2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe Trim Levels with Comparisons & Configurations.

The first Jeep Wranglers rolled off of the assembly line in 1986, but this vehicle's roots go back much deeper than that. The Wrangler is largely based off of WWII military vehicles. This mid-sized, four-wheel-drive SUV has always retained its rugged design and go-anywhere attitude. Off-road capabilities have always been prioritized for the Wrangler. It's also known for its removable top and doors that provides a unique, open-air driving experience.

The look of this legendary vehicle has remained mostly the same through four generations. That's still the case for the 4xe models. The exciting new thing about this particular Jeep Wrangler is its plug-in electric-hybrid powertrain. All trim levels come equipped with this same setup. This means performance is the same across all models of the 4xe.

The 4xe produces 375 horsepower and an amazing 470 pound-feet of torque. No compromises were made to bring the Wrangler into the future as an electric-hybrid SUV. This Jeep can take you from 0 to 60 miles-per-hour in just 6 seconds. The instant torque is perfect for quick acceleration and excellent off-road performance.

Jeep estimates that the Wrangler will get up to 50 miles-per-gallon with a combination of gasoline and electric power being used. The Jeep Wrangler 4xe should have an approximate range of up to 400 miles. That's enough for just about any type of adventure, and the Jeep Wrangler is all about adventure and off-road fun.

 

2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe Sahara vs Rubicon. What Is the Difference?

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe will be available in three different trim levels. All have the same basic performance stats. They are all powered by a 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder, turbocharged PHEV engine with direct injection and dual overhead cams. All three also get an 8-speed automatic PHEV transmission system.

Jeep's E-Selec system lets the driver choose to use gasoline, hybrid or electric modes. The All-Battery Mode is perfect for city driving or quiet off-road adventures where maximum torque is a must. The quietness of all-electric power means one can really take in the sights and sounds of nature while going on off-road excursions. The eSave Mode conserves battery power while the Hybrid Mode is something in the middle for the best of both worlds.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe also offers decent towing capabilities, which is excellent for such an adventurous SUV. One can easily take a boat or small trailer along for the ride. With a proper setup, the Wrangler 4xe can tow up to 3,500 pounds. This stat is the same for all three trim levels.

At this point, one might wonder what the actual differences are between the three trim levels. They are mostly cosmetic or in the available convenience features. The safety features are similar across the board, with some minor differences when it comes to the driver-assist technology. We will take a closer look at all trim levels starting from the exterior and working our way inward.

The base model of the 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe is dubbed the Sahara model. The next step up is called the Rubicon. Both names will be familiar to long-time Jeep fans. Both come in a wide array of color choices, with the base model actually getting a couple of extra options. Jeep standards such as white, black and red are all here for the 4xe. Both trims have black, power-heated mirrors on the outside.

The Sahara and Rubicon come with LED reflector headlights up front and LED taillights in the back. Both have front LED fog lamps as well. Automatic High-Beam Headlamp-Control isn't standard, but it is available to both models. The front and rear bumpers look identical for these two trims.

The Sahara has a Bright Grille while the Rubicon sports a MOPAR satin-black model. The Sahara has a standard hood, while the Rubicon has dual vents on its hood. Both vehicles have the option for a trail camera to help the driver to see rocks and other debris while slow-crawling over tough terrain. All three trims get intermittent windshield wipers.

Both models get Jeep and Wrangler badges. The Rubicon has some extra hood decals to show off the fact that it's a Rubicon model. All Wranglers sport the Trail-Rated Badge that shows the vehicle has been tested and can take on the toughest of off-road terrains. The Rubicon has a unique Trail-Rated Badge with a red color scheme. The Rubicon also gets some rock-protection sill rails and body-colored fender flares.

The Sahara comes with a set of 20-inch aluminum wheels some all-season tires. The Rubicon has machined 17-inch wheels that come painted black. It comes stock with a set of off-road tires. All trims get a full-size spare. Both models come with Jeep's Soft Sunrider Top in black. This is one of the easiest tops to remove and reinstall, making it a popular choice.

Buyers can opt for a more premium soft top or exchange the black top for a tan one if they so choose. There is also an available 3-piece hardtop that matches the vehicle's body color. The Sky One-Touch Power-Top is the ultimate for quick and easy top removal and raising. Last of all, there are two different Sunbonnet Tops by MOPAR that can be selected, one solid and the other a mesh top.

Some of the remaining exterior features include a tire carrier for the spare, tinted windshield glass and a sports bar. The Sahara gets some extra side steps. These are removed from the Rubicon to provide better ground clearance, since this model is extra focused on off-road performance. All models of the Wrangler 4xe have ABS 4-Wheel Disc Regen Brakes.

Moving on to the inside, these two trims come in either black or dark-saddle interior colors. The Sahara has leather-trimmed seats with the Sahara logo. The Rubicon has low-back bucket seats with premium cloth upholstery. Both have a manually adjustable driver's seats with 6 positions and t2-way lumbar support. There's a 60/40 folding seat in the rear.

None of the three trim levels come stock with heated front seats, but it is available as an option for all models. All three have the Uconnect 4C Infotainment system with integrated navigation. A navigation system is a must for an adventure-focused SUV. The Uconnect 4C system features Apple Carplay and Android Auto compatibility as well as a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hot spot.

There's an 8.4-inch display with some of the audio controls mounted on the steering wheel for easy access. USB ports allow for connectivity and charging of smartphones and other mobile devices. An audio-input jack allows for playing music through the stereo from other devices. This system also offers Bluetooth technology and Voice-Command controls.

The sound system here consists of an Alpine premium stereo and high-quality speakers. SiriusXM Satellite Radio and Travel Link are standard, but of course there's a subscription fee after the end of a free trial. The free trial is only available on brand-new Jeep Wrangler 4xe models.

All three trim levels come with ample storage space. This includes plenty of small-item storage spaces, pockets and cup holders. You should get around 27.7 cubic-feet of cargo space, but this can be expanded to 67.4 cubic feet with the right seat configuration. There's a full-length floor console and rear-compartment storage tray.

Air-conditioning with an automatic-temperature control comes standard for all three trim levels. Power locks and speed-sensitive automatic locks are on all models too. The shift knobs and handbrake come wrapped in leather. There's an auto-dimming rear-view mirror and ambient LED interior lighting for all models of the Wrangler 4xe.

The Sahara and Rubicon share most of the same safety features. There;s Electronic Roll Mitigation and Electronic Stability Control. Traction Control makes off-road adventures or driving in extreme weather even easier. There's a Tire Pressure Monitoring Display to let the driver known when the tires are under- or over-inflated.

Advanced front multi-stage airbags and side airbags provide protection in the event of an accident. There are anchors for child safety seats. There's an available Rear Park-Assist System and Front-Collision Warning System. A Blind-Spot and Cross-Path Detection System gives the driver a better awareness of their surroundings. This too is optional for these trims.

A Remote-Start System allows for starting and warming up the vehicle while the driver is still inside of their home. Push-button Start and Remote Keyless Entry are standard as well. All trim levels get an alarm and a Sentry Key Theft Deterrent System. Hill-Start Assist helps to get the Jeep from rolling backwards when starting off on an incline.

2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe Rubicon vs High Altitude. What Is the Difference?

The third and final trim level for the 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe is called the High Altitude. This is the most expensive model, but it features the best of what Jeep has to offer. Buyers who choose this model will still get the same off-road performance and durability, but with some extra upscale appointments and convenience features.

The exterior design is the same. You once again get the same LED headlights and taillights. The High Altitude has a body-colored grille with black accents. This trim goes back to having a non-vented hood. There are, of course, badges and decals that are specific to the High Altitude. This model has the same wheels and tires as the Sahara model.

Unlike the previous two trims, this model comes with the 3-piece Hard Top. On the inside, there's a third interior-color choice called Global Black / Steel Gray. up front, you'll see leather-trimmed bucket seats. These have the same standard adjustments as before, but come with extra cushioning under those seats.

This model has the same infotainment and navigation system as before. There are some extra accents here and there such as stitching. Everything on the inside has a slightly more upscale look. There are a number of previously optional driver-assists that come standard on the High Altitude.

Some of the newly standard features include Blind-Spot and Cross-Path Detection and the Rear Park-Assist System. This trim level now comes with a Remote-Proximity Keyless-Entry System. Other than those additions, the safety features remain the same.

 

Which Trim to Choose?

There's a significant uptick in cost between each of these trim level. The best additions for the High Altitude are the standard driver-assist features. These greatly enhance the safety of the vehicle. It's also a good choice if you prefer the hard top over the soft tops. Just keep in mind, this will often mean having a garage or other place to stow the hard top when not in use. This can leave the occupants open to getting caught in the rain too.

The middle trim level offers some nice upgrades for enhanced off-road performance. If your Jeep will see a lot of off-road action, then this is likely the best choice for you. There are even subtle design choices here that make the vehicle easier to clean up after driving through the mud or even fording some water. The base model may be the better choice for drivers who will stick to mostly to the roads, though it can certainly handle off-road terrain when needed.