2024 Jeep Wrangler 4-door Rubicon 4xe looks heavy-duty in ‘Earl’ paint

The first-ever Jeep Wrangler 4xe has received a mid-life facelift for the 2024 model year, and this updated version has arrived at U.S. dealerships. It’s still exclusively a four-door plug-in hybrid SUV, and it’s available in Sport S (new), Willys, Sahara, Rubicon, High Altitude, and Rubicon X (new) trims. I saw the 2024 Jeep Wrangler 4xe in the Sahara trim at the beginning of February 2024, and recently, I had the opportunity to check it out in the Rubicon trim. Here are my observations:

Design & Features

While the Willy’s trim offers classic styling and is equipped better for off-road than the comfort-oriented Sahara trim, the Rubicon trim is fully geared for extreme terrains. On the one hand, the hood decal and vents, exposed tow hooks, big Rubicon inscriptions, and 33-inch BF Goodrich KO2 off-road tires communicate the model’s ruggedness. On the other, the Earl Clear Coat paint, which costs USD 595 extra, highlights its eco-friendly powertrain.

Blue accents on PHEVs are generally considered old-fashioned, and while I wouldn’t mind them on the 2024 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe, I think they don’t look good on this Earl Clear Coat unit. This particular sample has been upgraded from the standard fabric roof to a 3-piece hard top, which costs USD 1,695 extra. Inside, it features a 6-way manual driver’s seat, a 4-way manual front passenger seat, a dual-zone automatic climate control system, ambient lighting, and the Uconnect 5 12.3-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto.

Specifications

The 2024 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe has the familiar 2.0-liter turbocharged engine-based plug-in hybrid system that produces 375 horsepower and 470 lb.-ft. of torque. An 8-speed automatic transmission and the Rock-Trac shift-on-the-fly 4×4 system with a 4:1 low-gear ratio work together to send drive to the wheels.

Jeep has installed a 17 kWh, 96-cell lithium-ion NMC battery pack underneath the second-row seat. According to EPA, it’s possible to drive the 2024 Wrangler Rubicon 4xe solely on electric power for only up to 21 miles. With the gas tank full and the battery pack fully charged, it’s possible to cover a distance of up to 370 miles. The EPA-estimated combined fuel economy is 49 MPGe. An all-electric Wrangler has entered development, and is expected to be launched in 2028.

2024 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe Earl side profile
The 17 kWh battery pack of the 2024 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe has a peak charging input of 7.2 kW and can be fully charged as quickly as in approximately two hours.

Jeep uses the new Dana 44 HD full-float solid rear axle in the 2024 Wrangler Rubicon 4xe, so customers can upsize its tires if they want. An electronic front sway-bar disconnect feature is also included to ensure the vehicle can twist on off-road trails as much as possible.

Also See: First Look Review: 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe retains class & appeal

Price

The 2024 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe retails at USD 61,395 before options (excl. USD 1,895 destination charges).