The Jeep Wrangler 4xe Could Get Even Better In 2026
Plug-in hybrids provide the best of both worlds, a decent amount of electric-only range for nearly silent, tailpipe emissions-free driving along with a combustion engine for quick refueling, and long range no matter the weather conditions. Shockingly – no pun intended – the best-selling PHEV in the U.S. is the Jeep Wrangler 4xe, and reportedly, the off-road-focused Stellantis division is working to dramatically improve this rugged SUV for 2026.
2025 Jeep Wrangler 4xe Backcountry-1
Jeep Unveils Limited Edition Wrangler 4xe Backcountry
Based on the “refined’ Sahara, just 5,800 examples of the Wrangler 4xe Backcountry are coming to North America.
A New Transmission Promises More Performance And Efficiency
Silver 2024 Jeep Wrangler 4xe 1
According to MoparInsiders.com, the 2026 Wrangler 4xe Unlimited will be gaining a new transmission. The upcoming, though not-yet-released Jeep Gladiator 4xe midsize truck, which is very closely related to the Wrangler, will also utelize this updated gearbox.
The current Wrangler 4xe features the ZF 8HP75PH, a smooth-shifting, efficiency-boosting transmission with eight forward ratios, an AC traction motor, and an interrupting clutch. That integrated dynamo graces this rugged PHEV with 134 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque for decent performance when running exclusively off the battery pack.
Reportedly, both the 2026 Wrangler 4xe and Gladiator 4xe will gain the new 8HP80PH gearbox, with promises to be more powerful and efficient. Supposedly, this setup can provide up to 215 hp and 332 lb-ft of twist, large increases over what the current design offers. Quicker acceleration, smoother shifts, and better efficiency should also be part of this package.
The new 8HP80PH transmission will also supposedly feature a more integrated design, meaning all the electronic controls will be housed inside the transmission case. This configuration promises to reduce complexity and improve vehicle safety. According to MoparInsiders.com, this new transmission also benefits from an updated hydraulic control system that’s more efficient, requiring just 1.8 liters of fluid as opposed to 3.1 liters in the current gearbox design.
Expect More Electric Range, Too
Jeep
This updated transmission is good news for the Wrangler 4xe and the upcoming Gladiator 4xe. More performance, efficiency, and potentially simplified maintenance are all positives that are worth celebrating.
The current Wrangler 4xe has a lithium-ion battery pack that features an advanced nickel manganese cobalt chemistry, and a gross capacity of 17.3 kilowatt-hours. This provides an estimated electric-only driving range of 22 miles, a decent amount for a vehicle this boxy and heavy, but other plug-in hybrids offer significantly more range. The 2026 model, however, is expected to have appreciably more electric range, up to 31 miles on a charge. Supposedly, the vehicle will also be able to hit nearly 75 mph while running exclusively off the battery pack.
PHEVs are an ideal solution for nearly all drivers, but especially folks that are considering a full electric vehicle but aren’t quite ready to make the leap. Plug-ins provide good electric range with a combustion engine that’s ready and willing to take over when the battery is depleted, something that should eliminate range anxiety.
