Navigating the winding roads of the Sierra Nevada foothills, the 2024 Jeep Wrangler 4xe Rubicon X hummed quietly beneath me, a stark contrast to the rugged terrain towering around forgotten logging roads. This latest iteration of the iconic off-roader represents a significant evolution, blending Jeep’s legendary capability with modern electrification.
This plug-in hybrid off-roader combines Jeep’s legendary 4×4 capabilities with electrification amongst the iconic Wrangler lineup. With 375 horsepower and 21 miles of all-electric range, the Rubicon X is ready to deliver unparalleled performance both on and off the beaten path. But does this $78,995 trail-ready hybrid live up to its hefty price tag? I put it to the test in challenging terrain to find out.
Performance and Powertrain
The heart of the Jeep Wrangler 4xe Rubicon X is its innovative plug-in hybrid system. It combines a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine with two electric motors, producing a combined output of 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, delivering power to all four wheels through a sophisticated 4×4 system.
During my test drive, I found the acceleration to be surprisingly brisk for such a hefty vehicle. The Rubicon X sprinted from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.2 seconds, a notable improvement over its predecessors. During overall driving, the initial push was a bit slower, with the vehicle rapidly jumping from the high 20’s to 60 mph exponentially faster.
The instant torque from the electric motors provided a satisfying surge of power, especially useful when climbing uphill along Highway 80 approaching Donner Pass.
Off-Road Experiences
The Rubicon X trim is equipped with a suite of off-road features that make it a formidable trail machine:
Rock-Trac 4×4 system with a 4:1 low-range gear ratio
Tru-Lok electronic locking differentials (front and rear)
Electronic sway bar disconnect
33-inch all-terrain tires
Heavy-duty Dana 44 front and rear axles
Selec-Speed Control (off-road cruise control)
The winch, rated at 8,000 pounds, is a valuable addition for self-recovery or assisting other vehicles in challenging situations.
As I ventured deeper into the Tahoe National Forest, I encountered a series of challenges that would test the mettle of a casual 4×4 enthusiast. This was a test vehicle, and it needed to be returned in mint condition.
The recent rainstorms had turned the trails into a muddy obstacle course, with deep ruts and murky puddles of indeterminate depth.
Engaging the electronic-locking front and rear differentials, I felt the Wrangler’s demeanor change instantly. The 4xe tackled a particularly treacherous section of trail, its massive 33-inch tires clawing through thick red mud that could quite possibly swallow lesser vehicles whole.
The traction was nothing short of phenomenal, with each wheel working independently to maintain forward momentum.
As I approached a series of deep ruts carved by previous off-roaders and Caterpillar tires, I activated the electronic-disconnecting front stabilizer bar. This feature, unique to the Rubicon trims, allowed for increased wheel articulation, enabling the Wrangler to conform to the uneven terrain like a mountain goat.
The 4xe crawled through the ruts with impressive control, never once feeling unstable or at risk of sliding. I tested this driving down steeper grades along the North Fork of the American River, crossing Yankee Jim Bridge during a rain storm. I would have been stuck crawling at several miles per hour in my 1991 Toyota Pickup, but managed to drive between 11-15 mph quite safely in this Jeep.
The true test came when I encountered a vast, muddy puddle stretching across the entire width of the trail. Trees on each side, and a trench on the more formidable side, I held my breath and checked to make reception was within reach.
With no way to gauge its depth, I had to trust in the Wrangler’s capabilities. I engaged low-range 4WD and slowly entered the murky water at a steady speed. The 4xe’s high air intake and sealed electrical components allowed it to ford through over 2 feet of water without hesitation, emerging on the other side unscathed.
While I didn’t need to use it during my test, the factory-installed Warn winch, capable of pulling up to 8,000 pounds, provided an extra layer of confidence. Its presence offered peace of mind when tackling these remote and challenging trails, knowing that self-recovery was always an option if things went awry. Of course, I’ve never used one before, so I’d have to flag down another 4×4’er to help.
The 2024 Wrangler 4xe Rubicon X didn’t just navigate this treacherous off-road course; it conquered it with an air of nonchalance that left me thoroughly impressed. This vehicle isn’t just trail-ready; it’s trail-dominant, regardless of the conditions it faces. I felt infinitely more confident tackling the trail on the way out, now knowing what the Jeep what capable of.
As my journey continued, the terrain began to change dramatically. The muddy forest trails gave way to winding mountain roads, climbing in altitude. The temperature dropped noticeably, and soon, with fog surrounding the road and droplets beginning to freeze. At around 6,000 feet, we found ourselves driving through fresh snowfall, presenting an entirely new set of challenges for the Wrangler 4xe Rubicon X.
The transition from mud to snow was seamless for this capable machine. I engaged the Selec-Speed Control, Jeep’s off-road cruise control system, which maintained a steady 5 mph as I navigated the slippery conditions, changing from snow to bridges with ice warnings and back to snow.
The 4xe’s advanced traction management system continuously adjusted power distribution to each wheel, providing remarkable stability on the snow-covered road. The Wrangler’s chunky BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 tires bit into the surface with confidence.
The vehicle’s weight, increased by the hybrid battery pack, seemed to work in its favor, providing additional traction and a planted feel. This was something that was worrisome when driving over muddy roads and potentially increasing the risk for getting stuck.
Rounding tight mountain switchbacks with sheer drop-offs to one side, the Rubicon X’s composed handling inspired a level of confidence I hadn’t expected in these conditions. It was a vivid demonstration of how this modernized icon has evolved to handle a wide spectrum of challenging environments.
The heated steering wheel and seats certainly helped quite a bit on the snow drive, too.
On-Road Behavior
Traditionally, Wranglers have been known for their compromised on-road manners. However, the 2024 model shows significant improvement in this area. The steering, while still somewhat vague, felt more connected than in previous models.
In heavy traffic and torrential rain, the Wrangler’s elevated driving position and improved noise insulation made for a less stressful experience than I anticipated. However, the boxy shape and large tires still generate considerable wind and road noise at highway speeds.
The roof material provided decent enough sound insulation at speeds up to 70mph. Exceeding these speeds greatly increased the noise coming through into the cabin.
The suspension combined with tire size made driving over bumps and undulations in the road a very smooth experience, while small cracks and tree roots pushing up asphalt could be felt.
I found with almost every drive I took with the Wrangler, sensors would beep at me, with no indicator of why. I found it frustrating to not understand what was causing beeps, sweeps, and creeps, especially when my driving wasn’t testing erratic behavior.
The lighting while driving through a forest at night wasn’t nearly as bright as I would have hoped for. The bottom lights were great at identifying challenges in the road, paired with the front-facing camera. However, the brights were lackluster for seeing ahead.
Interior and Technology
Seated inside the Rubicon X, I found a blend of ruggedness and refinement. The Nappa leather seats are both heated and power-adjustable, providing ample comfort for long journeys. I found myself much more comfortable that I initially anticipated on several hour long drives.
The centerpiece of the interior is the new 12.3-inch Uconnect 5 touchscreen infotainment system. Its responsiveness and intuitive interface impressed me, making it easy to adjust settings without diverting attention from the road.
The system includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, enhancing connectivity options.
The four-door Wrangler 4xe Rubicon X offers comfortable seating for five passengers. Front headroom measures 40.7 inches, with 40.2 inches in the rear. The rear seats, while adequate for children, might feel cramped for adults on extended trips.
Legroom is generous at 41.2 inches in the front and 38.2 inches in the rear.The interior features a mix of durable and premium materials. The seats are upholstered in Nappa leather, while other touchpoints use a combination of soft-touch materials and rugged, easy-to-clean surfaces. I put this to the test with the nasty red staining mud of Northern California.
The Rubicon X comes equipped with an Alpine premium audio system, which includes 9 speakers, a rear subwoofer, and 552W, 12-channel amplifier. The system handled various music genres well, from classical to rock, providing clear highs and punchy bass.
During my test drive, I found the sound quality to be impressive, even with the top down and wind noise present. I thoroughly enjoyed blasting music as loud as I could stand throughout my entire time driving around.
Cargo space in the four-door Wrangler 4xe is respectable, offering 27.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expandable to 67.4 cubic feet with the seats folded.
The side-hinged rear door can be cumbersome in tight parking spaces. The way the 4 side doors open also require being extra careful not to hit vehicles parked next to you. I added a new ding to one of my own vehicles.
The Wrangler maintains its go-anywhere attitude while providing a more upscale feel than its predecessors.
Fuel Economy and Electric Range
The 4xe’s plug-in hybrid system offers an EPA-estimated 22 miles of all-electric range. In my testing, I found this figure to be achievable in mixed driving conditions.
Once the battery is depleted, the Wrangler 4xe is rated at 20 mpg combined, which is comparable to its non-hybrid V6 counterpart.
The range of the vehicle was around 260 miles when full with both gas and battery. This added onto planning to top off for my longer trips. With a lot of hilly, mountainous driving, frequent checks showed anywhere from 8 to 15 mpg on the dash.
Comparison with Competitors
Here’s how the 2024 Jeep Wrangler 4xe Rubicon X stacks up against its main competitors:
The Wrangler 4xe Rubicon X commands a premium price but offers unique features like the plug-in hybrid powertrain and advanced off-road capabilities that set it apart from its rivals.
Trim Options
The 2024 Wrangler 4xe is available in several trims, each catering to different needs and preferences:
Sport S 4xe: The entry-level trim, offering core 4xe features.
Willys 4xe: Adds more off-road capability with 33-inch tires and a limited-slip differential.
Sahara 4xe: Focuses on comfort and on-road performance.
Rubicon 4xe: The off-road specialist with 33-inch tires and additional trail-ready features.
Rubicon X 4xe: The top-tier trim with all available off-road features and luxury amenities.
Total miles driven: 449. 3676 to 4125.
Driving conditions: City streets, heavy rainfall, light snow, off roading in mud and over logs and small rocks.
Article Last Updated: December 25, 2024.
Michael Kahn is the publisher of The Weekly Driver, serving as writer, photographer, and content creator. With a keen eye for storytelling and a passion for adventure, he specializes in uncovering the stories and experiences of automobile enthusiasts. Michael’s work is inspired by his love for off-the-beaten-path road trips, global exploration, and the pursuit of exceptional culinary experiences, all captured through the lens of a world traveler and automotive enthusiast.
