Jeep is paving its way toward electrification with its 4xe series.

STORY BY MERCEDES LILIENTHAL

The author’s favorite type of terrain to challenge herself with is dirt and rocks. This year’s route had no shortage of them.

PHOTOS BY MERCEDES LILIENTHAL, NICOLE DREON, & CALEB WALLACE

Piloting a 2023 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe plug-in hybrid 4x4 was a very different experience than last commanding a 2022 Volkswagen ID.4 all-electric crossover for last year’s event.

The author is used to servicing small fuse boxes, not larger ones, like the one found in the Jeep 4xe’s engine bay.

“For 80 years, the Jeep brand has been indelibly linked to freedom, adventure, authenticity and passion,” said Christian Meunier, the Jeep brand Chief Executive Officer. “These core brand values are embodied in the DNA of every Jeep brand vehicle. Throughout our storied history, Jeep brand vehicle owners have learned that ‘Go Anywhere, Do Anything’ is a way of life, not just a slogan.”

The words Jeep and off-roading are usually spoken in the same sentence—at least for those who seek paths less traveled. Folks are familiar with Jeep’s Wrangler Rubicon line-up, which includes the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine delivering 285 hp and 260 lb.-ft. of torque and the 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder showcasing 270 hp and 295 lb.-ft. of torque. Those pursuing higher horsepower choose the 392, which debuted in 2021. This powerful beast features a hefty 470 hp with an equal amount of torque. If you’re a diesel fan, a 3.0 V-6 EcoDiesel is also available, which offers 260 hp and 442 lb.-ft. of torque. It gets the best fuel economy of the bunch, but sadly, is in its final year of production.

Coming together for a second year in a row, driver Mercedes Lilienthal teams up with navigator Emily Winslow for the 2022 Rebelle Rally. They were known as Team Nor’Wester.