The Wagoneer S marks a daring leap for Jeep because the model’s first full-electric mannequin for US patrons. Jeep doesn’t appear shy about it. Its best downsides aren’t electrical, however are issues it shares with Wagoneer fashions on the entire.
At a look
- Not an journey Jeep, however a luxurious one as a substitute
- Good real-world returns for vary and charging
- Stable design total and good drive attraction on the street
Probably the most refined however telling design adjustments for the Wagoneer S versus the opposite Wagoneer fashions is up entrance. The long-lasting seven-slot grille is illuminated, signaling that this isn’t your grandfather’s Wagoneer. The general silhouette is extra aerodynamic and glossy than the standard boxy SUV form. You get curves, a decrease roofline, and flush door handles – all hints that Jeep needed this SUV to play in a extra up to date, even perhaps upscale EV-crossover sandbox.
These are all indicators that time in direction of the true goal of the Wagoneer S and its different Wagoneer mannequin siblings. This isn’t an off-road, mud-bogging, mountain-climbing SUV. It’s a luxurious drive that occurs to say “Jeep” on it. Properly-balanced on the street, cushioned in each approach, and undoubtedly not what one would name “rugged.” One doesn’t purchase this Jeep for journey. At the very least, not journey within the filth. This can be a bougie Jeep.
Jeep
Beneath the pores and skin, the Wagoneer S packs severe EV {hardware}: two electrical motors, all-wheel drive, and a considerable 94-kWh battery. And there’s a 600-hp improve trim with lightning efficiency: 0–60 mph (97 km/h) in about 3.4 seconds, with a quarter-mile in 11.5 seconds at 123 mph (198 km/h). As a result of the way in which to promote an EV, we People appear to assume, is to make it actually fast and boast about these numbers.
Vary and EV comfort spherical out the positives, particularly after I hung out in the true world with the Wagoneer S. The EPA-rated vary sits at 294 miles (473 km), which is surprisingly near actuality. I road-tripped with a full battery, driving down into Colorado and midway up a mountain and again once more on one cost. A complete of 250-odd miles (402 km) of driving and I returned with about 15% of the battery nonetheless charged.
It was a clean cruise with a well-done inside, nice sound system, and strong however not in-your-face driver help. As soon as again residence, I realized that charging is pretty strong. DC quick charging can high the battery from 20-80% in about 23 minutes and Degree 2 in a single day charging is sensible for day by day use. My very own 50A charger confirmed the Wagoneer S taking 41 amps up till about 85% cost earlier than slowing right down to accommodate battery warmth. That’s spectacular.
Jeep
Inside, the Wagoneer S tries to ship on a extra premium, borderline luxurious promise. There are properly padded surfaces, stitched door panels, a good structure of bins and cubbies, and design cues that trace at trendy consolation. The Wagoneer S has an formidable infotainment stack that gives Chrysler’s newest Uconnect system and a number of connectivity choices. When it comes to day by day practicality, the cargo area is aggressive and helpful in its form. The frunk has a handful of cubic ft, which is usually simply sensible for storing the charging twine.
General drive high quality is floaty and considerably disconnected, however not terribly so. The Wagoneer S has a stable really feel to it and a clean execution in each acceleration and deceleration. The multi-terrain choose possibility appears a little bit pointless until there’s extreme climate. I’m personally not a fan of Stellantis’ love of the passenger-side infotainment display screen. That added connection has its usefulness, after all, however it’s extremely reflective – often proper into the motive force’s face, and particularly in low mild or night time driving. I discovered it’s higher to depart the display screen lively than flip it off, to assist mitigate the reflections.
Had been it not for the 360-degree digicam system, visibility within the Wagoneer S can be one other sore spot. Thick A-pillars and huge mirror housings create sizable blind spots, and the wraparound rear-roof pillar and small rear window scale back rear visibility. And there’s no rear wiper?
Aaron Turpen / New Atlas
The Wagoneer S straddles two identities, and neither is served completely. As a Jeep, one would possibly anticipate off-road functionality, ruggedness, and go-anywhere versatility. As an alternative, with its lowered stance, aerodynamic tweaks, slender tires, and suspension tuning, this S-model feels extra at residence on freeway on-ramps than filth tracks. As a luxurious EV crossover, it goals excessive, however sure touches don’t fairly make it that far, hitting the premium stage, however not fairly making lux.
Briefly: the Wagoneer S is formidable, and in lots of respects valiant. It’s a primary effort at reimagining Jeep for the electrical age. It’s a bit like your favourite boot-legged bourbon: potent, characterful, imperfect; however, with sufficient attraction to make you’re taking one other sip.
Pricing for the Jeep Wagoneer S begins at US$65,200.
Product web page: 2025 Jeep Wagoneer S
