The Jeep Wrangler 4xe got a boost to its electrified lineup with the debut of the new 2023 Jeep Wrangler Willys 4xe.
“Jeep Wrangler 4xe customers looking for the ultimate combination of capability and electrification, with a vintage twist, can now have it in the 2023 Jeep Wrangler Willys 4xe,” said Jim Morrison, senior vice president and head of Jeep brand North America. “The debut of the new heritage-inspired 2023 Wrangler Willys 4xe pairs 49 MPGe, 470 lb.-ft. of torque with unmatched Jeep capability, a 2.72:1 4WD low range ratio, heavy-duty Dana 44 axles and a new entry price point to the 2023 model year Wrangler 4xe lineup, which continues to be the best-selling plug-in hybrid in America.”
The 2023 Jeep Wrangler Willys 4xe offers 375 horsepower, 470 lb.-ft. of torque, a 17 kWh battery that allows for 21 miles of all-electric range, a 2.72:1 Selec-Trac full-time 4WD system, 30 inches of water fording, Dana 44 axles and mud-terrain tires. Willys 4xe factory suspension lift delivers 10.1 inches of ground clearance. The hybrid powertrain maximizes efficiency with 49 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe), according to Jeep.
The Jeep Wrangler Willys 4xe features standard LED headlamps and fog lamps, Alpine 9-speaker premium audio, all-weather floor mats, rear limited-slip differential, rock rails, black grille and 17-inch black-painted alloy wheels wearing LT255/75R17C mud-terrain tires. A special ‘Willys’ decal on the hood, trimmed in the 4xe’s signature Electric Blue, and an ‘Electric 4-Wheel Drive’ decal on the swing gate signify that this Willys is a 4xe plug-in hybrid, Jeep said. Electric Blue is also used to accent the front and rear Willys tow hooks, the Jeep badge and the Trail Rated badge. An available Sun and Screen Package, featuring the class-exclusive Sky One-Touch Power-Top and the Uconnect 4C NAV with 8.4-inch touchscreen, is optional on the Willys 4xe.
The Jeep Wrangler Willys 4xe powertrain integrates two electric motors and a 400-volt battery pack with a fuel-efficient, turbocharged, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission.
Key output of the Wrangler Willys 4xe powertrain includes 375 horsepower (280 kW), 470 lb.-ft. (637 Nm) of torque and 49 MPGe from the following components:
2.0-liter turbocharged I-4
- Engine-mounted motor generator unit
- Transmission-mounted motor generator unit integrated into eight-speed automatic transmission
- 400-volt, 17-kWh, 96-cell lithium-ion, nickel manganese cobalt battery pack
The 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4 is a high-tech, direct-injection engine that uses a twin-scroll, low-inertia turbocharger.
The high-voltage, liquid-cooled eTorque motor generator unit mounts at the front of the engine, replacing the conventional alternator. The motor generator spins the engine for nearly seamless, fuel-saving, start-stop operation and generates electricity for the battery pack. The second high-voltage motor generator is much more powerful. Mounted at the front of the transmission case, this large e-motor is key for pure electric operation of the Wrangler Willys 4xe, Jeep engineers said.
The Jeep Wrangler Willys 4xe’s 400-volt, 17-kWh, 96-cell lithium-ion battery pack uses nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) graphite chemistry. The pack and controls mount underneath the second-row seat, where it is protected from outside elements.
The Jeep Wrangler Willys 4xe driver can tailor the hybrid powertrain to each trip with its E Selec modes: Hybrid, Electric and eSave. All of the Wrangler Willys 4xe power modes are available when the drivetrain is shifted to 4Lo, Jeep representatives said.
The new Jeep Wrangler Willys 4xe is equipped with a full-time 4WD system, front and rear heavy-duty Dana 44 axles and a Selec-Trac two-speed transfer case with a 2.72:1 low-range gear ratio. A standard Trac-Lok rear limited-slip rear differential provides extra grip and capability in low-traction situations.
The Wrangler Willys 4xe includes Selec-Speed Control with Hill-ascent and Hill-descent Control. This allows the driver to control vehicle speed up and down steep, rugged grades with the transmission shift lever. The Wrangler Willys 4xe wears a Trail Rated badge and includes the following features:
- Skid plates and front and rear blue tow hooks
- Aggressive 17-inch off-road black-painted wheels and LT255/75R17C mud-terrain tires
- Up to 30 inches (76 cm) of water fording
