Jeep’s Iconic Willys Goes Electric: Wrangler Willys 4xe Expands the PHEV Lineup – Jeep Willy’s 4xe
by Green Living Guy Staff
AUBURN HILLS, MICH. — Let’s hear it for the Jeep Wrangler Willy’s 4xe blends rugged ability with vintage design. It has long held a special place in the brand’s heritage. Now, the iconic nameplate enters a new era—electrified.
At the 2022 Detroit Auto Show, Jeep introduced the 2023 Wrangler Willys 4xe. This is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). For it builds on the success of the best-selling PHEV in America: the Wrangler 4xe. The new Willy’s variant delivers legendary off-road ability. It provides a modern twist with quiet, battery-powered torque. It also achieves a strikingly efficient 49 MPGe.
A Modernized Classic: Jeep Willy’s 4xe
The Willys 4xe is not a cosmetic package. It’s a deeply engineered take on the modern Wrangler. It’s equipped with the same 375-horsepower, 470 lb-ft hybrid powertrain as other 4xe models, pairing a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine with dual electric motors and a 17 kWh lithium-ion battery.
This configuration provides up to 21 miles of all-electric driving. This is enough to cover many daily commutes or trail excursions in total silence. Joined with Jeep’s Selec-Trac 4WD system and also a 2.72:1 low-range gear ratio. For the Willys 4xe doesn’t just whisper through the wilderness. That’s because it crawls, climbs, and fords with authority.
“Customers now have a compelling new choice. They look for electrified potential with heritage-inspired design,” said Jim Morrison, head of Jeep North America. “The Willys 4xe expands access to our electrified lineup while keeping Jeep’s off-road credibility front and center.”
Built for the Trail—and the Commute
Beneath its retro aesthetic, the Willys 4xe features serious off-road hardware. It includes heavy-duty Dana 44 axles, mud-terrain tires, and a factory lift. The lift delivers 10.1 inches of ground clearance. A Trac-Lok limited-slip rear differential manages low-traction surfaces like sand, snow, and also gravel. Selec-Speed Control provides hill ascent and descent help.
The battery is protected under the second-row seat. It is sealed for water crossings up to 30 inches. This design is proof that electrification doesn’t mean fragility. This Wrangler still wears its Trail Rated badge proudly.
On pavement, the PHEV system offers three drive modes. Hybrid mode balances gas and also electric power for optimal range and performance. Additionally, the electric mode delivers zero-emission driving until the battery’s charge depletes. eSave mode conserves battery for later. The gas engine does the work until conditions call for a quieter or more efficient ride.
Subtle Design, Big Character: Jeep Willy’s 4xe
Visually, the Willys 4xe adds just enough flair to distinguish itself. A “Willys” hood decal is trimmed in Electric Blue. A matching “Electric 4-Wheel Drive” badge on the swing gate nods to the vehicle’s hybrid nature. Blue accents on the front and rear tow hooks, Jeep and Trail Rated badge and interior trim.
Standard equipment includes LED headlights and fog lamps, and all-weather floor mats. It also features Alpine nine-speaker audio, and 17-inch black-painted wheels wrapped in LT255/75R17C off-road tires. Buyers can upgrade with the available Sun and Screen Package, which adds Jeep’s Sky One-Touch Power Top and an 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen with navigation.
Pricing and Delivery
The 2023 Wrangler Willys 4xe starts at $53,995 before incentives. This also includes the $7,500 federal EV tax credit and $1,595 destination charge. Furthermore, it joins the Sahara, High Altitude, and Rubicon trims. Deliveries are expected to start in the fourth quarter of 2022.
All Wrangler 4xe models are built at the Stellantis Toledo Assembly Complex in Ohio. Production continues to ramp up to meet growing demand.
A Vision for Electrified Adventure
Jeep has made no secret of its vision for “Zero Emission Freedom.” The Willys 4xe is a key part of that strategy. By 2025, every Jeep model will also offer an electrified variant. The brand’s transformation is underway, not by abandoning ability, but by redefining it.
For longtime Jeep enthusiasts, the Willys badge invokes World War II-era grit. Now, with the 4xe’s whisper-quiet EV mode and instant electric torque. This also signals innovation. For it signifies a broader commitment to environmental responsibility.
Finally, the 2023 Jeep Wrangler Willys 4xe proves its versatility, whether crawling over rocks or commuting across town. It also shows that heritage and progress aren’t mutually exclusive. So i Jeep’s evolving lineup, the past powers the future—and in this case, with a charge.
Sources:
- U.S. Department of Energy – Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs):
It explains how plug-in hybrids work. Vehicles like the Jeep Wrangler 4xe reduce emissions. Plug-in hybrids help lower emissions significantly. These vehicles also offer fuel flexibility. - Car and Driver – 2023 Jeep Wrangler 4xe Review
This review discusses the capabilities of the Jeep Wrangler 4xe. It also covers its efficiency and explores the hybrid technology behind it. It affirms its balance between rugged tradition and electrified innovation.
