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4 hours ago
by Jay Traugott Off-Road / 12 Comments
What'd you expect from a 6.4-liter Hemi?
Those who want a relatively fuel-efficient Jeep Wrangler should check out the new Wrangler 4xe Hybrid. On the other end of the spectrum is the Wrangler Rubicon 392. The 6.4-liter Hemi V8-powered off-roader is definitely a gas-guzzler and proud of it, fitting in perfectly with the Grand Cherokee Trackhawk. But just how thirsty is it?
The EPA has just released official fuel efficiency ratings for the Wrangler Rubicon 392 and, well, they're not exactly shocking. The government agency lists the SUV at 13/17/14 mpg city/highway/combined. The Trackhawk, to compare, is rated at 11/17/13 mpg.
Meanwhile, the Wrangler 4xe Hybrid, thanks to its 17-kWh, liquid-cooled battery pack, can travel up to 25 miles on electric juice only and in combined driving achieves 50 mpg-e. Improved fuel economy does come at a price when it comes to output. The Rubicon 392 has 470 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque while the 4xe produces an extremely respectable 375 hp and 470 lb-ft combined output.
What's more, the 4xe sacrifices very little off-road capability for far better efficiency. Its battery pack and inverter are neatly tucked away under the rear seat to safeguard them from off-roading-related incidents. They're also waterproof, enabling the 4xe to ford up to 30 inches of water.
Dana 44 axles are located front and rear, and ground clearance remains unchanged. Given all that, why bother with the Rubicon 392 at all?
Because it's a V8. Because it's fast (0-62 mph in 4.5 seconds and a 13-second-flat quarter-mile), and because there'll probably never be another Wrangler like it again. The future of internal combustion engines is looking bleak these days and Jeep is all too aware; the all-electric Wrangler Magneto concept will debut during the 2021 Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah. The 2021 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon starts at $74,995 - nearly $25,000 more than the previously priciest Wrangler.
