When you think of plug-in hybrid vehicles, chances are you think of top-selling hybrid cars and SUVs from companies like Honda and Toyota. After all, these car brands helped make hybrid vehicles mainstream in the American market. However, you’d be surprised to learn that Jeep is producing the best-selling plug-in hybrid in 2022, at least up to this point.
Yes, you read that right. The maker of the thirsty Wrangler, Gladiator and Wagoneer is producing the best-selling plug-in hybrid to date in 2022, the Jeep Wrangler 4xe. Here’s everything you need to know about this best-selling hybrid, the competition it outsells, and what contributes to Jeep’s top spot in sales so far.
How many Wrangler 4xe models have been sold?
For the first half of 2022, CNN reports that Jeep has sold 19,207 Wrangler 4xe models. What makes this sales figure even more impressive is the difference between its competitors. The second best-selling hybrid behind the Wrangler 4xe is Toyota’s top offering in the hybrid market, the Toyota RAV4 Prime. Even then, Toyota has only sold 10,153 RAV4 Prime models in the first half of 2022.
With the Jeep Wrangler nearly eclipsing the competition with sales nearly doubling the RAV4 Prime, they must be doing something better than the competition, right?
A league of its own
The Jeep Wrangler 4xe performs well in its class, but that can also be attributed to the fact that this is the only vehicle in its class. The Jeep Wrangler 4xe is an off-road performance vehicle. SUVs are hot sellers in the American car market.
Whether it’s a small crossover or a full-size SUV, they’ve always been a consumer favorite for their space and versatility. Still, with the Wrangler 4xe targeting the off-road market, there’s no competition for off-road capable plug-in hybrid SUVs.
Jeep Wrangler 4xe specifications and price
With a best-selling vehicle like the Wrangler 4xe, it’s important to see how it compares to similar cars to see what it’s doing right. Of course, the biggest draw for the Wrangler 4xe is the plug-in hybrid powertrain, which offers a fuel efficiency rating of 49 MPGe and a combined 20 MPG when running on gas power alone.
While those numbers aren’t necessarily impressive, a key selling point for a plug-in hybrid like the Wrangler 4xe is the option to run on electric power alone. The powertrain of this Jeep can handle a range of 21 miles powered by the electric powertrain alone. Many consumers have reported commuting daily on full electric power alone. The Wrangler 4xe gives buyers a roomy full-size SUV with an electric range that can satisfy their daily commute.
The Jeep Wrangler 4xe starts at $54,765 MSRP. Comparably, the gas-powered Jeep Wrangler starts at $30,295, meaning this plug-in hybrid Jeep nearly doubles in price when a hybrid powertrain is added. Still, for consumers who drive a lot, the electric options could save drivers a ton of money in the long run. The Wrangler 4xe also offers 375 horsepower compared to the 260 horsepower found in the lowest-trim gas-powered Wrangler.
Wrangler 4xe against the competition
While the Wrangler is more of an off-road vehicle, it’s possible to compare it to the Toyota RAV4 Prime, and the competition may be closer than it looks.
The RAV4 Prime is less expensive than the Wrangler, with a starting price of $39,800. In terms of fuel efficiency, the RAV4 Prime is well ahead of the Wrangler with an MPGe of 94 and a combined MPG of 38 MPG on gas alone. The RAV4 can also run on electric power alone, with a range of 41 miles on the electric powertrain.
In terms of price, features and fuel efficiency, the RAV4 Prime looks like the better option in almost every category. While the RAV4 Prime is selling well, they are selling less than expected due to inventory shortages. According to Ivan Drury of Edmunds.com, the RAV4 Prime sells at a rate of 13 days on the lot on average. The Jeep Wrangler 4xe sells at a rate of 20 days on the lot on average.
With a lack of product availability, there’s no doubt that the RAV4 Prime could sell more if demand met supply, but for now, the Wrangler 4xe is the best-selling plug-in hybrid for 2022.
RELATED: Drivers mostly want used Jeep Wrangler models