Trading My Jeep JK for a 2021 Wrangler Rubicon 4xe: Review & First Impressions

After a good run with my 2017 JK CRD, it was time for a change. The diesel JK was a cool machine and never let me down, but I wanted to try something different and a bit more future-proof.

So as of 21 May 2025, the JK is gone and a 2021 Wrangler Rubicon 4xe is sitting in the driveway. Going from a turbo-diesel to a plug-in hybrid is a big jump, and I’m curious how it works out in daily use here in Switzerland.

The part I’m most looking forward to is the electric side. Enough battery range to handle short local trips and the commute without firing up the petrol engine, and the fun bit, crawling around silently in electric mode off-road. No engine noise, just the tires and the terrain. And it’s no slouch on tarmac either: with around 380 hp on tap and the instant torque from the electric motors, the acceleration is honestly unbelievable for such a heavy brick of a Jeep. On the hardware side it’s a proper Rubicon: front and rear lockers, electronic sway-bar disconnect, low range and rock rails, so the off-road credentials are all there.

Since then, I’ve been steadily upgrading the rig. The first major mod was a complete new wheel and tire setup from Calonder — 17″ Black Rhino Arsenal wheels with BFGoodrich All-Terrain KO2s. That’s made a huge difference both on and off the road.

I’ll put it through its paces over the next while, trails, overlanding trips, the usual, and report back on how the 4xe holds up compared to the old diesel. For now: new chapter, and I can’t wait to get it dirty. 😊👍