2026 4xe or not?

[JAC34]

I am starting to look at 4xe models, have a 2018 V6 currently. A few questions:

1. Is the 2026 4xe actually happening? I stopped into a dealer and they told me they aren't making it this year?? Or if they are, the inventory will be close to impossible to get. I don't trust they even know what they are talking about.​

2. I have 35" tires on mine. I know the 4xe doesn't come with the 35" package like the Willys/Rubi gas options, but if you put 35s on the 4xe, do you need to gear it accordingly? I never did this on my Sahara when I put the 35s on it, but do you really need to? And if so, is it expensive to have it done?​

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Thanks!​

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[IbizaGuy]

There are no more Wranglers being sold in Europe from 2026 which is pretty sad.
The end is nigh for the Jeep Wrangler as legendary 4x4 is being axed in Europe
They plan to replace it with the Jeep Recon instead. I wonder if this decision has affected hybrid plans in the US.

What stuck out was this quote "The turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that every model sold in the UK pumps out up to 269g/km of CO2. That’s almost as much as the 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 in the Range Rover Sport SV. "

I think Jeep should develop an engine like the Nissan Epower for the Wrangler. It's a lot less complicated than the way Jeep has their Hybrid set up. The hybrid may be popular but it must be costing Jeep millions in recalls and repairs under warranty. Even the engineers charge more at the concession to work on a Hybrid vs ICE Wrangler.

I'm now debating whether to buy one of the few last new remaining hybrid Jeep Wranglers in Europe now before they hit the nail on the head. Or will it just become a nightmare with reduced support

 

[VKSheridan]

Discontinued models not only lose parts support but the resale value as well. You definitely face a tough decision Ibizaguy.

 

[JAC34]

But what about US? On Jeep site you can't even build a 2026 Wrangler gas or hybrid?? But other models you can? I've seen 26 gas models on the lot, just wondering why you can't build a new one on the site.

 

[ForgottenTaco]

But what about US? On Jeep site you can't even build a 2026 Wrangler gas or hybrid?? But other models you can? I've seen 26 gas models on the lot, just wondering why you can't build a new one on the site.

The only 2026 you can build on the jeep site is the Cherokee.

 

[Slate]

I have a '23 and like mine, lots of posts on here that swing both ways and plenty of FUD's that will hate on anything that is electric.

Couple of things to consider:

1. The "promised" infrastructure just isn't there for most people. Even the previous administrations supposed billions set aside to build charging networks and capacity, IIRC, installed like a dozen or so across the country.
Yeah, the focus was/is really on the pure electrics, but for many of us, 4XE charging while at the grocery, or out to dinner would be great and maximize the time you are on battery power. But it just doesn't exist and it doesn't seem like stores are even interested in installing them. Take a look at any NEW construction of shopping centers or what not in your area - see any charges getting installed? Yeah, not here either.

2. The dealers are only marginally getting better at servicing the 4XE's and that isn't saying much. I take mine to a dealer an hour away as they have more experience than my local dealer. The lack of qualified techs and in many cases the very low reimbursement for warranty work on the hybrid parts means the dealers aren't really incented to make it a part of their business model. You literally need/want a tech that has a 4XE themselves are is super into the hybrid stuff. This ain't a simple oil change thing.

3. To the above point, while many of us like doing our own maintenance, and mods and all manner of repair and upgrades there is nothing you can work on when it comes to the electric system and all the orange cables and parts. It can kill your at worst or fry other parts of your Jeeps electric system.

4. The lack of the $7500 tax credit really sinks the incentive. I know there is some passionate folks who don't believe in Gov hand outs, but there it is. Or rather there it went. Changing the tax credit from something between you and Federal Government to something between you and dealer meant that there really was no tax credit, and now it is effectively gone. So whether you believed in it or not, it absolutely had an affect in driving adoption of the Jeep 4XE. It also created a weird model where rental companies bought a bunch of 4XE's to take advantage of that credit, but they really make no sense in a rental vehicle.

5. What do I like? I like being able to go to town and back, running errands on a full charge. I like the xtra power when I need to accelerate. I like how quiet it is when I go off road, etc. I like how it is a full Jeep Wrangler and not one with a neutered gas engine to make room. They really did some neat engineering to fit all the hybrid parts in the same size/space.

6. There was a time my wife was really interested in getting one and with her commute it seemed to make sense to get her a 4XE as well, especially since I had a Level 2 charger installed in my garage, but now I think I would just stick with a regular 2.0 ICE.
We did end up getting my son a '21 Willy's 2.0 ICE and is is a lot of fun and a lost less potential headaches since he is away at college.

Finally, if you read this far - there are some use cases where it makes a lot of sense, but I think the way the winds are blowing and the general retreat from electrics and hybrids on all fronts, dealers, business and the government, unless you really have your heart set on one and know what you are getting into, I would pass and stick with a regular ICE for now.

 

[Slate]

One other really big thing to consider. It has been talked about in other places on the forums, but a huge reason the auto manufactures were "all in" on hybrids was to offset the penalties, or potential penalties for selling the big gas guzzler cars and trucks. The more hybrid they made and sold the easier it was to keep selling the gas vehicles.

Now it seems that the "penalty" has subsided or maybe even been removed, so once again the industry changes and maybe they no longer need as many electrics and hybrids to offset their guzzlers.

 

[TravelerTheJLU]

I also have a '23 4xe rubi and do love it. My mom has had 2 4xe rubis, and loved both of them, she has had 0 issues with either, I had a small sensor issue on mine that just required a software update, and was fixed. I think the extra power is amazing and I love driving in full electric. I have 35's on mine and it does "fine" I mostly do stop go city traffic or on the highway at 70 so I don't get the best mileage. In other words don't get a 4xe hoping to put 35's get ~amazing~ mileage. If you want to re-gear I think it's generally between 2k-3k depending on parts and labor rate. I think the 4.10s in the rubi do fine with 35's though haven't noticed a need to go up.
I think the reason your not seeing '26 4xe is '23 4xe are still available new on lots in addition to '24 and '25, the tax credit is gone and other government subsidies so there is little incentive for Jeep to make them. I suspect there will be a '26 4xe however it might be released closer to 2026. It's not uncommon for Jeep to do this and try and push older model year vehicles off especially when they have a big supply. I would suggest looking for a '24 or '25 thats new and try and get some really good savings, all the warranties should start from purchase date not manufacture date so you should get them all.

 

[Deleted User 38384]

Constant recalls, I wouldn't be shocked if they axed the 4xE.

At a certain point, it becomes a bad business plan to continue forward with this powertrain.

Wouldn't be shocked if they put it on the backboard for something better.

Could also be with the release of the Recon in 2028, maybe they don't want people buying a 4XE, maybe they want people buying a Jeep Recon instead.

 

[Brad Hearing]

I am starting to look at 4xe models, have a 2018 V6 currently. A few questions:

1. Is the 2026 4xe actually happening? I stopped into a dealer and they told me they aren't making it this year?? Or if they are, the inventory will be close to impossible to get. I don't trust they even know what they are talking about.​

2. I have 35" tires on mine. I know the 4xe doesn't come with the 35" package like the Willys/Rubi gas options, but if you put 35s on the 4xe, do you need to gear it accordingly? I never did this on my Sahara when I put the 35s on it, but do you really need to? And if so, is it expensive to have it done?​

​

Thanks!​

​

I wouldnt touch a 4xe with a jeep shaped pole.

the tech is new and still buggy as hell but more than that is the common sense adage that the more parts you put in something the more likely a part is to break down. a hybrid is basically 2 drive trains in one vehicle, one of which has no long term testing.

 

[Deleted member 118196]

How are 26 Wranglers popping up on dealer lots now but you can’t even spec one on the website!? Come on Jeep. Do better!

 

[gek]

How are 26 Wranglers popping up on dealer lots now but you can’t even spec one on the website!? Come on Jeep. Do better!

The website is incorrect more often than it's right. The only part somewhat decent is searching for current inventory.

 

[wrexdet]

The JL is an ICE-first platform. The 4xe was a nice try (I liked it when it worked), but after going back to gas, I realized it is the only way to go. If you want an electric variant, I'd just wait for the next gen and see where they go. Hopefully they will have learned from all the problems by then.

 

[JAC34]

I have a '23 and like mine, lots of posts on here that swing both ways and plenty of FUD's that will hate on anything that is electric.

Couple of things to consider:

1. The "promised" infrastructure just isn't there for most people. Even the previous administrations supposed billions set aside to build charging networks and capacity, IIRC, installed like a dozen or so across the country.
Yeah, the focus was/is really on the pure electrics, but for many of us, 4XE charging while at the grocery, or out to dinner would be great and maximize the time you are on battery power. But it just doesn't exist and it doesn't seem like stores are even interested in installing them. Take a look at any NEW construction of shopping centers or what not in your area - see any charges getting installed? Yeah, not here either.

2. The dealers are only marginally getting better at servicing the 4XE's and that isn't saying much. I take mine to a dealer an hour away as they have more experience than my local dealer. The lack of qualified techs and in many cases the very low reimbursement for warranty work on the hybrid parts means the dealers aren't really incented to make it a part of their business model. You literally need/want a tech that has a 4XE themselves are is super into the hybrid stuff. This ain't a simple oil change thing.

3. To the above point, while many of us like doing our own maintenance, and mods and all manner of repair and upgrades there is nothing you can work on when it comes to the electric system and all the orange cables and parts. It can kill your at worst or fry other parts of your Jeeps electric system.

4. The lack of the $7500 tax credit really sinks the incentive. I know there is some passionate folks who don't believe in Gov hand outs, but there it is. Or rather there it went. Changing the tax credit from something between you and Federal Government to something between you and dealer meant that there really was no tax credit, and now it is effectively gone. So whether you believed in it or not, it absolutely had an affect in driving adoption of the Jeep 4XE. It also created a weird model where rental companies bought a bunch of 4XE's to take advantage of that credit, but they really make no sense in a rental vehicle.

5. What do I like? I like being able to go to town and back, running errands on a full charge. I like the xtra power when I need to accelerate. I like how quiet it is when I go off road, etc. I like how it is a full Jeep Wrangler and not one with a neutered gas engine to make room. They really did some neat engineering to fit all the hybrid parts in the same size/space.

6. There was a time my wife was really interested in getting one and with her commute it seemed to make sense to get her a 4XE as well, especially since I had a Level 2 charger installed in my garage, but now I think I would just stick with a regular 2.0 ICE.
We did end up getting my son a '21 Willy's 2.0 ICE and is is a lot of fun and a lost less potential headaches since he is away at college.

Finally, if you read this far - there are some use cases where it makes a lot of sense, but I think the way the winds are blowing and the general retreat from electrics and hybrids on all fronts, dealers, business and the government, unless you really have your heart set on one and know what you are getting into, I would pass and stick with a regular ICE for now.

Thanks, great info! I've been reading about this new '26 4xe with a new range of about 30 miles; where is the on the website?

 

[Slate]

The JL is an ICE-first platform. The 4xe was a nice try (I liked it when it worked), but after going back to gas, I realized it is the only way to go. If you want an electric variant, I'd just wait for the next gen and see where they go. Hopefully they will have learned from all the problems by then.

This is really the best advice. If the infrastructure doesn't materialize (and based on the current political climate I doubt it will in the near future), and if Jeep doesn't do a better job in training the techs and supporting the dealers, then this should be a pass for the vast majority of people.

Getting another 10 miles (or 50 miles) of range won't matter if you can't charge the dang thing (the entire point is to be on battery power as long as you can, with the limitations of the technology [Size, Weight, and Power]) and none if it matters AT ALL if the dealer network can't support the dang vehicle.

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