2025 Jeep Wrangler 4xe Willys: Our city adventure with the Plug-In Legend

THERE GOES THE NEIGHBORHOOD

A Jeep HYBRID? Really? Is that what we're doing now? huh Jeep? What's the world comming to? I'm in a panic because I'm lookng at a Jeep, but its a HYBRID! Nooo!!

Okay. I'm back. I'm more rational, but it was a real shock. I took a few deep breaths and I'm calm. I'll have an open mivd about it. So here goes my review of the 2025 2025 Jeep Wrangler 4xe Willys.

How do you electrify a tough legendary Vehicle? Alright, gather 'round, fellow urbanites and closet adventurers! Tony Lesesne here, and I'm about to share a tale that involves a healthy dose of disbelief, a surprising amount of city street daydreams, and a vehicle that has completely rewritten my definition of "cool." My partner, Woodie, can attest to this seismic shift in my automotive affections. You see, for years, my vehicular tastes have leaned decidedly towards the sleek and the sensible, the kind of car that whispers "responsible adult" or "high-performance beast rather than shouts "let's find some mud!"

Hey, I'm a city guy, so, imagine my surprise when I found myself utterly captivated by a Jeep. Not just any Jeep, mind you, but the 2025 Jeep Wrangler 4xe Willys. Yes, you heard that correctly. A plug-in hybrid. From Jeep. It’s the automotive equivalent of a rugged action hero who also happens to be incredibly eco-conscious. Woodie initially raised a skeptical eyebrow, and shot a few shorts with it, so she couldn't deny the undeniable allure of this olive-green beast.

My first encounter with the Willys 4xe was a sensory experience. It wasn't some futuristic, anonymous blob of metal trying to blend into the cityscape. No, this was pure, unadulterated Wrangler DNA, amplified and electrified. The Bold Army Green and sporty badging; the iconic seven-slot grille, the muscular stance, the very air of "I can handle anything you throw at me" – it was all there, but with a subtle undercurrent of modern innovation. That "Willys '41" badging and the unique olive-green paint spoke of a rich heritage, a connection to something bigger than just a mode of transportation. It whispered tales of wartime resilience and a spirit of unwavering capability. Forget today's workout, I felt stronger just lookng at it.

Slipping into the driver's seat felt like entering a surprisingly sophisticated yet rugged command center. Yes, the ruggedness you expect from a Jeep is immediately apparent, that sense that this vehicle is built to withstand the apocalypse (or at least a particularly enthusiastic car wash). But then you're greeted by a thoughtful and well-integrated array of technology. It's like discovering a high-tech gadget hidden within a vintage military trunk. The infotainment system is intuitive and seamlessly incorporated, offering all the connectivity you need without feeling out of place in this adventure-ready environment.

Woodie seemed particularly impressed by the user-friendliness of the system. Navigating through menus, pairing devices, and accessing vehicle information was a breeze, even for a couple of city slickers more accustomed to navigating urban streets than sand dunes.

Back to that dynamic interior. Because beyond the promise of conquering untamed terrains, the inside of the 2025 Jeep Wrangler 4xe Willys is a testament to thoughtful design, blending robust functionality with surprising refinement. Stepping inside is akin to settling into a meticulously crafted piece of adventure equipment. Every detail, from the durable materials that seem ready to shrug off mud and mayhem, to the strategically placed technology, speaks to a vehicle designed for both the wild and the everyday.

The special tan cloth seats aren't just comfortable for those longer hauls (whether across state lines or just across town); they exude a classic, almost military charm, a subtle nod to the Willys' legendary origins. This heritage-inspired feeling is beautifully complemented by the unique olive drab fabric panel that stretches across the dashboard. It's a constant visual reminder of the vehicle's storied past, a subtle thread connecting this modern marvel to its wartime ancestor.

But don't let the vintage vibes fool you. Nestled amongst these nods to history are the modern conveniences we've come to expect. The infotainment system, seamlessly integrated into the dashboard, offers intuitive controls and a suite of connectivity features that make navigating both bustling city streets and winding off-road trails a breeze. Woodie, in particular, appreciated the responsiveness of the touchscreen and the clarity of the navigation system, remarking that it was a far cry from the clunky interfaces he’d encountered in some other off-road-oriented vehicles. I only used it for data and performance readouts.

What truly elevates the interior experience is its remarkable adaptability. Those removable doors aren't just a quirky party trick; they fundamentally transform the driving experience, immersing you directly in your surroundings in a way few other vehicles can.

Combine this with the available Sky One-Touch powered soft top or the classic tan soft top, and you have a cabin that can transition from fully enclosed comfort to an open-air adventure mobile in mere moments. It's about having choices, about connecting with the environment on your own terms. Whether you crave the wind in your hair and the sun on your face, or a more sheltered and climate-controlled sanctuary, the Willys 4xe interior readily obliges. And that subtle '41 badge adorning the shifter? It's a small but significant detail, a constant reminder of the legacy you're a part of every time you grip it. It's a space that feels both ready for rugged action and surprisingly comfortable for the long haul, a true testament to Jeep's understanding of what it means to explore, no matter the destination.

And speaking of legacy, the name "Willys" carries a weight of history that's impossible to ignore. It's not just a catchy trim level; it's the very foundation upon which the Jeep brand was built. To truly appreciate the significance of the Willys name, we need to journey back to the early 1940s, a time when the world was at war and the United States Army had a critical need for a light, versatile vehicle. Several manufacturers submitted designs, but it was Willys-Overland Motors that ultimately secured the contract with their now-iconic creation, initially designated the "MB." This unassuming vehicle quickly became an indispensable asset for the Allied forces. Its adaptability was legendary; it served as a scout car, ambulance, supply carrier, and a general workhorse across diverse terrains. The soldiers, in their own inimitable way, affectionately dubbed it the "Jeep." While the precise origin of this nickname remains a subject of debate, popular theories include a nod to the "Eugene the Jeep" character from the Popeye cartoons or a simple phonetic rendering of "GP" for General Purpose.

Following the cessation of hostilities, Willys-Overland astutely recognized the civilian potential of their wartime hero. In 1945, they introduced the CJ-2A (Civilian Jeep), a modified version of the MB tailored for the public. This marked the dawn of the civilian off-road vehicle market, and the "Willys" name became inextricably linked with adventure, durability, and the unbridled freedom to explore beyond the confines of paved roads.

Over the ensuing decades, the ownership of the Jeep brand has evolved, but the "Willys" moniker has steadfastly remained a powerful symbol of its foundational roots. Special editions like this Wrangler 4xe Willys '41 serve as a direct and tangible tribute to that original Willys MB, a constant reminder of the rugged spirit, unwavering capability, and sheer tenacity that have defined the Jeep brand from its very inception. So, when you encounter that "Willys" badge, understand that it represents far more than just a specific trim package – it's a tangible link to a legend, a connection to the vehicle that played a significant role in shaping history and paved the way for the countless adventures we can now undertake.

HYBRID??? JEEP?

Now, back to our personal adventure with this plug-in marvel. My initial skepticism about a hybrid Jeep quickly evaporated the moment I pressed the accelerator. That instant electric torque provides a surprising and genuinely enjoyable burst of power off the line. It’s not the kind of neck-snapping acceleration that leaves you breathless, but it’s a playful eagerness that makes navigating city traffic surprisingly fun. And that classic Wrangler attitude? Oh, it's still there in abundance. You genuinely feel like you could conquer just about anything, from rutted backroads to that ridiculously steep driveway your neighbor insists on having. While our most daring off-road excursion thus far has been a rather ambitious venture onto a slightly uneven patch of grass at a local park, the feeling of capability is undeniably present.

THIS JEEP INSPIRES DREAMS OF ADVENTURE

This brings me back to my slightly outlandish, yet deeply cherished, fantasy. Picture this: the vast, sun-drenched plains of the African Savannah. The golden light casting long shadows across the acacia trees. And there we are – Tony and Woodie – silently gliding through the tall grass in our trusty Wrangler 4xe Willys, the retractable roof open to the endless sky, cameras in hand. The electric powertrain allows us to move with a stealth that would make a seasoned wildlife photographer envious, capturing the majestic beauty of lions, elephants, and maybe even a stray giraffe or two (okay, my African geography might need a slight tune-up, but the spirit is there!). No noisy engine to startle our subjects, just the gentle whisper of the wind and the satisfying click of the camera shutter. That panoramic view from the open top, the feeling of being completely immersed in the landscape… this Jeep just exudes adventure. And with that "Trail Rated" badge proudly displayed, you know it's not just aspirational marketing – it's a promise.

BACK TO REALITY!

Cruising westward, a full twenty-six miles northwest of Miami's sprawling cityscape, felt like venturing towards the very fringe of civilization – and for me, that was the undisputed highlight of our adventure. The late afternoon sun painted the sky in fiery hues, casting long shadows as we glided along in the Willys. Traffic, blessedly, was a mere whisper. Perched high in our open-air chariot, a sense of pure, unadulterated joy bubbled up. The seamless ballet as the Willys effortlessly transitioned between its electric and internal combustion engines was a marvel of engineering; the shift was so silken it was almost imperceptible, followed by a surge of swift, decisive acceleration. When I needed to rein it in, the braking was reassuringly strong, instilling complete confidence.

Yet, the Willys demanded a recalibration of my driving instincts, a departure from the familiar languor of sedans, the predictable heft of SUVs, and the commanding but often cumbersome nature of trucks. This Jeep possessed an entirely different spirit. The responsiveness on turns and curves was not just agile; it was almost feral, a thrilling eagerness that telegraphed its off-road pedigree. There was an undeniable thrill woven into that heightened connection with the road, a visceral understanding of why this machine yearned for untamed terrain. A pang of regret now echoes within me that I didn't answer that call, that I kept those capable tires solely on the asphalt.

The sheer versatility of this machine is what has truly captivated both Woodie and me. Doors off? Roof retracted? Suddenly, you're not just commuting; you're experiencing. You're breathing in the fresh, salty air during a cruise along the Pacific Palisades, feeling the dry desert wind on your skin during that hypothetical (but increasingly appealing) LA-to-Vegas road trip, or simply enjoying a crisp autumn day driving through our neighborhood with the vibrant colors all around. This isn't just a mode of transportation; it's an invitation to embrace the outdoors, wherever your personal "outdoors" may be. For me, the city dweller who appreciates a good air conditioning system, the Everglades remain a tantalizing, slightly intimidating prospect. But knowing that this Jeep could handle it, that it's built for that kind of adventure… well, that's a comforting thought, a little seed of possibility planted in my urban-centric mind. Woodie, ever the planner, has already started looking at trail maps.

Of course, as I mentioned at the outset, the Jeep Wrangler 4xe Willys isn't going to resonate with everyone. Nothing does. Our friend, the one with the meticulously organized garage and a deep-seated aversion to anything remotely resembling dirt, practically recoiled when we described the joy of removing the doors. But for us, for the city boys who harbor a secret yearning for open landscapes and the thrill of the unknown, this Jeep has struck a powerful chord.

That army-green exterior, those heritage-inspired interior touches, the wide, confident stance, and the knowledge that it possesses the capability to tackle almost any terrain the planet throws its way… it's undeniably, irresistibly alluring.

The Everglades are still a bit of a logistical challenge, and our parallel parking skills remain far sharper than our hill descent control expertise. But this Jeep Wrangler 4xe Willys has done something profound. It’s awakened a sense of adventure we didn't fully realize we possessed. It’s made us look at the world, and even our daily routines, with a slightly more adventurous eye. Maybe, just maybe, these city slickers have a little bit of safari dreamer in them after all. And this incredible machine? It's the perfect vehicle to explore that newfound possibility. Now, if you'll excuse us, we need to go research the best camera gear for capturing lions (and maybe brush up on our African wildlife identification). The adventure, it seems, has truly begun.