Jeep Wrangler 4xe Willys Leads the Way in 2023

The Jeep Wrangler is an all-time favourite and it’s gone about its business through all these years with powertrain changes and some styling tweaks but the basic formula remains the same: big, wide fenders, ultra-capable AWD and two- and four-door options.

In 2021, however, the Wrangler underwent one of its largest changes ever with the addition of a plug-in hybrid variant, the 4xe. And it’s the 4xe that’s leading the changes for the Wrangler going in to 2023 with the addition of a Willys trim. For those in the know – and there are many – the name “Willys” is synonymous with the original Jeep, circa World War II: the Willys MB.

The 4xe Willys gets special decals, rear limited-slip differential, standard LED headlights and nine-speaker Alpine audio. Add all the features that other 4xe models get such as 30 inches of water fording, hill-ascent and descent control and 2.0-litre turbo power with EV motor for 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, and you’ve got one capable PHEV. As is the custom when it comes to the 4xe, the “Willy’s” graphic either side of the hood will be trimmed in electric blue, as will the Trail Rated badge, tailgate decal and tow hooks.

While the US market gets a special Freedom Edition of the gas 4xe, we won’t be seeing that in Canada. The extent of the changes to Canadian Jeeps are the addition of two new colours: Earl and Reign. That’s fine, but of more interest could be the fact that for the first time, the Wrangler is covered by Jeep’s Wave loyalty program, providing six free tire rotations and oil changes, call centre support and if you need to rent a car while away from home as your Wrangler’s in the shop, Jeep will cover the first day’s rental costs.