Name: 2024 Jeep Wagoneer S
Brand: Jeep

2024
Jeep Wagoneer S

EPA Range: 300 miles

Jeep Wagoneer S First Drive

Summary

Introduction

2024 Jeep Wagoneer S Is a Quick Electric Luxury SUV With 300-Plus Miles of Range

This slicked-back EV is scheduled to arrive at U.S. Jeep dealerships in the fall

Overview

Jeep’s push into the electric vehicle market begins with the introduction of its Wagoneer S, a smooth-bodied, tech-stuffed, 600-horsepower SUV. This midsized five-passenger model is built on a global vehicle platform, but it’s designed for buyers in the U.S. and Canada.

The name may evoke images of the large, blocky Wagoneer, but this model is scaled much closer to the Grand Cherokee at 192 inches, bumper to bumper.

The technical highlights include a two-motor all-wheel-drive system that the automaker says is capable of a sports-car-like 3.4-second 0-to-60 mph launch. A 400-volt 100-kilowatt-hour battery pack provides more than 300 miles of driving range. The cabin is wrapped in a cocoon of luxurious modern touches, such as a 12.3-inch center infotainment display and dripping with voguish metal accents and contrast stitching. Every Wagoneer S Launch Edition will come with either a Level 2 home charger or charging credits with Free2Move Charge, and Jeep says the battery can be charged from 20 to 80 percent in 23 minutes using a public DC fast charger.

Stellantis, Jeep’s Italian-American parent company, says its new upscale midsized SUV will qualify for Inflation Reduction Act tax credits whether you buy or lease. Considering the popularity of Jeep-branded vehicles in the U.S., it’s not a stretch to expect this model’s LED-illuminated seven-bar Jeep grille to begin lighting up parking lots outside country clubs and Whole Foods supermarkets in increasing numbers over the next year or so. More details to come closer to production.

It competes with the Acura ZDX, Cadillac Lyriq, Genesis Electrified GV70, Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV, Rivian R1S, and Tesla Model Y. There is a single powertrain of 600-hp, dual electric motors; 100-kWh battery; 1-speed direct drive; and all-wheel drive. Pricing for the Launch Edition is $71,995 including destination charge. It will go on sale this Fall.

Impressions

Outside

Jeep says it focused particular attention on aerodynamics, and it shows in the Wagoneer’s exterior design, which is much smoother than most of the automaker’s bulkier models. Gone is the aggressively blocky look that characterizes the gas-powered Wagoneer’s profile.

A smooth hood slopes into a vestigial seven-slot grille (because, remember, EVs don’t need grilles, but Jeeps do) that’s lit with LEDs to announce the SUV’s arrival at the valet stand.

Perhaps more striking is the deep incline of the rear hatch and window, which is framed on each side by sail panels and a dramatic wing. The Wagoneer’s spoiler is huge, and Jeep says that it, along with recessed pocket door handles and other touches, serves to reduce the vehicle’s aerodynamic drag and improve the driving range.

Inside

What do you get when you cross a Jeep interior with an Alfa Romeo’s? You guessed it: the Wagoneer S interior. Soft-touch materials abound and are overarched—literally and figuratively—by a suede headliner. But have no fear: No animals were harmed in the making of this Jeep, the automaker promises. The leather and suede upholstery are synthetic, and the carpets are made from recycled materials, too.

A bladelike aluminum accent pierces the length of the dash, which also has several feet worth of screens. The center screen is a strapping 12.3-incher, flanked by the driver’s 12.3-inch instrument screen and a novel 10.25-inch interactive passenger display screen that allows the front-seat passenger to feed navigational instructions directly to the driver through the UConnect 5 infotainment system. Control buttons in the dash and console include haptic feedback to give the impression of actual buttons, and the interior features customizable LED mood lighting.

The dynamic map displays on the driver’s instrument screen, which also shows battery metrics including level of charge and battery health. When a destination is entered into the navigation screen, the vehicle’s computer factors in route details along with the battery charge level to calculate a more accurate range.

The steep slope of the rear hatch, while undoubtedly a boon to aerodynamic efficiency, will likely be a major drag on cargo space.

What Drives It

The front and rear electric motors produce a combined 600 horsepower and 617 lb.-ft. of torque. The automaker says the electric Wagoneer's all-wheel-drive system is designed to provide traction in a variety of less-than-stellar road and weather conditions. The front motor can disconnect from the wheels during cruising to improve efficiency. There’s no word yet from Jeep as to this model’s off-road prowess, but it has five drive modes: Auto, Sport, Eco, Snow, and Sand.

Active Safety and Driver Assistance

A number of active safety and driver assistance features are standard equipment on the new Wagoneer S, including automatic emergency braking (AEB) and lane keeping assistance (LKA). The AEB has an enhancement—available on the current, gas-powered Wagoneer—that detects hazards from oncoming cars at an intersection and applies the brakes if needed. Driver monitoring—to help prevent drowsy or otherwise inattentive driving—traffic sign recognition, and surround-view cameras are also standard.

The automaker has left the door open on potential future upgrades to the driver safety and assistance features, which can be added or improved via over-the-air software updates. Jeep will offer connected safety and navigation services to owners who sign on to a three-year subscription, with an option to extend services up to 10 years.