Wednesday, January 10, 2024

2024 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon X 4xe: The Brand’s Plug-In SUV


Highlight:  The plug-in hybrid can achieve upwards of 27 miles on a full charge.

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $76,935 (Base Model: $51,890)

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; a traction control system; an electronic stability control system; a brake assist system; a forward mitigation collision system; 4WD; a locking glove box; a trailer away system and a tire pressure system



Standard Equipment (Sport): 20-inch wheels; an 8-speed automatic transmission; 12-inch infotainment system; a premium soft top; gray cloth seats; full metal doors; skid plates; a/c with dual zone; dual zone carbon air filter; a push button starter; manual operated front seats; and a manual operated leather-like tilt/telescopic steering wheel

Standard Equipment (Rubicon X): 17-inch tires all-terrain tires;  Daytime running lights; manual sunroof activation; a body color accented grille; a touchscreen navigation system; 12 way power front seats; an Alpine 9-speaker audio system; HD radio; SiriusXM; Nappa leather seats; driver’s side heated mirror; heated seats; heated steering wheels; a radar activated stop and go cruise control system; illuminated front and rear beverage holdrs; a full-time transfer case; an integrated off-road camera; steel bumpers; body color hard top; body color tender flares; acoustic thick front glass; park sense park assist system; blind spot monitoring and rear cross path detection; rock rails; Axle ratio 4:10:1; differential front and rear; differential sway bar disconnect; and wash out interior with removable carpet and drain plugs


Options: special exterior paint; sky one touch power top; all weather floor mats; warn winch; safety group; technology group; convenience group; and body color hard top

Other Trim Levels:

Sport S

Willys

Sahara

High Altitude

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: an 8-speaker AM/FM with prep for SiriusXM

Bluetooth Connectivity: Standard

USB Connectivity: Standard

Apple/Android Connectivity: Standard

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 3 years or 36,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles

Standard Engine/Horsepower: 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder turbo engine/375-hp (Rubicon)


EV Driving Range: 27 miles

Recommended Fuel: Premium

Towing: 3,500 lbs 

Standard Fuel Mileage: 49-city/20-hwy

What’s New:  The Rubicon X and Sport S plug-in are a new addition for the 2024 model year.

Why:

A 375-horsepower engine

Water folding capabilities with select trims up to 30 to 31-inches

Level 2 charging can occur in about 2 hours

4x4 off roading capabilities

A variety of trims

27 miles on a full charge

Runs off gasoline and electricity

Easy to use infotainment system

A radar activated cruise control system

Nappa leather seats

Heated/ front seats

Power panoramic roof available

Easy to operate navigation system

An optional upgraded concert like sound system

Speaker built-into the headliner/hardtop of the utility vehicle

Roomy cargo/utility area

Remote starting feature – great for frigid temperature

Doors and rear quarter windows removable

A variety of driving modes and terrains

An ability to upsize the tires and towing with the optional warn winch

Standard size curtain airbags in first and second rows

Wash out interior with removable drain plugs

Rear folding seats create more utility space

A voice activated navigation system

Ability to accessorize the vehicle

But: 

Premium fuel recommended.

The Rubicon X plug-in was pricey! However, to be fair, the entire Wrangler line up pricing has climbed faster than most of our incomes.

Being that the doors come off, its not squeaky quiet like most conventional vehicles.

A little bouncy in windy weather.

Only available as a 4-door


Verdict:  The Wrangler was first electrified during the 2021 model year. This year the plug-Wrangler is available in 6 trims.

Pricing for the 4-door electrified plug-in model starts out the gate at $51,850. In comparison, a gasoline only Wrangler starts out at $49,390, that’s a $2,460 price difference. When yhe federal EV lease incentives are applied, this virtually eliminates the price difference.

Moreover, when comparing our test model, the non gasoline Rubicon powered by a 3.6-liter, 6-cylinder engine to the Rubicon EV with the 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder turbo engine, the driving range spikes from 366 miles to 370 miles, respectively, according to fueleconomy.gov.

Ironically, we were able to achieve 5 additional miles of driving range in our plug-in than what fueleconomy.gov predicted. Thus, this means we were able to achieve 27 miles on a full charge, making this quite respectable for short trips or round trips, if one has access to a charging station, while out driving.

Also being that the Wrangler is electrified, one does not have to sacrifice towing or powering capabilities. And just like all of Jeep’s non electrified adventure vehicles, the electrfied Wrangles are also capable of doing everything from going off road to removing the doors. There is no compromising here because it’s electrified.

Furthermore, the 4-door utility vehicle, depending on trims offers a host of features ranging from an easy-to-use touchscreen navigation system to power front seats to leather seats to a power operated one-touch power skyroof.

Yes, for those looking for an electrified adventure vehicle, the Wrangler fits the bill.

Competition: None 

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