Torque Staff Report
Whether you love or hate them, electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles are steadily on the rise in the automotive world. And Jeep is no exception to this trend with its Wrangler 4xe, a model that topped the PHEV sales charts in 2022 and now accounts for about one of every four Wrangler sales.
With the sheer amount of 4xe vehicles becoming a fixture of Jeep’s lineup, it is important to understand this Wrangler version does differ a bit from its counterparts, and that starts at the ground level—tires.
The 4xe’s turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder is paired with two electric motors powered by a 17-kWh lithium-ion battery. This setup boasts 375 horsepower and a staggering 470 ft-lbs. of instant torque with a 0-60mph time of six seconds.
Compared to the standard Wrangler’s 295 ft-lbs. of torque, the 4xe means real business. But while this immense torque is appealing for off-roading and climbing hills, all of that that instantaneous power puts some serious stress and wear on the 4xe’s tires.
Another factor that adds to the 4xe’s need for specialized tires is its weight. Thanks to the electric motors and battery, the 4xe weighs almost 1,000 lbs. more than the base model Wrangler. Not only does this added weight exacerbate tire wear, but it makes choosing the right tire even more important to make sure you have enough stopping power, especially with off-road tires that have less surface contact than traditional street tires.
All this means it is important to pay attention to the specs when purchasing tires for your 4xe. Consider opting for tires with load ranges of at least Extra Load (XL), or if you want something tougher look at tires with C, D, or even E load ranges.
While many tire manufacturers are developing specialized tires for standard EV and PHEV use, many already available off-road tires already feature these higher load ratings. Deciding exactly what load range you’ll need will require considering how you plan to use your 4xe, but even for the tamest of daily driving it is a good idea to get something rated higher than Standard Load (SL).
Two great choices that are both PHEV-ready and good for off-roading are the BFGoodrich All Terrain and the Nitto Ridge Grappler, both of which offer XL or stronger load ranges perfect for your Wrangler 4xe. However, there are many tires on the market that are up to the challenge, and deciding which one is best for you depends on how you use your 4xe.
To learn more about selecting the right tire, check out How To Choose The Best Tires For Your Jeep Wrangler and make sure to research a tire’s load rating before you buy.
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