It was just a matter of time that Jeep engineers got around to developing a lift kit for the new plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant of its Wrangler 4xe model. I hadn’t considered, until Jeep pointed it out, that this is the first lift kit for a PHEV. And that’s pretty darn cool if you ask me.
“With an industry-first lift kit for a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, Jeep Performance Parts from Mopar will give owners of the new 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe the opportunity to amplify the 4×4 capability and the fun-to-drive, open-air experience of the most capable, technically advanced, eco-friendly SUV,” Jim Morrison, Vice President of Jeep Brand North America, said in a prepared statement. “The 2021 Wrangler 4xe is Trail Rated with solid front and rear axles, a full-time 4×4 two-speed transfer case, a fully articulating suspension and 30 inches of water fording capability.”
Image: Jeep
If you’re not familiar with Wrangler 4xe, it’s capable of 21 miles of all-electric range before its onboard 2.0-lier four-cylinder gasoline engine fires up. If you’d like to read all the details, you can check out my full report here.
READ MORE: WHAT TO BRING OVERLANDING
The two-inch lift kit (part number 77072522) will set you back $1,495, which isn’t bad for what you get considering it was developed by the same team that developed the stock suspension setup.
Image: Jeep
I will warn, though, that the FOX shocks are not valved for a lot of additional weight and easily become overwhelmed by a ton of overlanding gear. So, if you do wish to load your 4xe up, you may be wise to forego the FOX shocks in the kit and install a stiffer set.
Nevertheless, this is just the beginning for plug-in hybrid 4x4s. They and pure-electric trucks and SUVs will grow in popularity over the coming years. This may be the first PHEV lift kit, but it sure won’t be the last.
Header image: Jeep
