Jeep's current electric models and what they cost
Jeep makes two electric vehicles available to buyers in the United States: the Jeep Wrangler 4xe and the Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe. Both are plug-in hybrids, meaning they have a battery and electric motor alongside a gasoline engine. The 4xe designation is Jeep's branding for these models.
The Wrangler 4xe starts around $50,000 to $55,000 depending on trim level, while the Grand Cherokee 4xe begins around $55,000 to $60,000. Prices vary by model year, options, and dealer location. Both vehicles may have access to for the federal tax credit of up to $7,500 if you purchase new, though the credit phases out based on your income and the vehicle's final assembly location.
Jeep has announced plans for a fully electric SUV called the Jeep Wagoneer S, expected to arrive in 2024 or 2025, but it is not yet widely available for purchase. Until then, the 4xe models are the only electric or plug-in hybrid options Jeep currently sells.
Key Takeaways
- Jeep currently offers two plug-in hybrid models: the Wrangler 4xe and Grand Cherokee 4xe, both combining a gasoline engine with a rechargeable battery.
- The Wrangler 4xe can drive up to 25 miles on battery alone, while the Grand Cherokee 4xe can go up to 31 miles, depending on driving conditions and trim level.
- Both models charge at home using a standard outlet or a dedicated Level 2 charger, with full charge times ranging from 2 to 4 hours on a Level 2 charger.
- Federal tax credits up to $7,500 are available for new purchases, though income limits and assembly location requirements explore.
- A fully electric Jeep model (Wagoneer S) is planned but not yet available, so plug-in hybrids are your only current option from Jeep.
How far the Wrangler 4xe and Grand Cherokee 4xe can drive on battery
The Wrangler 4xe has an all-electric range of approximately 25 miles per charge. This means you can drive short trips—commutes, errands, school runs—without using the gasoline engine at all. Once the battery depletes, the gas engine takes over automatically, and you can continue driving normally.
The Grand Cherokee 4xe offers a longer all-electric range of approximately 31 miles per charge. This covers slightly longer daily trips and gives you more flexibility to stay electric for routine driving. Real-world range depends on weather, driving style, terrain, and whether you use the air conditioning or heating.
Both vehicles let you choose how to use the battery. You can drive in "EV" mode to use only the battery until it runs out, or in "hybrid" mode where the engine and battery work together to optimize fuel economy. This flexibility means you are not locked into one driving style.
Charging at home and what to expect
Both the Wrangler 4xe and Grand Cherokee 4xe come with a standard 120-volt charging cable that plugs into any household outlet. Using this method, a full charge takes 10 to 12 hours overnight. This works if you have time and do not mind a slow charge, but most owners install a dedicated charger.
A Level 2 charger (240 volts) is the standard home charging setup. Installation costs between $500 and $2,000 depending on your electrical panel and how far the charger is from your car. With a Level 2 charger, both models reach a full charge in 2 to 4 hours. Many states and utilities offer rebates for charger installation, so check your local programs before paying out of pocket.
You do not need a public charging network to own a 4xe if you have home charging access. Since these are plug-in hybrids with a gasoline engine, you can drive across the country on gas alone. Public charging is a convenience, not a requirement.
Fuel economy and real-world costs
The EPA rates the Wrangler 4xe at approximately 49 MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent) when running on battery and gas combined. The Grand Cherokee 4xe achieves around 56 MPGe. These numbers are higher than comparable gasoline-only models because the electric motor handles low-speed and short-distance driving more efficiently.
Your actual fuel and electricity costs depend on how much you drive on battery versus gas. If you charge every night and drive under 25 miles daily, you might use almost no gasoline for weeks. If you take longer road trips, you will rely on the gas engine and see fuel economy closer to a traditional SUV—roughly 20 to 25 mpg on gas alone.
Electricity costs vary by region, but charging at home typically costs $2 to $4 per full charge, compared to $12 to $18 in gasoline for the same distance. The math shifts if you drive long distances regularly, since the gas engine becomes your primary power source.
Off-road capability and Jeep's traditional strengths
The Wrangler 4xe retains the same off-road features as the gasoline Wrangler: removable doors, a fold-down windshield, four-wheel drive, and the ability to handle rough terrain. The battery sits low in the frame and does not reduce ground clearance. Jeep tested the 4xe on the same trails as its gas models, and it performs identically off-road.
The Grand Cherokee 4xe is a more road-focused SUV but still offers all-wheel drive and the same towing capacity as the gasoline version. It is designed for highway driving and light off-road use rather than serious trail work. The battery adds weight, but Jeep engineered the suspension to handle it without compromising ride quality.
Neither model loses Jeep's core identity by adding electric power. The trade-off is that the battery takes up some cargo space compared to gas-only versions, though the difference is modest.
Maintenance and long-term reliability
Plug-in hybrids require less maintenance than gasoline-only vehicles because the electric motor handles much of the driving, which means less wear on the gas engine. You still need oil changes, but they may be less frequent. Brake wear is also reduced because regenerative braking—where the electric motor slows the car and recaptures energy—does much of the stopping work.
Jeep and its parent company Stellantis back the battery with an 8-year, 100,000-mile warranty. This covers defects and significant capacity loss. Real-world battery degradation is typically 2 to 3 percent per year, meaning the battery retains most of its capacity well beyond the warranty period.
Long-term reliability data for the 4xe is still limited since these models are relatively new, but early reports from owners show no widespread issues. Service centers are familiar with the technology, and replacement parts are becoming more available as more vehicles enter the used market.
Comparing the Wrangler 4xe and Grand Cherokee 4xe
| Feature | Wrangler 4xe | Grand Cherokee 4xe |
|---|---|---|
| All-electric range | ~25 miles | ~31 miles |
| Starting price (approximate) | $50,000–$55,000 | $55,000–$60,000 |
| Home charging time (Level 2) | 2–4 hours | 2–4 hours |
| Primary use case | Off-road and adventure | Highway and daily driving |
| Removable doors/fold windshield | Yes | No |
| Towing capacity | 3,500 lbs | 6,000 lbs |
What Jeep's future electric plans look like
Jeep announced the Wagoneer S, a fully electric SUV designed to compete with vehicles like the Tesla Model Y and Volkswagen ID.Buzz. It is expected to launch in 2024 or 2025 with an estimated range of 300+ miles per charge. Pricing has not been officially confirmed, but early estimates suggest it will start in the $55,000 to $65,000 range.
Beyond the Wagoneer S, Jeep has committed to electrifying more of its lineup over the next decade. The company plans to introduce additional fully electric models, though specific timelines and details remain limited. For now, the 4xe plug-in hybrids are the only electric options available.
If you are waiting for a fully electric Jeep with longer range and no gas engine, the Wagoneer S is worth monitoring. If you need something today, the Wrangler 4xe or Grand Cherokee 4xe are your current choices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I tow a trailer with the Wrangler 4xe or Grand Cherokee 4xe?
Yes. The Wrangler 4xe can tow up to 3,500 pounds, while the Grand Cherokee 4xe can tow up to 6,000 pounds. When towing, the gasoline engine handles most of the work, and the battery provides supplemental power. Towing reduces all-electric range significantly, so expect to rely on the gas engine for longer trips with a trailer.
Do I need to plug in every night, or can I just use the gas engine?
You do not have to plug in at all. Both models work as regular hybrid SUVs if you never charge them. However, you will miss the fuel economy benefits and the ability to drive short distances on electricity alone. Most owners charge at home when possible to maximize savings and reduce gas use.
What happens to the battery in cold weather?
Cold weather reduces all-electric range by 20 to 40 percent because the battery is less efficient and the car uses energy to heat the cabin. A 25-mile range might drop to 15 miles in freezing temperatures. The gas engine still works normally, so you can continue driving; you just use more gasoline on cold days.
Is the federal tax credit still available for Jeep 4xe models?
Yes, but with conditions. New Wrangler 4xe and Grand Cherokee 4xe purchases may may have access to for up to $7,500 in federal tax credit. The credit phases out if your income exceeds certain thresholds (roughly $300,000 for joint filers), and the vehicle must meet domestic assembly and battery component requirements. Check the current IRS guidelines or speak with a dealer about your specific situation.
How does the battery perform after five or ten years?
Real-world data is still limited, but battery degradation typically runs 2 to 3 percent per year. After five years, expect the battery to retain 85 to 90 percent of its original capacity. After ten years, it may be at 70 to 80 percent. Jeep's 8-year, 100,000-mile warranty covers significant defects, but normal degradation is not covered.