2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe vs 2022 Ford Explorer

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe made a statement with its distinctive appearance and sound. It closely resembled a regular Wrangler, with subtle differences like a "4xe" badge and blue accents. The power port at the windshield base was a notable feature. When the battery was charged, the Wrangler 4xe moved silently, except for the pedestrian notification system's whine, which drew attention during its journey through Yosemite National Park. The Firecracker Red Rubicon trim test vehicle, priced at $66,690, was well-equipped, offering a rugged yet slightly more refined interior with blue stitching and PHEV-specific gauges.

Inside, the Wrangler 4xe maintained its utilitarian charm, with a straightforward layout and functional controls. The interior featured more soft-touch materials than expected, with leather seats and padded door panels. The center console housed essential controls, including the transmission shifter and emergency brake. The Rubicon 4xe's off-road capabilities were evident with its locking differential controls and sway bar disconnect button. Overall, the Wrangler 4xe's interior retained its legendary simplicity while offering improved features, though luxury and refinement were not its focus.

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered a diverse lineup with eight models, ranging from $33,745 to $54,495, excluding destination charges. The Explorer King Ranch, our test vehicle, featured 4WD, Rapid Red paint, and a Premium Technology package, totaling $59,880. While the King Ranch had distinctive emblems and shiny wheels, it didn't stand out significantly from other models. The Explorer's design, based on a rear-drive platform, gave it a sporty and athletic appearance, with a floating roof effect.

Inside, the Explorer King Ranch boasted exclusive Del Rio leather seating with lasso-perforated inserts and King Ranch branding. The cabin exhibited a mix of quality materials, mostly justifying its price. However, traces of the base trim were occasionally noticeable. The King Ranch's interior was comfortable, with massaging front seats and heated second-row captain's chairs. While the third-row seat was less accommodating for adults, the Explorer's overall interior comfort and features made it appealing for families.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, two electric motors, and a 17-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack. This setup provided an estimated 21 miles of electric driving with a 49 MPGe combined efficiency rating. As a hybrid, it achieved 20 mpg combined, offering a total range of 370 miles. The Wrangler 4xe's powertrain modes included Hybrid, Electric, and e-Save, allowing drivers to optimize power and efficiency. With 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, it accelerated to 60 mph in six seconds.

During a road trip to Yosemite, the Wrangler 4xe demonstrated its capabilities, covering 757 miles with 120.9 miles on electricity and averaging 19.1 mpg. The electric driving range test showed 20 miles before the gas engine engaged. The Wrangler's regenerative braking system improved efficiency during descents. While the Wrangler 4xe offered a unique driving experience, it was noisy on freeways due to wind roar and susceptible to crosswinds.

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered three powertrains. The base, XLT, ST-Line, Limited, and Timberline trims featured a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, achieving up to 24 mpg combined. The hybrid drivetrain, available for Limited and Platinum trims, combined a 3.3-liter V6 engine for 318 hp and 322 lb-ft of torque, offering 27 mpg combined. The twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, standard on ST, Platinum, and King Ranch trims, delivered 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, with a towing capacity of 5,600 lbs and 21 mpg combined.

Our King Ranch test vehicle averaged 20.6 mpg, providing satisfying acceleration and a pleasing exhaust note. The Explorer's ride felt robust, handling moderately challenging terrain with ease. The King Ranch's 7.9 inches of ground clearance allowed for off-roading, while the Timberline model offered even better capabilities. The Explorer's athletic handling made it engaging to drive, with the sport-tuned Explorer ST offering additional performance features.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe's interior was designed for practicality, with high door sills and grab handles aiding entry and exit. The driving position was classic Wrangler, offering a clear view over the hood. Manual front seat height adjusters helped find the best position, though seats tended to lower over time. The center console had limited storage due to the hand-brake and transfer case lever. Rear-seat space was adequate, with air conditioning vents, USB ports, and MOLLE-style storage straps.

Cargo loading was challenging due to the swing-out tailgate and flip-up rear glass window. The Wrangler offered 27.7 cubic feet of cargo space, with a storage bin under the load floor for the charging cord. The Alpine sound system's subwoofer and hardtop storage bag reduced available space. Folding the back seat increased cargo volume to 72.4 cubic feet.

The 2022 Ford Explorer provided comfort for families, with the King Ranch offering triple-zone climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated second-row captain's chairs. Massaging front seats and power adjustments added to the comfort. The third-row seat was less accessible for adults, with limited legroom. Practical storage space was limited, with missed opportunities for additional storage solutions.

The King Ranch's hands-free power liftgate revealed 18.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row. Folding the third-row seats increased cargo space to 47.9 cubic feet, while folding both rear rows provided 87.8 cubic feet of cargo volume. The Explorer's interior emphasized the "sport" aspect, with limited practical pockets and shelves.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe Rubicon featured a Uconnect infotainment system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, and SiriusXM Guardian services. The Alpine sound system overcame wind noise, but the Uconnect system showed signs of aging in terms of load time and responsiveness. The Trip Summary data panel provided charging time estimates, and blue charging indicator lights on the dashboard displayed charging status.

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered two versions of the Sync 3 infotainment system, with an 8-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen. The King Ranch included FordPass Connect services, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a navigation system. The Bang and Olufsen sound system provided excellent audio quality. However, the Sync 3 system showed limitations in voice recognition and feature operation. The King Ranch also featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and Active Park Assist 2.0.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe offered advanced driving assistance systems, including blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and adaptive cruise control. The LED headlights received a Marginal rating from the IIHS, while the Wrangler's frontal-impact protection for the driver was rated Marginal. The NHTSA gave the Wrangler Unlimited a four-star frontal-impact rating and a three-star rollover resistance rating.

The 2022 Ford Explorer earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. The NHTSA had not published complete crash-test ratings for 2022, but the previous year's model received five-star ratings except for rollover resistance. The Explorer featured Ford Co-Pilot360, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. Co-Pilot360 Assist+ added adaptive cruise control and evasive steering assist. The Explorer's safety features operated smoothly, with minor issues in steering wheel sensitivity.