results. Meanwhile, the eSave will use the gas engine only, for example, on the highway, to save the battery charge for later use, i.e., in urban scenarios.
True to its name, the Willys 4xe comes with a factory 1-inch suspension lift for 10.1-inch ground clearance. Moreover, it features a full-time 4WD system with a Selec-Trac two-speed transfer case with a low-range ratio and front and rear heavy-duty Dana 44 axles. So, on paper, the plug-in hybrid should be a more capable off-roader than other models in the lineup. Or, as Jeep’s North America head says, “the ultimate combination of capability and electrification, with a vintage twist.”
Cosmetic changes are not many, but you won’t miss the SUV for another model thanks to the Willys decal on the hood, Electric Blue accenting all around, and an “Electric 4-Wheel Drive” sticker at the rear.
Furthermore, the usual LED headlights and fog lights are now a part of the standard package. Other welcome additions include the 17-inch black painted alloy wheels, a rear limited-slip differential, an Alpine audio system, and all-weather mats.
This 2023 Wrangler Willys 4xe will arrive in dealerships in Q4 2022. It will cost you $55,590, including the destination charge, making it the cheapest plug-in hybrid Wrangler.
Gallery: 2023 Jeep Wrangler Willys 4xe
