Jeep’s electrification push will have one notable victim: the two-door Wrangler SUV. The brand has confirmed that their iconic SUV will be axed in Europe by 2022 as they seek to lower their overall fleet emissions using plug-in hybrid models.
The shorter wheelbase of the two-door Wrangler, which uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder gasoline engine, doesn’t allow enough space for a hybrid drivetrain to be fitted. All future Wranglers sold in Europe will be four-door plug-in hybrid 4xe models, with the exception of the UK, which will not get a right-hand-drive version and will continue to get the gasoline engine.
The two-door Wrangler is imported to Europe from Stellantis’ factory in Toledo, Ohio.
According to industry reports, 30 percent of all Wranglers sold in Europe are the two-door models. Through May, Jeep has sold 2,602 Wranglers in Europe.
The two-door model “will gradually leave the market to the 4-door plug-in hybrid version (4xe).” It has already been discontinued in several countries, including France.
The Wrangler 4xe’s plug-in hybrid powertrain is based on the turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with an output of 279 horsepower and two electric motors for total power of 380 horsepower. Jeep says the electric-only range is 50 kilometers from a 17-kWh battery pack under the second-row seat.
Last year Jeep released plug-in hybrid versions of the compact Compass and small Renegade SUVs as well.
The Wrangler’s main competitor among full-size body-on-frame SUVs in Europe is the Land Rover Defender, which is offered in three-door or five-door versions. The three-door Defender is offered with gasoline, diesel or mild-hybrid powertrains, while the five-door version also has a plug-in hybrid option.
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