Earlier this week, eagle-eyed Jeep fans noticed that the brand’s Wrangler and Grand Cherokee 4xe plug-in hybrid SUVs disappeared from the manufacturer’s website. Jeep said this was due to a stop-sale while it finds a remedy for a large recall affecting these models. But in a more dramatic twist, Stellantis has decided to discontinue these models completely. And, in what appears to be a more comprehensive realignment of the company’s electrification strategy, Chrysler’s Pacifica hybrid has also been scrapped.
Shifting Customer Demand To Blame
2024 Jeep Wrangler High Altitude 4xe
Stellantis
This move from Stellantis is surprising, given how popular the Jeep PHEVs were. But Stellantis isn’t abandoning electrification—it’s just moving away from PHEVs, specifically.
“Stellantis continually evaluates its product strategy to meet evolving customer needs and regulatory requirements,” said a Stellantis spokesperson in an email sent to The Drive. “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 Pacifica was the only plug-in hybrid minivan in the country, but rivals like the Toyota Sienna and Kia Carnival hybrid have simpler hybrid powertrains that don’t need to be plugged in. As of this writing, the 2026 Pacifica PHEV is still listed on Chrysler’s site, so if you want one, time is running out.
As for the range-extended vehicles it now wants to focus on, Stellantis already has the Ram 1500 REV, with its 3.6-liter V6 engine acting as a generator. A range-extended EV version of the Jeep Grand Wagoneer is also on its way later this year.
Related: First Ford, Now Honda: Why Automakers Are All-In On Hybrids For 2026
What About The Dodge Hornet PHEV?
The Stellantis statement points to a complete exodus of the company’s plug-in hybrid range, and this is likely to include the Dodge Hornet PHEV. Although the compact Dodge PHEV wasn’t mentioned directly, we know that dealers are battling to move this model off showroom floors. Last month, inventory of 2024 (yes, 2024) Hornet PHEVs still sat at over 80%, and we can only assume 2025 versions have been a hard sell, too. The 2025 Hornet PHEV is still listed on Dodge’s website, but we don’t expect to see a 2026 version of the electrified crossover.
What It Means
Many manufacturers are being forced to continuously adapt their powertrain strategies in response to changing demand. Betting too heavily on one powertrain option is a mistake, as is going all-in on EVs. Last year, we saw a string of EVs being killed off, and the feeling right now is that self-charging hybrids are the sweet spot.
As for plug-in hybrids, this powertrain is not only expensive to produce, but these vehicles tend to have significantly more problems than regular hybrids and non-hybrid models. This is another reason for brands like Stellantis to focus on self-charging hybrids.
There are no reviews to display.