A Wrangler With A Plug!? | 2022 Jeep Wrangler 4xe First Drive

[@kakeych]

Top notch camera work and timing for those crawling shots.

[@rkalla]

Loved the deep dive into the skeleton Alex - you are always so good at giving EXTRA depth to the technicals and not just reading off the marketing material.

[@ronaldmail00]

You showed us lots of silent off-road. Ty for going the extra mile Alex

[@ElroyMcDuff]

He really does leave no stone unturned in his reviews.

[@rightlanehog3151]

Alex, Let's start with the good news. At NO point did I doubt the Jeep's ability to climb those hills. Having said that, I did experience extreme anxiety about your personal ability to reach the top and/or maintain a foothold. ;-) All in all it was an outstanding production where team A on A displayed a new level of acumen in videography.

[@eriknephrongfr8847]

I’m convinced. There’s no reason not to have an all electric Wrangler. Great review, Alex.

[@DARisse-ji1yw]

Except there's not a lot of charging stations... And jeep chose to not go with fast charge capability.

[@paulsmyers203]

I'm holding out for all electric. We had a 2008 JKU Sahara and replaced it with a Tesla Model Y. If/when Jeep make an all electric Wrangler I will definitely check it out.

[@dannyneal9713]

I think this is the technology that we should be advancing. A blend of gas and electric power is amazing and more practical. For someone like myself that goes on long distance travels an alone electric motor just wouldn’t work. With the blended power I can get my alone electric power in the city and have gas power for long distance trips.

[@llaughridge]

No, it's more complex because the electric drivetrain is always compromised in a hybrid, and whichever you're using you're always lugging around an additional drivetrain, which is weight that could have been used by batteries instead.

[@sacralove11]

Why? For 18mpg? More complex drivetrain? Nope, I'm out.

[@88rushrocks]

Exactly what I do

[@stevensoutdoors]

@alex on autos, I think you'll find that the 4xe DOES NOT qualify for California ARB carpool lane stickers. The minimum requirement for PHEVs is now 30 miles of all-electric range.

[@Hard_7_Iron]

Well done Alex! Of all the videos I’ve watched on this vehicle, this one is the best. Thanks.

[@user-cx2bk6pm2f]

This thing keeps getting cooler! Go Jeep!!

[@updlate4756]

With a plug in hybrid, charging the battery with the engine often produces more emissions than just driving the vehicle in hybrid mode. Keep that in mind if you never plan to plug this vehicle in. PHEVs only save money on fuel, only reduce gas station stops, and only help the environment if you plug them in.

[@ralanham76]

Yes charging while not moving is likely not very efficient, but if it’s like other hybrid charging while driving is much better.

[@updlate4756]

@@ralanham76 It's less efficient than the hybrid version. If you're not planning to plug-in, buy the hybrid.

[@rich7447]

@@updlate4756 There is no hybrid version of the Wrangler, only the PHEV. I ordered one because a little over a week ago and fuel economy, reduced gas station stops and the environmental impact were not even considerations. The more balanced ride, and higher torque output were big factors. More standard equipment and $7,500 tax credit makes the 4xe cheaper than a comparably equiped Rubicon Unlimited. The 3.6 v6 felt underpowered and the 2.0L turbo on its own seemed like a pretty small engine for a 2+ ton vehicle.

[@updlate4756]

@@rich7447 Ah, yep, my mistake. This was 7 months ago. I must have meant the standard version. The 3.0 L 6 cylinder ICE version gets 25 mpg combined, whereas the PHEV version in hybrid mode gets 20 mpg combined.

[@vernonbennettiii3646]

Once again, Alex, your review and analysis is head and shoulders above EVERYONE else! Great video!

[@americanrambler4972]

I like your off road portion. Especially with the background free of commentary and music, just the sounds and views of it traversing the terrain. I like electric only rock crawling.

[@gottuso]

Super smooth impressive delivery, not skipping a beat, getting all the facts out with great timing in what had to be one-take shots, great production values!

[@PattyKuluCakes]

Hopefully, the battery’s weight lowers the center of gravity so that the Jeep doesn't roll over during a small overlap crash, unlike in the previous model year.

[@ralanham76]

I think he said it was in the low rear. It can’t be too lower because of clearance.

[@achow617]

@Alex on Autos, there will be no carpool sticker in CA for the Wrangler 4Xe since the EV only range is less than 35miles.

[@S2kBPRIME]

One step closer to having a 1:1 TRAXXAS, very cool!

[@bradcomis1066]

Hoping Jeep will be going 6S in their future electric models! Hahah 🤘😆

[@nvn2005]

Great job on sounds capture! 16:20 it’s so different to hear the motor wining while go over boulders

[@rich7447]

The price difference going from a base Rubicon to a 4xe Rubicon is not really a direct comparison. A lot of the options available on the base Rubicon are standard equipment on the 4xe. These include: Heavy Duty Rock Slider: $975, LED Light Group: $1465, 8 Speed Automatic Transmission: $2,500, Rock Trac Fulltime 4wd System: $695. That is $5,600 of optional equipment that you would have to add to the base Rubicon to get to a comparable trim level to the Rubicon 4xe.

[@RogerAlan]

16:20 I had one of those plug in jeeps as a kid (early 90s sahara in BROWN) and it sounded just like this e-jeep going up a rock face. Neat!

[@kens97sto171]

This other people mentioned the camera work in this video is absolutely fantastic. I'm kind of surprised the mixed driving fuel economy wouldn't be significantly better. You have the availability of a large battery and electric motor powerful enough to move it at decent speed and seemingly you could regen a lot of power back in in stop and go traffic. So I would think that the city mileage would be significantly better than the non hybrid version. Definitely like the idea of being able to off-road and electric mode. Certainly would be awesome for driving through scenic territory and not disturbing the wildlife. I certainly I would be interested also in just how waterproof those Electronics really are long-term.

[@sunnyvalentino]

I'm not a Wrangler guy. But THIS is the Wrangler to get. Wow. Power and torque gains great in the 4xe but with huge efficiency in this form factor - you can drive without gas around around city and burbs. It's a game changer. Jeep is not going to give this segment to Ford easily.

[@Wrangler4XEFans]

I’m wondering if this unit is an updated version of what has been released. In my Sahara, I can’t put my foot down hard in electric mode without the gas engine starting. I would like to see a customer accessible adjustment to the aggressiveness of that start point. I wish mine worked like you said where you could put it to the floor for a short burst without the engine starting. I’d like to better understand why we’re seeing a difference in how that works.

[@TheGerm24]

The filming location looks like Enchanted Rock. He did say West of Austin. I have climbed up that area a few times, but never tried to drive on the rocks.

[@broncofun5636]

Can't wait for you to do the 392!

[@davidmccarthy6061]

It seems to be a great first attempt! Of course 95% of them only drive to the mall, but it's the thought that counts.

[@toddbeaubien8071]

Awwww - wish I had known you were coming to town! I would have loved to buy you some BBQ and a cold beverage of your choice!

[@MilushevGeorgi]

I love how he still has his Costco scratchers, test an ASICS Nimbus

[@approverman]

That video brought back some Death Valley Off road memories. thank you for that Alex!

[@carperdiem8754]

This is really cool, but one of my biggest draws to EVs is reduced complexity and maintenance. This is more complex. The electric motor and regen should help reduce brake wear and extend oil change intervals though...

[@pmo5821]

In theory, couldn't the Wrangler operate like a serial hybrid at very low speeds? ICE -> P0 Electric Motor -> Power Electronics -> P2 Electric Motor -> Transmission/Wheels

[@nz0z134]

best review i've seen on any car ever

[@Ficon]

12:55. Hybrid fuel economy working as intended. 18 mpge on electric motor alone? Do you have a toaster plugged in? That has to be the least efficient electric drivetrain on the market. I want to see what happens in sustained off-roading once the battery is depleted. DCTs are notoriously terrible in low-speed driving. I predict overheated transmissions.

[@bendmacmanufacturing2744]

i LOVE MINE THE BLUE TRIM IS NICE TOUCH !!!

[@tomdrummy4984]

Sooooo, it’s a hybrid that gets mpg in the teens ?

[@bmgbaby5867]

The best car reviews!! Thanks Alex.

[@jimmykhokhar9092]

Definitely liked the crawl shots with commentary. Very different from Alex & would like to see more.

[@chrisw443]

22 miles what a joke, just raise the floor in the trunk area and you could double the battery size. come on.

[@88rushrocks]

I have the 2024 4xe Willy’s it’s a beast and we still love it as day one and we now have 10,000 hard miles why hard miles? It’s a Jeep we get the best of both worlds lol and since I live in the Oregon cascades we off road a lot and I do mean a lot lol

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

Thanks for sharing your experience! We've got the 4xe listed as a finalist in our SUV of Year Awards. -Travis

[@MilushevGeorgi]

My privious car, RAV4 hybrid, waiting on one

[@ashokkolla11]

You are planning to buy a car? Then you need to watch review of that car by Alex. Because he is very detailed, with lot of details that you must know before your purchase. After watching his video, you will be able to take an informed decision. Good review Alex!

[@th003gh8]

Already saw one on the road today.

[@SenorGato237]

I assume there is plans for a Gladiator 4xE? Because that would be pretty sweet.

[@Wrangler4XEFans]

Wow, what a great video. Great job! I’m really curious about the part you talked about starting at the 21 minute mark. What I’m seeing in my Sahara is different from what you were saying. I have actually been a little frustrated that it doesn’t seem like the 4XE accounts for the electrical energy used. I recently did a test where I was able to manipulate that figure up to 66MPG. I’m not convinced it accounts for electrical energy in those calculations.

[@oisiaa]

Not a green car by any stretch, but probably a lot of fun off road.

[@4-LOW]

Very well done review.

[@theaviator2750]

This was another top notch review! It seems like a vehicle that would be a blast to own for about a year and would get old very quickly after that. Pairing a poorly aerodynamic designed vehicle with fat tires and a ton of drivetrain to move will probably make this the noisest cabin with wind while the electric powertrain is operating and once that shuts down, a 4 cylinder chugging to make this thing move can't be much better. I love they finally adapted 8 speeds in the wranglers like my Grand Cherokee I gambled with it on for 2014, but all that effort seems wasted when you could probably get better mpg with the Pentastar 3.6 mated with it and a generator. I'm not sure what FCA's outlook is with it's electric vehicle market, but it may be worth the wait to see if Toyota's next generation 4 runner includes a hybrid if not full electric setup paired with their 10year/150000 mile warranty. Just food for thought.

[@SuperThunder911]

Great video 👍

[@wacoodude9436]

eSave option will be very common for PHEVs. Some cities will mandate EV only mode within city limits so eSave will be used to charge the vehicle prior to entering these EV only zones.

[@rich7447]

How is that going to work for vehicles that don't have an EV mode or any electric motors at all? Cities don't have the power to prevent drivers from using public roads with non-electric vehicles.

[@billwaterhouse5894]

Alex, as usual...the most detailed review available on KZbin, thank you. I plan to order the 2022 4xe in a Rubicon but have one question no one can seem to answer for me...I even called Jeep customer service and asked for an engineer...who never called me back as promised. Ok, here is the scenario...I'm say 250 miles into my trip from coastal SC to UT. I'm towing our off road trailer, 3500lb. As I start reaching the hills heading into Ashville and the Smokey's, will I still have that 470 pound feet of torque on tap, or will I be reduced to the 4 cyl. Max torque output at that point ???I have called 3 dealers and no one can answer that question.

[@davidwollpert5276]

Nice breakdown! Thank you!

[@soulside]

Keep up the good work Alex!

[@Zhenocnra]

When it's in EV-only mode it sounds just like the Power Wheels Jeep I had as a child, lol.

[@irvlennert3674]

Great demo of this vehicle! Really enjoyed it. I think though this vehicle is not nearly electric enough for me...

[@JohnnyKReviews]

It's been several months from this review. Any full review to post yet? Thanks!

[@demonmuffins8995]

Barbie Girl while off-roading, I love it!

[@rabidhellhound9714]

The website estimates the mpge at 46. But you're saying that real life testing gets only 16-20 mpge? That's... depressing. I knew it wouldn't be amazing, but I was hoping that it would double the gas mileage.

[@chrismv102]

Excellent review. I'm very much NOT a fan of these rock climbing uses for vehicles. Seeing the beautiful Utah landscape staining by tire tracks seems an indulgence beyond. However, the uses for a Rubicon in the snow and mud season of the Adirondacks and northern New England can't be overstated. A large percentage of the houses in these areas are on ancient ways and can only be accessed during the winter and spring with good 4-wheel drive vehicles.

[@naveenthemachine]

I wonder about it’s expected reliability. I’d be pleasantly surprised if this were as reliable as a Toyota hybrid

[@normt430]

Toyota hybrids have had many recalls and updates since last decade. They have even had multiple recalls for the same things which is far from reliable.

[@fleecystheking]

That charge port is upside down! Weird

[@CarGuy11]

It’s pretty impressive. I just reviewed the High Altitude model on my channel.

[@dwaynedwayne1964]

Jeep should make an RV model that is two doors and light as possible for tow behind where you can use the battery for camping as well.

[@rich7447]

The two door is not long enough to accommodate the battery or the longer transmission. We plan to flat tow the 4 door 4xe behind our RV and I don't see the extra length being a big problem since we currently tow a 30' enclosed car hauler.

[@1g2002541]

This Jeep remind me of my childhood toy jeep on AA battery

[@jakeliujakeliu]

Sounds like a Prius prime.

[@walkr7998]

Anyone know if this place is open to the public? Looking to find some places to offroad near Austin. Had no idea when I moved here that they had no offroad trails around (as far as I can tell).

[@joseph.mccarron]

Same boat here. Did you ever find it?

[@TheBerkeleyBeauty]

Crazy how quiet it is.

[@RigiLiquid945]

It's about time

[@g00fysmiley]

nice. I am personally hoping they do an electric only jeep if these sell well.

[@GaryKetchum808]

If there was a 4xe Gladiator, I’d go for that. And I don’t even like FCA/stellantis.

[@JamesDealz]

What happens when water fording in electric and the gas engine kicks on? Hydrolock?

[@kevinhirst911]

Bring the Magento out.. the diesel model does better in mpg and this vehicle still look's like my 2007 Wrangler but the tech is cool.

[@amirmoradi9595]

Does it support charge limit setting? ie if you only wanted it to charge up to 80%

[@moa8839]

No who would want that ?

[@amirmoradi9595]

@@moa8839 it's optimal for battery health to keep it between 20% and 80%

[@rich7447]

@@amirmoradi9595 I want to be as hard on the battery as possible. It's got a 10 year battery warranty and I want Jeep to have to pay for a replacement somewhere in year 8 or 9.

[@amirmoradi9595]

@@rich7447 lol I guess. Well after 10 years you'll want the feature if you're keeping the car that long.

[@rich7447]

@@amirmoradi9595 I probably won't be keeping it that long. It's going to my daughter when she gets her license roughly 3 years from now. Depending on how reliable it turns out to be it may get traded in before year 8.

[@funnyfarm299]

Barbie Girl is a big difference from the usual Chill, but I dig it!

[@SenorGato237]

It really is the perfect Jeep song.

[@helloandrewc]

9:27 god bless...

[@pointaadventures5361]

I have a 4xe, love it but getting rid of it.

[@Menga213]

How's the Hyundai Nexo treating you? Imagine a Jeep Hydrogen?

[@jamieeisenhower1560]

To really sell the heck out of this vehicle should have a 100 Mi range and 4 gallon gas tank to get 400 miles

[@dretech]

Is it available with a 3rd row configuration?

[@rich7447]

No.

[@james2042]

Well ford still wins because the 2 door bronco totally eclipses the 2 door wrangler and the 2 door is infinitely better than the 4 door

[@hamidmghazi]

I didn't get. What's the average MPG of the car?

[@DuesenbergJ]

Wrangler 4ex isn’t a great car but I sure like it.

[@baldheadlogic]

I am impressed by this Hybrid System.I hope FCA adapts it to the new Grand Cherokee...Hopefully in that application, it would provide better mpgs and electric ranges.

[@lp2565]

Enchanted Rock, outside of Austin, Texas?

[@nycdude5235]

I just ordered the 2022 high altitude 4xe. Are there any major differences?

[@rich7447]

Did you get your VIN yet? I ordered a 22 Rubicon 4xe almost two weeks ago and haven't heard anything from the dealer on expected build dates.

[@nycdude5235]

@@rich7447 yes. I have a VIN but they still haven't started to build it

[@rich7447]

@@nycdude5235 I guess I need to get in touch with my dealer and see if they have a VIN for me.

[@nycdude5235]

@Rich I ordered mine 10/21.... still no updates. I've called their owners line and i get different stories. Supposedly, it will ship 01/2/22 😡

[@rich7447]

@@nycdude5235 I gess that's only 10.5 weeks. We were told 8 to 12 weeks from order date (12/4), but they didn't clarify what would take 8 to 12 weeks.Hoping to get it much sooner, but I'm skeptical. BTW, I like the look of the High Altitude. The Rubicon hood is a little busy.

[@BradleyEdwardAnderso]

I would be curious to know the thoughts behind a rotary knob for the RAM trucks, but keep the stick shifter for the Wranglers? I know Wrangler owners don't like change, and there are far fewer RAM owners...so FCA is just saving pennies where they have the lower potential for complaints? but then the Cherokee has the Rotary knob too, right?

[@NHydeWI]

Jeep dash is pretty dang full, not sure where they'd fit it

[@rich7447]

I had a Ram with a floor shifter and it made the middle bench seat almost unusable. Wrangler doesn't have that problem.

[@Boomtendo4tw]

I want to see a more aero shaped Jeep. They can do it and still make it look like a Jeep if they do it right.

[@flobejo69]

Great video of a 2021. Title says 2022 sad

[@jasonlovell3934]

Beautiful scenery

[@Orangeman96]

Please test the V8 version!!!

[@DefineScrib]

Enchanted rock?

[@deviouslaw]

As ever with the newest jeeps, it is too expensive.

[@lawnmowerdude]

9:48 *If the battery is completely drained.

[@cybertrk]

This is the future, it'll be foolish not to buy the hybrid.

[@Mike-.]

For the algorithm

[@martinmartin5904]

The only environmental benefit would be to allow their use in abandoned lithium mines and this is not what will be lacking in the future .

[@limpunsing224]

A-1 video review

[@andrewwoulfe6579]

So in the end what is the point? This gets about the exact same mileage as my JL but will cost more, Weigh more, and be more expensive to maintain. Am I missing something here?

[@zeemax4627]

Wrangler 4Xe sounds oxymoron. 🤔. It seems nice though.

[@oisiaa]

Hybrids are too complicated. Full EV is so much simpler.

[@ThiccBoi23]

16-17 highway? oof, i'm getting 19 in my 2018 3.6

[@bird718]

60K for that? dam....

[@thadlm2698]

@Bird718 IKR😟