Riding High with the Luxurious, Yet Capable Jeep Wrangler High Altitude 4xe

by Peter Ciani

My family has owned several Jeep vehicles over the years, spanning all eras, including CJ7s, a TJ, multiple XJ Cherokees, a Grand Wagoneer, and my current YJ and JK Sahara. Recently, I had the opportunity to spend a week test driving the Wrangler High Altitude 4xe plug-in hybrid. One thing that amazes me is Jeep’s ability to keep the Wrangler relevant. It’s one of the few vehicles that has continued to evolve while staying true to its roots.

Somehow, Jeep has preserved the original formula, even while meeting modern safety and emissions standards. When you think about it, what’s truly remarkable is that the Wrangler rides as well as it does while maintaining a solid front axle, and it still comes from the factory with removable roof and doors, and a fold-down windshield.

Keep in mind, when I say “rides well,” it’s still a Wrangler. Is the ride super smooth and agile? No. Is the ride terrible for a high-riding 4X4? Also no.

But I find it funny that after all these years, auto reviewers like Consumer Reports or Edmunds still ding the Wrangler for its highway ride and wind noise. it’s shaped like a brick — what do they expect? It’s a Jeep, not a Mercedes S-Class.

A redesign in 2018 made several improvements to the Wrangler’s aerodynamics. For instance, the familiar upright windshield and 7-slot Jeep grille looked similar to previous generations but were more raked-back than before. For the 2024 model year, the Wrangler received a mid-cycle refresh that introduced a revised grille. Not only does the new grille help to improve cooling but it also makes room for a factory winch option.

Also, an 8,000-lb. capacity Warn Industries winch is available on Rubicon trims as part of the Capability Group Package, which also includes front and rear off-road steel bumpers. The steel bumpers are not only functional, but they look great. It’s a shame you can’t add them to other trims. However, you can order them through Mopar Genuine Parts.

The introduction of the 2018 Wrangler JL also brought more efficient powertrain options including a 270 horsepower, 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, and, for the long-running Pentastar 3.6-liter V6, a new 8-speed automatic transmission. Emissions were further reduced with the eventual addition of the eTorque mild-hybrid system in 2019 which provided modest MPG gains for the V6. The introduction of the Wrangler 4xe in 2021 was another step toward increasing fuel economy in a vehicle that is (by design) not very aerodynamic.

Wrangler 4xe models pair the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine with an engine-mounted motor generator, a transmission-mounted motor generator, and a 400-volt, 17-kWh, 96-cell lithium-ion nickel-manganese-cobalt battery pack. This setup delivers a robust 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. Not only does this powertrain provide V8-level torque, but it also offers 21 miles of all-electric driving on a full charge.

Electrifying the Wrangler makes a lot of sense, plenty of people use their Jeeps as daily drivers, but let’s face it, in the past city MPG in the Wrangler wasn’t exactly spectacular. The 2018 Wrangler JK Unlimited barely managed 16 miles per gallon in the city, whereas even the (non-PHEV) hybrid Wrangler JL gets an EPA-estimated 21 miles-per-gallon city. Now, if you use your 4xe for daily errands around town, you can probably do most of your driving on just the battery.

Surprisingly, the Wrangler 4xe was the best-selling plug-in hybrid in the US for 2022 and 2023, an honor you might assume would go to a Toyota hybrid, so the formula seems to work.

This way, the 4xe doesn’t sacrifice off-road capability or ground clearance, and water fording specs are on par with the conventionally powered Wrangler. Plus, the added torque and dead-silent running gear of the 4xe powertrain actually work to enhance the off-roading experience.

For the 2024 model year, the Jeep Wrangler 4xe is available in six trims, including the Sport S, Willys, Sahara, Rubicon, Rubicon X, and High Altitude. Our tester was a High Altitude 4xe, a trim that balances rugged capability with a touch of luxury.

Currently, the High Altitude 4xe with a starting MSRP of $68,390 sits near the top of a vast model lineup, while the Rubicon X 4xe, the pinnacle of Jeep off-road readiness, is the priciest Wrangler at the moment with a $70K+ sticker. Evenso, the High Altitude 4xe offers a model that “checks all the right boxes” in terms of capability and adds a refined, upscale edge.

On the exterior, the High Altitude 4xe trim includes body-colored accents such as the front bumper, fender flares, and side mirror caps, giving it a polished and cohesive look. The 20-inch machine-finished gray wheels, while less off-road-focused, add a stylish flair that leans more toward sophistication than ruggedness.

Our Wrangler 4xe also included the optional Sky One-Touch powertop, a feature that I never thought I would like, but now I can honestly say that I think it is an underrated option.

We go through the routine of switching from the hard top to the soft top each year. While it’s never been much of an issue, the hard top seems to feel heavier as time goes on — and my usual ‘volunteer’ help tends to vanish right when I need it most.

The Sky One-Touch power top is a great solution for someone who is older, or doesn’t have space to store a top but still enjoys the open-air experience. The hardtop remains in place, while the center section opens with the push of a button – at speeds of up to 60 mph. The rear side panels can be removed if desired.

When Jeep first showed the power top I figured it would be restrictive versus no top at all, but from the driver’s seat, there isn’t much difference. The only drawback is that Jeep advises against removing the entire Sky One-Touch hardtop, so if you like your Jeep to be completely naked, it may not be for you.

Inside, the Wrangler 4xe retains the classic retro-modern interior that defines all Wranglers. Jeep has done an excellent job of blending nostalgia with modern touches. Features such as the flat dash and painted interior panels evoke an old-school feel while incorporating contemporary technology.

With the High Altitude 4xe, Jeep elevates the Wrangler experience by offering luxury-level comforts including Nappa leather-trimmed seats, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The High Altitude 4xe trim also includes the available Technology Group package featuring a 12.3-inch touchscreen, UConnect 5 with navigation, and a nine-speaker premium audio system with an all-weather subwoofer.

In addition, the trim comes with a remote start system and the Jeep Active Safety Group with ParkSense rear park assist, Blind-spot Monitoring, and LED taillamps.

So, if you’re looking for an SUV with genuine rugged capability, premium amenities, and a powerful, gas-saving powertrain, the Wrangler High Altitude 4xe should be placed “high” on your list.