QUICK LOOK: 2023 Jeep® Wrangler Unlimited High Altitude 4xe.

As one of the most popular vehicles in North America, the Jeep® Wrangler Unlimited (JL) has continued to evolve since its debut for the 2018 model year.

It didn’t take long after the launch of the JL, that Jeep realized that there is a niche of customers who prefer a more luxury-oriented offering. But the Jeep team didn’t want to sacrifice the Wrangler’s iconic style and off-road capability. So in 2020, Jeep unveiled the Wrangler Unlimited High Altitude.

Based on the Sahara trim, the High Altitude is packed with standard premium amenities. For example, for the first time ever, the High Altitude offered 20-inch wheels on a factory Wrangler. The package also adds things like full LED exterior lighting and matching body-color treatments to the hardtop, fender flares, exterior mirrors, door handles, tailgate handle, as well as the front and rear bumpers. There are even running boards with an integrated step, which does affect the vehicle’s off-road worthiness but allows easier egress for passengers.

Inside the cabin, the Wrangler High Altitude features a full leather luxury interior boasting a leather-wrapped dashboard, center console and door panels, and Nappa leather seats with quilting. Two interior color options Black and Steel Gray (as shown here), as well as a black leather-wrapped steering wheel, are offered as well. 

An array of technology and other premium features are also standard on the High Altitude models: an 8.4-inch Uconnect 4C infotainment system touchscreen with GPS navigation, Alpine premium audio system, 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, automatic high-beam headlamp control, remote proximity keyless entry, Blind-Spot Monitoring (BSM), Rear Cross-Path Direction, and ParkView rear backup camera that features dynamic grid lines.

The particular model shown here, is from our friends at White Rock Dodge in Surrey, British Columbia and features the 4xe plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) propulsion system.

The Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 4xe PHEV powertrain integrates two electric motors and a 400-volt battery pack with a fuel-efficient, turbocharged, four-cylinder engine and TorqueFlite 8-speed automatic transmission, delivering 49 MPGe (4.8 Le/100 km) and 21 miles (35 kilometers) of all-electric range. This configuration maximizes the efficiency of the hybrid propulsion components and mates them with Wrangler’s world-renowned and proven driveline. The combined output of the system is good for 375 horsepower and 470 lb.-ft. of torque.

The High Altitude 4xe driver can tailor it’s hybrid powertrain to best suit each trip, whether it is filling the needs of most daily commutes in pure-electric operation, a night on the town or quietly exploring nature off-road.

• Hybrid: The default mode blends torque from the 2.0-liter engine and electric motor. In this mode the powertrain will use battery power first, then add in propulsion from the 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four-cylinder when the battery reaches minimum state of charge 
• Electric: The powertrain operates on zero-emission electric power only until the battery reaches the minimum charge or the driver requests more torque (such as wide-open throttle), which engages the 2.0-liter engine 
• eSave: Prioritizes propulsion from the 2.0-liter engine, saving the battery charge for later use such as EV off-roading or urban areas where internal combustion propulsion is restricted. The driver can also choose between Battery Save and Battery Charge during eSave via the Hybrid Electric Pages in the Uconnect monitor

High Altitude 4xe models come with a Selec-Trac two-speed transfer case with full-time four-wheel drive and a 2.72:1 low-range gear ratio. This full-time two-speed transfer case is intuitive and allows the driver to set it and forget it, while constantly sending power to the front and rear wheels.

For 2023, High Altitude models are available in 5 exterior colors: Black, Bright White, Hydro Blue, Silver Zynith, and Sting-Gray. 

As the best-selling PHEV in the United States and Canada, Jeep continues to focus on growing its Wrangler 4xe lineup. Recently, Jeep introduced the hertiage-inspired Willys 4xe model offering a new entry price point for its PHEV off-roader. It shows the brand’s commitment to its electrified Wrangler portfolio, as Jeep continues to look to expand its lineup to offer a PHEV that fits the needs of everyone.

For more information on availability, pricing, and current tax incentives, you can contact your local Jeep dealer.

Pros:

• Iconic Jeep looks
• Not limited to electric range, thanks to PHEV powertrain
• 4xe system adds to the Wrangler’s capability
• Steel Gray interior color looks really good
• eSave mode

Cons:

• Instant “Mall Crawler” status
• Hefty price tag
• No power driver seat
• Transfer case shifter can rest against taller driver’s legs
• Back seat not that comfortable for adults on long trips

2023 Jeep® Wrangler Unlimited High Altitude 4xe Image Gallery:

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