Jeep introduced a plug-in hybrid electric powertrain known as "4xe" to some of its rugged and adventurous vehicles. This is a clever development, as it can convert a Wrangler or a Grand Cherokee into a model as energetic and spirited as Jeep diehards, empowering them to explore more. Jeep drivers are loyalists and return to the brand year after year; however, for some—as familiar as they might be with the Jeep lineup—the 4xe powertrain may still be something of a mystery. If you're looking for a Jeep dealer near Poughkeepsie to demystify these plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, we hope you'll visit us at Ruge's Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram.

As enthusiasts of both Jeep and PHEV, we were very excited to see Jeep start introducing this non-traditional powertrain to its vehicles. To date, the Jeep Wrangler and the Jeep Grand Cherokee offer this powertrain, meaning that drivers can find 4xe efficiency in both the manufacturer's popular off-road SUV and their classic midsize SUV. Whether you're looking to make fewer fuel stops when heading out to your next big off-road adventure, or you want to pull over for gas less often while driving around town, we say it's worth checking out the 4xe variants of these vehicles. Our team would be glad to take you for a test drive. Before planning your visit to us, here's what you need to know about Jeep's 4xe powertrain so you can decide if it fits your lifestyle.

First, What's the Jeep 4xe?

The Jeep 4xe is a plug-in hybrid electric powertrain that gives drivers the versatility to power their vehicle via battery power, fuel, or a combination of both. You charge the battery at a charging station—either at your home or a public location; 4xe vehicles have smart systems that allow you to monitor your vehicle's power and determine when it's best to switch your given power source.

The unique nature of this system makes it ideal for drivers who cover a variety of environments. If, for example, you regularly make a drive to some of the destinations under two hours away, like New York City or New Haven, this powertrain can come in handy when you get stuck in the notorious traffic on the freeways heading to either city. If you find your tank low on gas—unsure when you can pull over for fuel—you can switch to a different power mode. Likewise, if your battery power is low, you can switch to electric mode. We'll get into how exactly each mode works, but the important thing to note is that a 4xe vehicle gives you plenty of backstops if you're worried you'll run out of fuel (or power) on the road.

An Overview of the E-Select Driving Modes

While you're on the road in and around Poughkeepsie in your Wrangler or Grand Cherokee, you can decide how your vehicle is powered using e-select driving modes. The four modes are gas, hybrid, electric, and e-save. The gas option will have your vehicle running on traditional fuel alone. The hybrid mode pulls torque from both the engine and the electric motors to power your vehicle, offering maximum horsepower and optimal acceleration while using electric power off the line before moving to gas once you begin to cruise.

Electric mode is the battery-only mode. Your vehicle will have a limited number of miles it can travel in battery-only mode (we'll cover those figures next), and it enables you to drive while creating almost no tailpipe emissions. Finally, the e-save mode will rely mostly on the gas engine, so as to conserve battery power for another time.

The Jeep Wrangler 4xe

Starting with the 2024 Jeep Wrangler, the 4xe model here gets a brand-estimated 49 MPGe, which is substantially higher than the gas engine model or even comparable hybrid models. Additionally, it has an estimated 370-mile driving range. That's enough to get you from Poughkeepsie to Albany and back a couple of times without having to charge, or to New York City and home again.

If you want to head off to the Hudson Valley Trail or Peach Hill Park for some time in nature, you might want to switch to electric (battery-only) mode to eliminate your emissions in that pristine environment.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe has an estimated range of 470 miles, making it an attractive option for commuters. Drivers can count on drastically fewer stops for gas or searches for public charging stations thanks to this generous driving range. This vehicle has an EPA-estimated 56 MPGe combined—an impressive fuel economy unlike much else on the market.

It can also travel about 25 miles when strictly in electric mode. We know the Grand Cherokee is a popular family vehicle, so we often tell our suburban drivers how quiet the 4xe is in this mode. If you live in a neighborhood with strict quiet hours, switching to electric mode will make your vehicle quiet as a mouse as you pull onto your street.

How to Charge Your 4xe in Poughkeepsie

"Where and how do I plug in my vehicle?" is a question we receive often at our Jeep dealership. Your 4xe Jeep will come with a standard Level One charger, which plugs into a 120-volt outlet and will give you a full charge in 12 hours. If you have a consistent schedule and know that waiting for an overnight charge works for you, this would be your easiest option.

Drivers with more sporadic schedules or unpredictable days should consider the available Level Two charger. This plugs into a 240-volt outlet and can give you a full charge in just two hours. Plus, it syncs up to your phone, so you can control charging from wherever you are and even check the power grid to find the least expensive times to plug in. When you're away from home, you can search online or with a dedicated app to find EV charging sites in your area.

Financial Incentive

There is a price difference between Jeep's gas engine vehicles and their PHEV ones, and it's not a small one. However, if you are looking to make an investment that will pay off in the long run—both for your wallet and the planet—the MSRPs of the Grand Cherokee and Wrangler 4xe models are well worth it. The amount you save on gas over time will eventually outpace the extra money you spend on the PHEV vehicle compared to a gas engine version.

Additionally, drivers looking to lease a Jeep 4xe should know that some lessees qualify for up to a $7,500 incentive from a Stellantis Preferred Lender, helping you save even more upfront.

Check Out a Jeep 4xe If You Want Options and Savings

We know that the world of PHEVs can be overwhelming at first and that vehicles are changing fast within that world. That's why we are here to answer any questions you have about these innovative and energy-efficient vehicles. We get it—when you're used to filling up at a gas pump, making the switch to a PHEV might seem like a big adjustment. Luckily, Jeep has made it very easy to understand how your 4xe powertrain works and how to charge your vehicle.

Contact us or visit Ruge's Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram if you're interested in learning more about the Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe and Wrangler 4xe, or if you'd like to see them in person. A member of our team would be happy to walk you through the e-select driving modes, as well as show you how to charge your vehicle. Our finance team would love to show you the numbers on how switching to a PHEV can save you money in the long run.