Back in July, Jeep CEO Chrstian Meunier was happy to report that the Wrangler 4xe was sold out for the entire 2021 model year. The electrified off-roader is indeed one of the quickest-selling hybrids available in North America, but you can still get behind the wheel of a new one despite the head honcho’s statement made months ago.
How is that possible? Jeep North America President Jim Morrison told Muscle Cars and Trucks there are enough dealer orders expected to last until the end of the year. In other words, while it might not be possible to order a new Wrangler 4xe today, Jeep dealers should have plenty of inventory for customers to pick from.
As Morrison explains in the interview: “We have enough Wrangler 4xe dealer orders to get us through the end of the year. We are still within that prioritizing of our customer orders. So if a customer comes in and gets a sold order, we’ll still put them in at the head of the line.”
While Europe also gets a Renegade 4xe and a Compass 4xe, Jeep USA is only selling the Wrangler 4xe, with a Grand Cherokee 4xe on the way. The reputable off-roader is available strictly in the four-door Unlimited body style and three trim levels: $51,225 Sahara, $54,925 Rubicon, and the $57,045 Altitude, with all three prices excluding the $1,595 destination charges and the federal tax credit of up to $7,500.
It is widely believed the Gladiator, essentially a Wrangler pickup truck, will also receive the 4xe treatment with the same PHEV setup. It should combine the turbocharged 2.0-liter, four-cylinder gasoline engine with dual electric motors, a 17-kWh lithium-ion battery, and an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The Wrangler 4xe offers a substantial 375 horsepower and 637 Newton-meters (470 pound-feet) and can cover up to 21 miles (34 kilometers) without sipping any gasoline. Chances are the Gladiator 4xe could have a shorter EV range since it’s going to be significantly heavier than the SUV version, but that remains to be seen.
Source: Muscle Cars and Trucks
