From Tesla to Jeep: My First Hybrid Adventure
After eight years of driving Teslas, I did something I never thought I’d do — I bought a Jeep Wrangler 4xe. That’s right, after nearly a decade without a gas station visit, I now own a plug-in hybrid. And honestly? It’s kind of refreshing.
We picked up our new Wrangler 4xe through Carvana, and while this post isn’t sponsored, I’ve got to give them credit — it was one of the smoothest buying experiences I’ve had. Coming from Tesla’s online-first world, I didn’t want to deal with the back-and-forth of traditional dealerships. With Carvana, I ordered it yesterday, and it was in my driveway today. That’s the kind of operational efficiency I live for.
Why the Wrangler 4xe
I went with the 2024 Wrangler 4xe Sport S, the upgraded hardtop version. It’s the hybrid trim that gives me a little bit of both worlds: electric driving for short trips and gas power for longer adventures. Sure, it only gets around 20–30 miles of electric range, but that’s perfect for most of my local driving.
I specifically chose the hardtop because we plan to create some DIY protection and wrap kits for it soon (you’ll see those on the channel). It’s also got some nice extras — painted fender flares, upgraded wheels, and a clean look that’s just begging for customization.
First Impressions
It’s surreal sitting in something that isn’t a Tesla. The first thing I noticed? Sound. There’s a real engine rumble again. When I took it for a spin around the neighborhood, hearing the motor kick in felt strange — almost nostalgic.
But man, the build quality and interior details blew me away. Everything looks clean, sturdy, and refreshingly analog. There are physical buttons, knobs, and switches for nearly everything.
The blue accents all over the car are unique to the 4xe, signaling its hybrid DNA. You get a J1772 charge port, the usual fuel door, and some hidden Jeep “Easter eggs” — little nods to Jeep’s WWII heritage and design legacy. Even the headlights have tiny Jeep grill silhouettes hidden inside.
The Buying Experience: Carvana vs. Dealerships
After buying more than 10 Teslas over the years, I’m used to the “click and buy” model. Dealerships, on the other hand, drove me nuts — texts, calls, “let me check with my manager.” Carvana changed that.
They handled everything online, showed up early before the delivery window, and even included the charger, accessories, and documentation in perfect order. It’s honestly impressive — almost Tesla-level convenience for a traditional car purchase.
Driving Feel: From Silent Speed to Off-Road Power
Switching from instant EV torque to a hybrid setup is a big adjustment. Teslas are whisper-quiet and absurdly quick. The Wrangler 4xe, though? It’s not about speed — it’s about feel.
The hybrid system gives you a smooth, balanced drive. The steering has weight and the suspension feels ready for off-roading adventures. You can remove the doors, roof panels, and rear hardtop, turning the Jeep into a completely open-air experience — something Tesla just can’t offer.
And once I get it off-road around Chattanooga, this thing’s going to shine.
Why Jeep Makes Sense for Tesla Owners
Here’s the funny part: after surveying some of our customers, I realized many of them own both a Tesla and a Jeep. The Tesla is the daily driver — quiet, clean, efficient. The Jeep is the weekend escape vehicle, full of analog joy and adventure.
It makes sense. The Wrangler 4xe bridges both worlds. You can plug it in, drive electric around town, and still have a gas engine ready for road trips and trails. It’s the perfect compromise for people who love EV tech but miss the hands-on driving experience.
What’s Next
We’re keeping our Teslas and all the products we offered as TESBROS, but the Jeep opens a new chapter for us as we rebrand to DIY Wrap Club. Expect more Jeep content soon — DIY protection kits, vinyl wrap tutorials, and maybe even some off-road adventures.
