2025 Jeep Wrangler

Test Vehicle:

2025 Jeep Wrangler Willys 41 4xe

Powertrain: 2.0L DOHC I-4 Turbo Plug-In Hybrid

Exterior Color: 41

Interior Color: Black / Heritage Tan

Options: 41 Package ($9,235), Black/ Heritage Tan, Trailer Tow & Aux Switch Group, Convenience Group, Technology Group, Active Safety Group ($3,995)

MSRP as tested: $73,095 (With Destination & Delivery)

Pros: Heritage style, off-road capability, high resale value, around town efficiency, good powertrain

Cons: Glitchy technology, highway handling

Introduced in 2021, the Wrangler 4xe is a plug-in hybrid version of the popular off roader that has become one of its bestselling versions with over 250,000 assembled. It features a 2.0L turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine that pairs with two electric motors and a 400-volt battery pack. The 4xe delivers around 21 miles of pure electric operation and a combined 49 MPGe when adding in the fuel ratio.  When it arrived with a full tank and charge, it provided a range of around 325 miles. Wrangler 4xe offers a body-on-frame design, front and rear five-link suspension system, solid axles, electronic lockers, a seamless eight-speed automatic and E-Selec driving modes, including eSave mode that reserves battery power for later. 

New for 2025 is the Willys ‘41 model which celebrates the original, combat-born-and-bred 1941 Jeep Willys MB. This limited-edition model features period-correct Drab Blue “WILLYS / 4XE” decals and other army-style graphics to echo the utilitarian stenciling of the 1940s.  Also new for 2025, power locks and power windows are now standard on all Wrangler models and active cabin ventilation now allows customers to better pre-ventilate the cabin via the mobile app before entering the vehicle. 

4xe models are offered in seven trim levels: Sport S, Willys, Sahara, Willys ‘41, Rubicon, Backcountry, and Rubicon X. All are exclusively four-door models. The entry-level Sport S 4xe starts at $50,695 while the top end Rubicon X starts at $70,940 with the rest falling somewhere in between. In general, the Wrangler competes with vehicles like the Ford Bronco, Land Rover Defender and Toyota 4Runner, although none of those models offer plug-in variants. I spent a week in a Wrangler Willys ‘41 4xe while on vacation in Ft Lauderdale, Florida and it was the perfect vehicle for cruising around in the sun. It even proved to have plenty of passenger and cargo space for my family of five plus luggage!  Here’s what stood out after a week of driving in the sunshine state…

Styling:

The exterior styling of the Wrangler 4xe is nearly identical to other models. The only real identifier is the electric blue 4xe emblem on the back and the Jeep emblems outlined in blue select models. Tow hooks (front and rear) are usually painted Electric Blue instead of the typical red (Rubicon) or black (Willys). Outside of that and the obvious plug port on the front driver's fender, you'd have to look closely when parked side by side with another Wrangler. Like all Wranglers, the tops and doors come off and the windshield folds down. 

The specific Willys ‘41 model comes finished in an authentic military-inspired ‘41 olive drab paint that mirrors that of the original 1941 Willys MB. While this paint variant is available on other Wranglers, it’s so integral to the Willys ’41’s personality that it feels exclusive. The hood sports a matte-black “’41” decal in relief, paired with “Willys / 4xe” stencils in Drab Blue on the hood sides, drawn directly from military stenciling of WWII-era Jeeps. It rides on exclusive 17-inch aluminum wheels painted to match the body, wrapped in beefy 33-inch BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 tires. The wheel center caps even feature a silhouette of the iconic Willys MB, a subtle nod to Jeep heritage. My test model came with the standard body-color hardtop with the Sky One-touch power top, but there is also an optional tan soft-top available. The Wrangler Willys ’41 is a styling statement—a rugged tribute to Jeep’s military lineage infused with modern hybrid flair. From the olive-drab hue and period-correct decals to all-terrain tires and steel bumpers, every element reinforces its identity as both commemorative and functional.

For the rest of the 4xe lineup, there are eight different colors including Anvil, Black, Bright White, Fathom Blue, Firecracker Red, Granite Crystal, Hydro Blue, and ‘41. 

Wrangler 4xe Top Options:

There are a variety of top options including both a hard or soft top. I have previously had the 3-piece hard top which is nice for Chicago winters and looks great on or off, but it does need at least one other person to lift off the Jeep. The process of removing the top is fairly simple and can be done in 15 minutes, but due to the size and shape of the back portion of the roof, the second set of hands is necessary, as is a place to store the pieces when the top is off. The front two pieces, however, can be popped off in a matter of minutes by one person and easily stored in an optional storage bag to give you some open-air up front. 

Comparatively, this time around my test Jeep came with the Sky One-Touch Power Top. At the touch of a button, the full roof slides back for open-air freedom making it very adaptable to the weather. This top is not intended to be removed like the other options. I did like this option for ease of overall use. Other options include a Sunrider for hardtops, mesh sunbonnets, body-colored, 3-piece hard tops or black variations. 

Powertrain:

While the 4xe aesthetically looks like all other Wranglers, what's under the hood is very different. 4xe Wranglers are powered by an advanced turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder engine with two electric motors and an eight-speed automatic transmission that delivers 375 horsepower and 470 lb.-ft. of torque.  The electric motors pair with a 400-volt, 17-kWh 96-cell lithium-ion, nickel manganese cobalt battery pack. The configuration maximizes the efficiency of the hybrid components and mates them to Wrangler's proven driveline. The battery packs are mounted below the second-row seats to protect them from outdoor elements allowing Jeep owners to do Jeep things.

Range:

As a plug-in hybrid, it's easy to use. You have electric range when charged, but fuel is available when needed. When fully charged and a full 17.2-gallon tank, it provides around 370 miles of drive time with 21 of those miles being electric. Each night I plugged in the 4xe into a standard home outlet and when I woke up in the morning, the maximum electric range of around 21 miles was available for use. Utilizing a 240-volt Level 2 charger capable of 7.2 kilowatts should charge your 4xe in roughly two hours which is much more sensible than a standard 120-volt at home.  Home fast chargers are available through dealers and likely worth the investment if you purchase a 4xe. The EV range disappears quickly if you’re driving on the highway, but there is an option to select eSave and use the electric range for around town type of driving. 

As an added benefit, Jeep includes a digital eco-coach in the information display for drivers so they can see the power flow and how the impact of regenerative braking affects their range. When the driver steps on the brake pedal, the powertrain control engages the maximum available regenerative braking from the electric motors to slow the vehicle, supplemented with the Wrangler's traditional friction brakes. The regenerative braking feature also extends the replacement period for brake pads. It is a different feel while driving as the Jeep slows down rapidly without even touching the brakes.

Performance:

Once on the road, the 4xe is quick thanks to the instant torque the batteries provide. With 375 horsepower, it's currently the second fastest Wrangler behind the polar opposite Rubicon 392 with a 6.4L Hemi V8 which delivers 470 horsepower but only gets an estimated 14 MPG. The Willys ‘41 4xe gets from 0-60 in around 6 seconds. The initial power in electric mode only is fast but falters quickly, however in hybrid mode the gas engines maintain the propulsion speeds that the electric motors kickstart. It seamlessly transitions between gas and electric without a noticeable lag that I've seen in other hybrids. The two powertrains work well in tandem making this feel more controlled on the highway. That said, it's still very much a Wrangler that can be a little loose in the steering, especially at higher speeds which is the price you pay to have such a highly capable vehicle built for slow moving off-road driving. Also as expected, there's significant road noise that comes with a vehicle that has many body parts that come off with a few bolts.

Drivers have the choice of three driving modes: hybrid, electric, or eSave. Hybrid is the default and blends the torque from the 2.0L engine and the electric motor. Electric is the zero-emission choice using only the battery until the charge is exhausted or the driver uses more torque such as a wide-open throttle that engages the engine. eSave mode will save the battery use for later use such as around town errands versus highway speed commutes. Note that regardless of your drive mode selection, it will always return to its default hybrid mode after it is turned off. 

Capability:

The 4xe models remain trail-rated Wranglers with solid front and rear axles, full-time 4x4 two speed transfer cases, fully articulating suspension, and the ability to ford up to 30-inches of water. Also available on the 4xe is a trac-lok limited-slip rear differential which will provide extra grip in low-traction situations. It has plenty of clearance for climbing with an approach angle of 42-43.8 degrees, a breakover angle of 22-22.5 degrees, and departure angle of 35.2-35.6 degrees. Standard ground clearance is 10.1 inches on the Sahara and 10.8 inches on the Rubicon. 

My test Willys ‘41 came with the more aggressive 33-inch BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 tires that are ideal for the trails and rocks. Off-road prowess is further supported with a Dana 44 HD axle, 10.8 inches ground clearance, and Trail Rated credentials. And when paired with other off-road features like skid plates, front and rear tow hooks, and hill-ascent and descent control, it is apparent this is not just another PHEV on the road. And with maintaining its focus off-road, Jeep even launched a charging network placed at off-road trailheads across the US. Towing capacity is rated at 3,500 lbs. max.

Interior:

Hopping inside the cabin features tan "Heritage" cloth upholstery that emphasizes utilitarian charm while offering a lighter, breathable feel over leather. A fabric dashboard insert in muted olive drab further brings a retro military vibe, reinforcing the Willys MB homage. The shifter cap features a special ‘41 badge as another vintage nod while modern technology otherwise encapsulates the interior. 

Drivers face twin-dial analog gauges with an information screen in between. The controls for drive mode selection are tucked out of the driver's sight line near their left knee, which is slightly awkward. At the center of the dash is a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen display that utilizes Jeep's Uconnect 5 interface and connects with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Most of the vehicle's features can be controlled through the touchscreen, although there are also traditional buttons and dials for climate and audio controls. Window controls continue to be in the center stack adjacent to the media ports. Surrounding passengers are various grab handles for those trips on bumpy terrain. About the only difference with the 4xe is the addition of an LED battery level monitor bar that is placed atop the center of the dash against the windshield so that you can see the status of your charge at a quick glance.

Materials are appropriate for Jeep and easy to wipe clean. Interior storage is minimal up front and limited to a small tray behind the gear shifter and the center console storage bin. Neither are ideal for mobile phone placement so mine was most often on the passenger seat or in one of the two cup holders if they were not in use. 

Technology:

All models come with the same 12.3-inch touchscreen that utilizes a fifth generation Uconnect system with pinch-and-zoom capability. The system is intuitive to use but was a little glitchy. Initially the wireless Apple CarPlay connected with no issues, but then it randomly disconnected and would not reconnect until I restarted the Jeep. This has happened on multiple Jeep models I’ve tested in the past which gets frustrating. 

Other technological features include an available in-car Wi-Fi, Co-pilot on board navigation system, Forward-facing off-road camera system, and Alexa integration. The off-road camera system is particularly helpful when driving on trails and aiding with blind spots. The camera produces clear images all around the Wrangler. Also available is a connected app that will allow you to lock/unlock, remote start, navigate, and provide vehicle health directly from your phone.  Over-the-air updates and SiriusXM with 360L are also available on higher trims. 

Passenger Space:

The driver's position and seat comfort were acceptable and at an average height I found the space to be adequate. I often carted around my entire family of 5 in the 4xe and while no one clearly complained about head room with the top off, leg room in the second row was somewhat tight. There was plenty of leg, head, and shoulder room all around.  There were some challenges getting in and out due to the height of the Wrangler, but there are grab handles to help ease the climb. Accessories like rock sliders or side steps are also available. 

Front seats are supportive, well-shaped, and are comfortable for long drives. They’re available in standard cloth, with upgrades including premium cloth, leather, Nappa leather, and even 12-way power-adjustable options in higher trims. Available heated front seats and a heated steering wheel are available for those Chicago winters but were not needed during my time in Florida.

Cargo Capacity:

The four-door Wrangler has just 27.7 cubic feet of space behind its rear seats and 67.4 cubic feet with these seats folded. This was actually quite impressive when put to the luggage test as we hauled two full-size suitcases, three carry-ons, and a couple backpacks in this area while traveling. By comparison, the two-door Wrangler has one of the smallest capacities at just 12.9 and 31.7 cubic feet, respectively. The biggest issue when all of the seats are full or the top is off is the lack of locking storage. With the batteries taking up space under the rear seats, some hidden storage is lost in the 4xe. There is a small space under the rear cargo area which is just enough to store the charger and cords, but it does not lock. 

Safety: 

Over 85 standard and available safety and security features are available on the Wrangler 4xe. Standard features include:

• Pre-collision Safety System
• Post-collision Safety System
• Dual-Front Side-Mounted Airbags
• Curtain Airbags (Front & Rear)
• Electronic Stability Control & Roll Stability Control 
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) & Traction Control
• Brake Assist
• ParkView Rear Back-Up Camera
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System
• Full-Speed Forward Collision Warning (with Mitigation)
• Dual-Stage Front Occupant Airbags & Side-Impact Beams
• Rear Child Safety Locks

Other available features include adaptive cruise control with stop & go,  blind spot monitoring and rear cross path detection, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, automatic high beams, park assist, back-up cameras, and more.  General safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA are average to good.

Final Statement:

The Wrangler 4xe has been a great addition to the already diverse line up of Wranglers and the new limited edition Willys ‘41 has its own unique style. As Wranglers have grown in popularity in the urban/suburban neighborhoods, the 4xe is a perfect option to consider. It offers all the fun and cool factors of a Jeep but adds in better fuel efficiency with an environmentally friendly EV option.  The Willys ‘41 stands out amongst other Wranglers with an old school style that many other vehicles couldn’t pull off. It garnered quite a few comments and praise while I was driving it with a lot of compliments on the color specifically. Prices continue to rise and the $73k price tag makes this one of the most expensive Wrangler 4xe models you can get.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler 4xe Willys ’41 is a powerful tribute to Jeep heritage, combining off-road grit with electrified performance in a bold, nostalgic package. It delivers robust capability, sleek retro aesthetics, and modern hybrid efficiency. The premium price and modest interior ergonomics are the only trade-offs. If you're seeking a unique off-road vehicle that honors Jeep’s roots while offering modern hybrid performance—and you're willing to invest—the Willys ’41 is a compelling choice.