It’s just a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon. That’s what you’ll think when you walk up to this unsuspecting Wrangler, but there is more than meets the eye. The Firecracker Red color does get your attention and we think that getting a loud color, is the only way to buy a Jeep. The blue accents on this Rubicon did hint at something different about it.

With this being the a Wrangler Rubicon, the outside fenders are positioned higher than the non-Rubicon models. This helps with articulation or the flex of the wheels when you are climbing over obstacles. The 4XE trim does include the LED light package that is usually an option on the other models. The light package does make a subtle but noticeable difference in the appearance in the Wrangler. The blue accents on things like badging, tow hooks, and the hood graphics, is similar to Toyota’s blue logo outline to indicate electrification.

You get under the hood and this is where the 4XE is different from all the rest of the Wranglers. Aside from the 2.0L turbo inline-4 engine, this has an electric companion. The torque numbers (470 lb-ft) are higher than the diesel engine and only second to the V8 powered Wrangler. The switch to the gas engine was extremely smooth and unnoticeable. The hybrid system worked seamlessly which is surprising when you consider this being a first generation system.

I was unable to get the reported combines 49 MPGe or combined gas 20 MPG because I was focused more on the different modes and how they work. The hybrid mode is letting the Wrangler control when it feels is best to use the battery and when to use your gas. Electric is the fun one that lets you move in silence or as silent as a Wrangler can be with its large tires and light insulation from the outside. The last mode is E-Save which helps charge up that battery when for a later time.

I knew only a week of having the 2021 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4XE was not enough. The last half day I had it, I didn’t want to let it go. Many question if electrification of Jeeps is really Jeep, and I say “Yes it is!”