Jeep Wrangler 4xe Towing Capacity: What This Plug-In Hybrid Can Really Pull

The Jeep Wrangler 4xe is a bit of a unicorn. It’s part old-school off-roader, part modern plug-in hybrid, and part daily driver that doesn’t make you cringe at the fuel pump. Naturally, one big question keeps popping up: what’s the real towing capacity of the Jeep Wrangler 4xe, and does the hybrid setup change the game?

We’ve spent time digging into specs, real-world use cases, and the kind of questions actual owners ask when they’re standing in front of a trailer hitch, scratching their heads. Let’s break it all down in plain English.

Understanding Jeep Wrangler 4xe Towing Capacity at a Glance

Before we dive deep, let’s get the headline number out of the way.

The Jeep Wrangler 4xe towing capacity is rated at up to 3,500 pounds when properly equipped.

That number puts it squarely in line with many gas-powered Wranglers, but the story doesn’t end there. Hybrid components, weight distribution, trim levels, and driving conditions all play a role in how confident that 3,500-pound rating feels in the real world.

Why Towing Matters More Than Ever for Wrangler Buyers

Let’s be honest—most Wrangler buyers aren’t towing massive fifth-wheel campers. But small trailers? Jet skis? Dirt bikes? Overland gear? That’s Wrangler territory.

We see towing used for:

• Small campers and teardrop trailers
• Utility trailers for home projects
• Boats and personal watercraft
• Overlanding setups with rooftop tents

The 4xe adds an interesting twist because it promises torque on demand thanks to electric motors. And torque, as we all know, is towing’s best friend.

Jeep Wrangler 4xe Powertrain: Built for Torque

The Hybrid Setup Explained Simply

The Wrangler 4xe combines:

• A 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine
• Two electric motors
• A 17-kWh lithium-ion battery pack
• A ZF-sourced 8-speed automatic transmission

Together, this setup produces 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque.

That torque figure is the star of the show. It arrives quickly and smoothly, which makes pulling weight feel less stressful—especially off the line.

Why Torque Beats Horsepower for Towing

Horsepower gets the glory, but torque does the work. When you’re towing:

• Torque helps get moving from a stop
• Torque keeps momentum on inclines
• Torque reduces gear hunting

The Wrangler 4xe’s electric motors fill in gaps where traditional engines might hesitate.

Official Jeep Wrangler 4xe Towing Capacity by Configuration

Two-Door vs Four-Door Reality

Here’s where things get simple. The Wrangler 4xe is only available as a four-door Unlimited model. That’s good news, because four-door Wranglers generally tow more than two-door versions.

• Wrangler 4xe Unlimited towing capacity: 3,500 lbs

No confusing split here. Every 4xe gets the same max rating.

Does Trim Level Affect Wrangler 4xe Towing Capacity?

Short answer: not in terms of the official rating.

Long answer: trim levels affect confidence, not numbers.

Common Wrangler 4xe Trims

• 4xe
• Willys 4xe
• Sahara 4xe
• Rubicon 4xe

All are rated at 3,500 pounds, but differences show up in:

• Suspension tuning
• Tire type
• Axle ratios
• Off-road hardware

For example, the Rubicon’s aggressive tires and gearing help off-road, but they can feel less composed at highway towing speeds compared to a Sahara.

Jeep Wrangler 4xe Tow Package: What You Really Need

Factory Tow Package Essentials

To safely reach the full towing capacity, the Wrangler 4xe should be equipped with:

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• Class II receiver hitch
• 4-pin wiring harness
• Trailer sway control
• Heavy-duty cooling

Without the proper setup, towing becomes less safe and less predictable.

Aftermarket vs Factory Tow Setup

We always lean toward the factory tow package when possible. It’s engineered to work seamlessly with:

• Stability control
• Hybrid braking regeneration
• Vehicle electronics

Aftermarket setups can work, but compatibility matters more on hybrids than on old-school rigs.

How the Hybrid System Impacts Towing Performance

Electric Assist Under Load

One of the underrated perks of the 4xe is how electric motors assist under load. When towing:

• Acceleration feels smoother
• Hill starts are easier
• Low-speed crawling is more controlled

The electric motors reduce strain on the gas engine, especially at lower speeds.

Battery Drain While Towing

Let’s keep expectations realistic. Towing:

• Drains the battery faster
• Reduces electric-only range
• Pushes the system into hybrid mode more often

This doesn’t hurt the vehicle—it’s simply physics doing its thing.

Real-World Towing: What 3,500 Pounds Feels Like

Numbers on paper are one thing. Real life is another.

At 2,000–2,500 pounds, the Wrangler 4xe feels relaxed and composed.
At 3,000 pounds, you notice the load—but it’s still confident.
At 3,500 pounds, you’re at the limit, and everything matters: wind, hills, braking distance.

We recommend staying slightly below max capacity if you tow frequently.

Payload vs Towing: The Overlooked Limitation

Why Payload Matters More Than You Think

Payload includes:

• Passengers
• Cargo
• Trailer tongue weight

The Wrangler 4xe’s payload rating is lower than some gas models due to the battery weight.

Tongue Weight Rule of Thumb

• Tongue weight should be 10–15% of trailer weight
• A 3,500-lb trailer means 350–525 lbs on the hitch

Add passengers and gear, and payload limits arrive quickly.

Jeep Wrangler 4xe Braking While Towing

Regenerative Braking Explained

The hybrid system uses regenerative braking, which:

• Helps slow the vehicle
• Recaptures energy
• Reduces brake wear

However, when towing heavy loads, traditional brakes still do most of the work.

Trailer Brakes: Strongly Recommended

For anything over 2,000 pounds, trailer brakes:

• Improve safety
• Reduce stopping distance
• Increase downhill control

This is especially important in mountainous terrain.

Towing a Camper with the Jeep Wrangler 4xe

Teardrop and Lightweight Campers

Perfect match. Most teardrop campers weigh:

• 1,500–3,000 lbs

The Wrangler 4xe handles these with ease, especially on mixed terrain.

Pop-Up Campers

Some pop-ups are within range, but weight adds up fast once loaded. Always check:

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• Dry weight
• GVWR
• Tongue weight

Boat and Watercraft Towing with the Wrangler 4xe

Small boats and jet skis fall well within the Wrangler 4xe’s comfort zone.

Just remember:

• Boat trailers add rolling resistance
• Boat ramps demand low-speed torque
• Electric motors shine in these situations

This is one area where the 4xe feels genuinely impressive.

Off-Road Towing: Where the 4xe Feels at Home

Towing off-road is less about weight and more about control.

The Wrangler 4xe offers:

• Precise throttle modulation
• Silent electric crawling
• Excellent low-range torque

It’s not built for dragging heavy loads through mud all day—but for overland trailers, it’s right at home.

Fuel Economy While Towing the Wrangler 4xe

Let’s be real. Towing kills efficiency.

Expect:

• Reduced MPG in hybrid mode
• Minimal electric-only driving
• Still better efficiency than V6 Wranglers under similar loads

It’s not magic—but it’s still progress.

Jeep Wrangler 4xe vs Gas Wrangler: Towing Comparison

Key Differences at a Glance

• Same max towing rating
• More low-end torque in the 4xe
• Lower payload in the 4xe
• Better smoothness when starting under load

For light to moderate towing, the 4xe often feels better than its gas siblings.

Tips for Safe Towing with the Jeep Wrangler 4xe

• Stay below max capacity when possible
• Balance trailer weight carefully
• Use trailer brakes
• Watch payload limits
• Adjust driving style—smooth beats aggressive

Towing isn’t about brute force. It’s about balance.

Is the Jeep Wrangler 4xe a Good Tow Vehicle?

If your towing needs are:

• Occasional
• Light to moderate
• Adventure-focused

Then yes, the Wrangler 4xe makes a lot of sense. It won’t replace a full-size pickup, but that’s not the point. It blends efficiency, torque, and trail capability in a way few vehicles can.

Final Thoughts on Jeep Wrangler 4xe Towing Capacity

The Jeep Wrangler 4xe towing capacity of 3,500 pounds isn’t groundbreaking on paper—but how it delivers that capability is what matters. The hybrid torque, smooth power delivery, and off-road confidence make towing feel less like a chore and more like part of the adventure.

For the right kind of trailer and the right kind of driver, the Wrangler 4xe hits a sweet spot that few SUVs can match.

FAQs About Jeep Wrangler 4xe Towing Capacity

1. Can the Jeep Wrangler 4xe tow 3,500 pounds safely?

Yes, when properly equipped and within payload limits, it can safely tow up to 3,500 pounds.

2. Does towing reduce electric range on the Wrangler 4xe?

Absolutely. Towing increases energy demand and reduces electric-only range significantly.

3. Is the Rubicon 4xe better for towing than other trims?

Not necessarily. It has the same rating, but road-focused trims may feel more stable at highway speeds.

4. Do I need trailer brakes with a Wrangler 4xe?

For trailers over 2,000 pounds, trailer brakes are strongly recommended.

5. Can the Wrangler 4xe tow a small camper?

Yes, teardrop and lightweight campers are well within its towing capabilities.

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