The 2025 Jeep Wrangler 4xe Was Made to Off-Road, But It’s a Perfect Fit For Beach Life
We love the military-inspired Jeep Willys 4xe PHEV because it fits right into the bohemian Southern California lifestyle.
Words by Kristen Brown, photos by Kymri Wilt
The 2025 Jeep Wrangler 4xe always felt like the automotive equivalent of a well‑traveled canvas backpack—patched, sun‑faded, and full of stories you only half remember telling. And now that Jeep has quietly retired the 4xe Wrangler for 2026, it feels right to give this plug‑in trail sprite the send‑off she deserves.
Because for all her quirks, she was a rare thing: a Wrangler with a wild streak and a conscience. The Willys model is inspired by its deeply rooted militaristic background, with trim-specific wheels, a military green paint job, and a tan canvas soft top. It looks like you’re headed to war. The only battle I fought (and only sometimes won) was for a spot in the beach parking lot to surf.
She may be designed to rock crawl, but she was made for an incredibly fun, surprisingly efficient and dog-friendly bohemian dream. It’s been a while since I drove it, but I haven’t stopped thinking about it.
This story is 100% human researched and written based on actual first-person knowledge, extensive experience and expertise on the subject of cars and trucks.
What Gives the 2025 Jeep Wrangler 4xe Willys its Own Kind of Magic?
Among the 4xe lineup, the Willys trim was the one that felt closest to Jeep’s dusty, dirt‑under‑the‑nails roots. While the Sahara leaned polished and the Rubicon leaned hardcore, the Willys lived in that sweet spot of capability and simplicity. You got chunky 33‑inch mud‑terrains (but no factory lift), a limited‑slip rear differential, rock rails, and a slightly lifted stance—all the ingredients for real off‑road fun without the full Rubicon intensity.
The Price Puts It Right in the Middle of the Lineup
The Willys trim is rugged, but not precious. Capable, but not trying too hard. The Willys was the trim for people who wanted to wander, not conquer. It’s not lifted and modified like the Rubicon or Mojave. The Jeep Wrangler 4xe Willys has an MSRP of $50,695, which is more than the Sport but is just below the Sahara and Rubicon models. So, it’s not the most expensive trim, but it’s certainly not the most affordable. Though I’d argue you get what you pay for.
A Plug‑In Hybrid for the Free‑Spirited but Gridlocked
Let’s be honest: the all‑electric range was… modest. More “morning meditation playlist” than “cross‑state odyssey” with an EV range of 21 miles. But in Southern California traffic, that tiny battery pulled its weight. There was something magical about inching down the 405 in near‑silence, windows down, ocean air drifting in, my dog’s ears flapping like prayer flags. It made the grind feel less like a commute and more like a slow‑motion coastal pilgrimage.
A Wrangler That Gives You a Bit More Wrangler
When the electrons ran out, the gas engine stepped in without judgment—like a friend who says, “It’s okay, I brought snacks.” The 17.2-gallon tank plus the electric motor meant a total range of 370 miles, which is substantially more than a gas-only Wrangler. No wonder it was the best-selling PHEV in America for a few consecutive years. You get everything you love about the Wrangler, but with a bit more miles to go until empty. Who wouldn’t love that?
Open‑Air Freedom, Dog‑Approved
The Jeep Wrangler 4xe Willy’s open‑air setup was a gift to anyone who shares their life with a dog. Doors off, top off, paws on the armrest, nose in the wind — it was pure, uncomplicated joy. The kind of joy that makes you pull over just to watch the sunset because your dog looks too happy to stop.
The Soft Top Only Adds to the Jeep Vibe
Some will curse the soft top on a Wrangler, but I loved the modular soft top. You can open just the front to act as a sunroof, you can fold it into the back, or remove it completely to have the full open-air experience. In Southern California, there’s rarely a bad day to open it up—and my dog loved every second. The seats are fabric, though, so if you want to keep them clean from the waves and the stench of your furry friend, invest in some seat covers. You’ll thank me later.
Hear Me Out: Its Off-Road-Readiness Made it Perfect for Beachgoers
Sure, the Jeep Wrangler 4xe Willys trim was born for mud, rocks, and the kind of terrain that makes your chiropractor nervous. But for surfers and beach‑goers, it was a dream in its own right. The washable interior didn’t flinch at sand, and it’s remarkably easy to clean (though I’d recommend seat covers to protect the tan fabric). The cargo area swallowed wetsuits, boards, and that one cooler you keep meaning to clean. And the lifted stance made beach access roads feel like gentle suggestions rather than obstacles.
Who Needs a Convertible When You Have a Jeep?
After you’re done surfing, you have access to the world’s best hairdryer. All I had to do was open up the top and let the salty air do the rest. If it got really dirty from your beachy excursions, you can remove the doors to gain access to the nooks and crannies that might otherwise be impossible with them on.
A Heavy, But Hopeful, Goodbye
So yes, it stings a little to see the 4xe Wrangler fade out of the lineup. She was imperfect, earnest, adventurous, and a little eccentric—which is exactly why she fit so beautifully into a bohemian, beach‑bound lifestyle. But if Jeep knows anything, it’s how to resurrect an icon. Look at the Grand Cherokee or new Cherokee Hybrid for modern examples.
This Isn’t Goodbye—It’s See You Later
I can’t help hoping the 4xe spirit returns someday—stronger, cleaner, and even more aligned with the wanderers, surfers, dog parents, and free‑range souls who loved her. Until then, may her memory live on in sandy floor mats, sunburned dashboards, and every dog who ever stuck their head out of her doorless frame and felt, for a moment, completely free.
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