Excellent new rig from Jeep.
By keeping it in hybrid most of the time I'm averaging 26mpg in city and 30+mpg highway - a major improvement over my old gas powered TJ and JK rigs with their average of 13 mpg on a good day.
Engine doesn't feel like I've traded any power for this efficiency, which is fantastic. It took a bit to get used to how the engine sounds, but that's a me problem. … You're not going to get that big, powerful Jeep rumble with a PHEV.
So far it's been a dream on light trails and on the beach, as well. I haven't tested the towing capacity yet, but expect it will handle my trailer just fine.
We have a lot of mixed terrain and slick weather where I live and the Jeep has been stable to drive: hugging the pavement when it's icy, surefooted in snow, good traction in wet sand, and solid on rain-slicked winter roads. It hasn't given me any problems on hills at all, though the real test will be when I go over the pass for the first time. I expect it will handle that well also.
One aspect of having a PHEV Jeep that I find delightful is the ability to put it in esave mode and then run on electric once I reach the trailhead. It's been a pleasure to do some light off roading in relative quiet and actually hear nature instead of a loud engine. There is a tradeoff in my gas use efficiency when I do that, of course, but it's worth it.
Just like my standard shift Jeeps, I expect choosing the correct dealer is going to make a difference with these Jeeps going forward. With my stick shift TJ and JK, finding a dealer in this decade that still understood stick shifts and their quirks was essential. Now I think finding a dealer that understands the combined complexities of a hybrid engine and a rig built for off road use will be key to owner happiness.
My only personal gripe with this Jeep so far has nothing to do with the rig - it's that I detest the color blue ;) Happily, a quick de-badging session this summer when it's not so cold will take care of that.
My only broad gripe with this Jeep is the price point! This Rubicon feels like it would be more appropriately priced in the $50K range new but I see it being sold as high as $80K in some areas.
Overall, 10/10, absolutely pleased with my purchase. Can't wait to see how the models continue to improve and innovate as Jeep gets more time in the electric vehicle space.
Edmunds Expert OpinionsThe Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.
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