Not only are all Jeep 4xe vehicles cancelled, but all Chrysler, Dodge, and Alfa Romeo plug-in hybrids (PHEV) are as well. This change in powertrain offerings across all Stellantis brands is effective immediately, as there will now be no 2026 PHEVs.
Rumors spread fast online yesterday about Stellantis cancelling all PHEVs, so I reached out directly to a spokesperson with the brand.
“Stellantis continually evaluates its product strategy to meet evolving customer needs and regulatory requirements. With customer demand shifting, Stellantis will phase out plug‑in hybrid (PHEV) programs in North America beginning with the 2026 model year, and focus on more competitive electrified solutions, including hybrid and range‑extended vehicles where they best meet customer needs,” the spokesperson told me.
Stellantis PHEV Statement
They went on to say, “This approach reinforces the company’s commitment to offering advanced propulsion systems that maximize efficiency and provide options from internal combustion to hybrid, range‑extended, and fully electric solutions.”
Let’s Break It Down
That means there will be no 2026 model year plug-in hybrid vehicles on offer from Stellantis. So, 2025 will be the last model year availability for the Jeep Wrangler 4xe, Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe, Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid, Alfa Romeo Tonale Hybrid, and Dodge Hornet Hybrid.
Other electrified options from Stellantis are still going to be sold or are coming soon. Vehicles like the Jeep Wagoneer S, Jeep Recon, Ram 1500 REV, and more remain on the U.S. market, or will arrive.
Sales Volume Not the Issue
While PHEV versions of Stellantis vehicles saw impressive sales numbers in relation to overall sales of each model, a Stellantis spokesperson told me that “much of that was forced because of CARB requirements. We forced consumers to buy 4xe in CARB states to get credits.”
What “forced” amounts to is primarily offering PHEV models on dealer lots, making it harder to buy other powertrain options of each model. So, the numbers were driven by government policy rather than consumer demand.
Issues and recalls, of which there were many, didn’t help Jeep 4xe’s reputation or sales, however. I suspect Stellantis may have also grown tired of trying to resolve its issues with its complex PHEV system.
Editor’s Take: Stellantis Powertrain Future
I, for one, am particularly bummed the Jeep 4xe models are done. I was at the first drives of both the Wrangler and Grand Cherokee 4xe models and thoroughly enjoyed them, on- and off-road. Not only is near-instant torque and ultra-quiet operation nice off-road, but it also adds capability to already highly capable platforms.
Also, the ability to run local errands around town or commute to work on electric power saves money and the environment.
Stellantis does seem to be lagging behind on the battery-electric front. Competitors are pushing range, tech, and autonomy, while Jeep is leaning into off-road capability and fun, at least with the Recon. But it lacks in all the other areas that make an EV appealing. (I do want to drive one off-road, though!)
While the plug-in hybrid is dead, and more BEVs and REVs are coming, I have a feeling we will see more gas engine options coming to market soon from Stellantis.
With the company’s current direction, we might just see a V8 return to just about everything. And who knows — maybe the Hemi is what’s needed to revive the minivan in the U.S. market.
Read the full article here