Manoli Katakis 
Not long ago, several higher-ups within FCA’s Jeep began to exclaim that they’re targeting to be the “greenest” SUV brand in the world, and even hinted that there was an inevitable all-electric Jeep Wrangler EV on the way. Although we’re not there just yet, FCA CEO Mike Manley has recently confirmed that a 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid is set to launch before the end of this year.
“Jeep’s icon the Wrangler will arrive on the market with a 4xe version that will be on the front line of our electrification strategy in North America,” Manley said during the automaker’s annual general meeting, which was held online because of the COVID-19 pandemic. All electrified Jeeps are expected to carry the 4xe badge.
Just earlier today came reports of a revised powertrain content strategy for the 2021 Jeep Wrangler SUV. It will still feature 3.6 liter Pentastar V6, the 2.0 liter turbo four cylinder and the 3.0 liter EcoDiesel V6. However, the eTorque mild hybrid system gets a little more narrowed down. Unlike 2020 and earlier, the turbo four cylinder will no longer be available in mild hybrid configuration. Your sole option with the four banger is non-hybrid and automatic. Initially, this news paid no mention of a 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe. The Compass and Renegade SUV models are expected to follow suit with 4xe hybridization.
Not far from now, the all-new 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee is going to debut, and is expected to standardize FCA’s eTorque mild hybrid system for its base 3.6L Pentastar V6 as well as its optional 5.7L Hemi V8 engine. It’s unclear if future SRT performance Jeeps will also offer such a system. Finally, the 2021 Jeep Wagoneer SUV is also expected to offer a 4xe plug-in hybrid in its arsenal, with a full-electric range of around 30 miles.
Continue to watch this space for more Jeep news as it comes along.
