You might not associate the Jeep brand with electrified cars and environmental conservation. But the company is sneakily dominant in one kind of electrified vehicle – one growing in importance.
Jeep sells more plug-in hybrid (PHEV) vehicles than any other brand. Industry publication Automotive News explains, “The Jeep Wrangler 4xe has been the top-selling plug-in hybrid in the U.S. since debuting in 2021, while the Grand Cherokee 4xe ranked second last year.”
Plug-in Miles, Fill-up Miles
A plug-in hybrid is a middle step between a classic hybrid and an electric car. PHEVs plug into a wall outlet to recharge their battery and can travel around-town distances on electricity alone, then use their gasoline engine for longer trips. The Wrangler 4xe gets up to 21 miles on electric power; the Grand Cherokee 4xe, 25. But both can drive forever as long as they have access to gasoline.
Jeep has a third on the way. CEO Antonio Filosa confirmed in a LinkedIn post this week that the Gladiator pickup will get its own 4xe model next year.
The Most Unique Truck on the Market
The Gladiator is a one-of-a-kind midsize truck that combines the open-air fun and off-road prowess of the Wrangler with the practicality of a 5-foot cargo bed.
If a convertible pickup truck isn’t unique enough for you, you’ll soon be able to get a half-electric convertible pickup truck. It will likely be the only midsize PHEV truck on the market. Filosa offered no specifics on the drivetrain, but both of Jeep’s existing 4xe (Jeep pronounces it “four-by-E”) models use a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine mated to two electric motors for a total output of 375 horsepower.
Price is a mystery for now. But we’d note that both of Jeep’s other PHEVs command about a 20% premium over their gas-powered equivalents. So expect a significant bump from the Gladiator’s asking price, which currently starts near $40,000 and pushes into the mid-$60,000 range.
Jeep has a pair of electric models on the way, too – the Recon off-roader and Wagoneer S midsize family SUV.
