A Wagoneer For The Ages And Beyond

This is it folks, our chance to drive the world’s first-ever all-electric Jeep has arrived. It’s called the Wagoneer S, and as you can tell by its nameplate, it’s a version of the Auburn Hills’ automaker’s flagship model. While the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer both made triumphant returns a few years ago, the Wagoneer S marks many firsts.

In addition to being Jeep’s first EV, it’s the first Wagoneer built on an unibody platform—Stellantis’ latest STLA Large (pronounced “Stella”) modular chassis—and it’s the first Wagoneer model to ever prioritize road-going performance over utility and off-road ability. And that’s because the Wagoneer itself, in all forms, went on a nearly 30-hiatus. Meaning, the last model ever made was not only built on an archaic ladder truck frame built for the rugged American lifestyle, it was about as modern as an ironclad wood-burning stove.

So the Wagoneer S joins the range as a Wagoneer for the times. As one of Stellantis’ first EVs built on STLA Large, it’s is one of the most highly anticipated new cars to launch using Stellantis’ latest “electric-first” platform. Was it worth the wait and hype? I flew to San Diego to find out.

In order to provide you with an honest and unbiased review, Jeep flew me and other motoring journalists out to San Diego, fed us, and put us up in a hotel to drive the vehicle reviewed in this article for an afternoon. For detailed insight into testing procedures and data collection, please review our methodology policy.

2024 Jeep Wagoneer S Launch Edition First Impressions

When Jeep revealed the Wagoneer S last year, it was an apple that clearly fell very far from the tree. But, not in any particularly bad way. The standard gas-powered Wagoneer succeeds the original model’s full-size proportions and rugged pick-up-based roots, enabling Jeep to finally compete in the segment dominated by General Motors and Ford.

The Wagoneer S, however, expands on the flagship nameplate, which Jeep is now positioning as its new line of premium models. Upscale appearances and high-class vibes are all a part of the Wagoneer S’s new bag, as is clearly demonstrated by its sleek and cleanly shaped curvaceous profile. Actuating the flush electric door releases reveals the S’s luxuriously appointed interior that carries over from the ICE models. Looking almost identical to its larger lineup siblings, it’s clear that the Wagoneer S isn’t your typical run-of-the-mill Cherokee.

Exterior Dimensions

Driving Impressions And Performance

Because the Wagoneer S is one of Stellantis’ newest models and Jeep’s first-ever EV built on the much-touted STLA Large platform, expectations are high. And after an afternoon of whisking around the San Diego area in nearly pure silence, the Wagoneer S certainly delivers.

Jeep is one of the first, if not the first, automakers to pioneer the concept of building an SUV with a car-based unibody platform. A title it’s held since the original first-generation Grand Cherokee and arguably, prior with Jeep’s former owner, American Motor Company, with the Eagle. And their expertise on the matter clearly shows, with the Wagoneer S exhibiting the sort of expertly tuned ride quality, damping, and handling that’s on par with some of the industry’s best. Not only does the Wagoneer S ride and drive like a thoroughbred luxury crossover SUV.

It tackled the tight and curvy B-roads on the outskirts of Carlsbad like something half its size and weight, completely putting to rest any sort of expectations for the extraordinary heft that battery-electric vehicles are known for. Jeep says the Wagoner S tips the scales at just under 5,700 pounds. But with how deftly it drives and manages itself on the road, you’d never tell. If it was possible to drive the Wagoneer S with blindfolds on, you’d be hard-pressed to know that it’s an EV. That is, until you flex your foot on the go-pedal.

Braking And Acceleration

If you’re sad about missing the boat to getting a Grand Cherokee Trackhawk for its brutal straight-line performance, then you might want to check out the Wagoneer S. Because its 600 horsepower and 617 pound-feet of twist from its dual-motor arrangement is absolutely nothing short of…well, electrifying.

Flick the Selec-Trac system into Sport mode, mash the throttle from the standstill, and the Wagoneer S will light up and smoke its front tires, snap your neck and slingshot you towards the horizon in a seat-sucking 3.4 seconds to 60 MPH. Merging with high-paced Interstate 5 traffic and overtaking on the secondary roads outside Carlsbad was purely instantaneous, even without having to nail the pedal to the floor. With so much intoxicating power on tap, it makes you wonder why Jeep didn’t put an SRT badge on the back.

Shaving off the speed, even with all its inertia, also felt just as effortless, with a nice and firm pedal. The changeover from regenerative braking to friction is also nearly imperceptible.

• Acceleration 0-60 MPH: 3.4 Seconds (Manufacturer)
• Top Speed MPH: 130 MPH (Estimated)

Performance Specifications

Charging Times And Specifications

Interior Design And Comfort

As a Wagoneer model, the S incorporates the same dashboard layout and interior design as its ICE-powered siblings. With a whopping four screens, all of which vary in size from 10.25 to 12.3 inches diagonally, there’s no shortage of LCD real estate. There’s one for the driver display, two for the infotainment and HVAC controls on the center console, and another for the front passenger, who can watch movies while motoring about.

The seats are supremely supportive and comfortably built for long-distance travel. While noise, vibration, and harshness levels are subdued to luxury car standards. Supple damping and suspension also does well to absorb imperfections, even with its 20-inch wheel and all-season Falken tire combo. Overall, the Wagoneer S is a genuinely nice place to spend time when tackling the pavement for any period of time.

Interior Dimensions

Technology And Ease Of Use

Because the Wagoneer S essentially incorporates the same dash layout and Uconnect system as its larger brethren, using the system is just as easy. Uconnect has always maintained a reputation for being ergonomically friendly. And the story remains the same with the Wagoneer S.

All the menus and graphics are very legible with high-definition and detail. Loading and response times are also today quick. And the standard 19-speak McIntosh sound system is divine, if not better in the Wagoneer S than in some of Jeep’s other applications.

However, some might find the lack of physical controls for pertinent HVAC adjustments a miss. Jeep designers did retain a physical knob for radio volume adjustment.

Cargo And Storage Space

Although the Wagoneer S is a crossover SUV, its rear cargo space is slightly compromised by its uniquely shaped trunkline. Its conventional-looking D-pillar makes it look like it has the rear cargo space of any other CUV on the market. But instead, the Wagoneer S sports a more sloping fastback-like trunk door. So cargo space height takes a hit, with 30.6 cubic feet in total behind the second row.

It is smaller than a Tesla Model X’s 37 and Lexus RZ’s 34.9 cubes, but it’s larger than an Audi Q6 e-tron’s 30.2, a Genesis Electrified GV70’s 28.7, and Cadillac Lyriq’s 28 cubes. Fold the second row down and the Wagoneer S’s space more than doubles to 61 cubes, which is also more than the Q6 e-tron’s 60, the GV70’s 56.5, and Lyriq’s 60.8, but less than the RZ’s 55.5. The rear seats are easy to fold down with easily accessible release handles on top of the seatbacks. Though some fellow journalists criticized the Wagoneer S’s lack of quick-release buttons or handles in the trunk area.

Like other EVs, the Wagoneer S also sports a small frunk, measuring at 3.0 cubic-feet, which is also larger than the Q6 e-tron’s 2.7 and the GV70’s 0.77 cubes. The RZ and Lyriq do not have a usable frunk.

2024 Jeep Wagoneer S Vs. Its Competitors

As a premium midsize electric luxury crossover SUV, the Wagoneer S joins the growing club of trailblazing EV SUVs. That said, its competitive pool still remains small. But it’s expected to grow in the years to come. Jeep is launching the Wagoneer S with the Launch Edition, which is just over $72,000 to start. Other, standard models are in the pipeline with cheaper entry prices. That said, the Wagoneer S currently competes with the likes of the Acura ZDX, the Cadillac Lyric, Genesis Electrified GV70, Audi Q6 e-tron, and Lexus RZ.

A Wagoneer For The Times And Beyond

The mainstream EV market from traditional automakers might be off to a rocky start. But the Wagoneer S comes out with guns blazing. It’s handsome, well-made and put together, sublime to drive, and an absolute hoot in the power department. Add its high-class interior and luxurious appointments, and it further proves that Jeep has what it takes to play in the luxury spaces.

With Range Rover Velar vibes and SRT Trackhawk-like performance, the Wagoneer S not only continues showing Jeep capability of reaching new peaks and heights in the premium segment. It also further showcases the STLA Large platform;s portential, previewing what’s in store with the company’s electrification plans moving forward. It won’t be for everyone, as the general EV market has shown. But for those who are looking for another alternative to what’s already out there, the Wagoneer S makes for a very compelling choice in the growing lot of electric vehicles options.