2024 Jeep Wagoneer S: A Solid Step Forward

Strong points
  • Fantastic performance
  • Surprisingly agile
  • Stylish exterior
  • Low energy consumption
Weak points
  • Brake pedal and steering are excessively sensitive
  • Fit and finish could be improved
  • Towing capacity is limited to 3,400 lbs
Full report

Jeep, much like parent company Stellantis, is struggling mightily. Sales fell 20.4 percent in 2024—the sixth consecutive yearly decrease. But get this: the iconic SUV brand plans to invest $3.2 billion in a bid to reposition its vehicle lineup, address build quality issues and ramp up marketing efforts to ultimately increase product appeal.

New models will be key to that plan, too, including the upcoming Recon and Jeep’s first-ever EV in North America, the Wagoneer S. As a global vehicle, the latter features traditional Jeep design cues such as the seven-slot grille and the long D-pillars that go all the way back to the original SJ Grand Wagoneer.

Photo: Dominic Boucher

On the other hand, the Wagoneer S lacks the necessary ground clearance and off-road capability that Jeeps are renowned for. It’s more of a luxury SUV with plenty of bells and whistles that happens to bear signature Jeep styling.

Launch Edition

Just a few days ago, The Car Guide headed to San Diego, California to discover the new 2024 Jeep Wagoneer S Launch Edition, which is the top-of-the-line model priced from $88,995 (MSRP) in Canada.

Photo: Dominic Boucher

CEO Antonio Filosa told us they’re working on getting the 2025 models ready for consumers. Details about them will be announced at the Chicago Auto Show (Feb. 8-17, 2025), including launch timing. Production has already started, by the way.  

Screens Everywhere

Inside the cabin, designers essentially took the dashboard from the Grand Wagoneer, scaled it down and adapted it for the Wagoneer S. The interface is attractive, with recycled aluminum inserts on the doors and between the various screens. Fit and finish is good overall, although we did notice a few minor imperfections. For example, some of the trim on the steering wheel was starting to peel off. Also, the handle that opens the compartment under the hood was hanging in the air. Hopefully the 2025 models will fix this.

Photo: Dominic Boucher

As far as comfort is concerned, the seats are firm and provide minimal support. Space in the rear is generous, except maybe when it comes to headroom due to the sloping roof. Anyone over six feet tall is likely to complain. An electronic latch system controls the doors, but while the front ones have a manual lever in case the system fails, the rear ones don’t. Should the vehicle not start for some reason, Jeep assured us that the compensators behind the door buttons can store enough energy to last three days.

There's no shortage of convenience features in the Wagoneer S. How about 45+ inches of digital real estate? That’s what you get when you combine the 12.3-inch instrument cluster and centre touchscreen with the 10.25-inch passenger-side display and HVAC control panel.  

All of them prove user-friendly, with the infotainment system using Uconnect 5 technology. TomTom navigation is included and does a fine job but is no substitute for Google Maps. Many journalists at the drive event reported about the nav system disconnecting occasionally during trips. Jeep’s explanation was that the nearby mountains interfered with the satellite connection. Incidentally, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard along with wireless smartphone charging.

Photo: Dominic Boucher

Love music? The 1,200-watt McIntosh audio system features 19 speakers and a 12-inch subwoofer. Highs and mids are generally clear. Alas, bass could be better defined.

On a practical note, the capacious trunk includes underfloor storage, but the frunk is smaller than that of most competitors and thus can only accommodate small items. Or two pizza boxes—fun fact. Roof rails are missing, which has something to do with aerodynamics and range. Look for Mopar to launch aftermarket rails at some point down the line. Disappointingly, too, maximum towing capacity is rated at just 3,400 lbs.

Photo: Dominic Boucher

The Quickest Jeep Ever

Believe it or not, the new Jeep Wagoneer S accelerates faster than the supercharged V8-powered Grand Cherokee Trackhawk, going from 0-60 mph (0-97 km/h) in 3.4 seconds. Its two electric motors deliver a combined 600 hp and 617 lb-ft of torque. Take-offs are swift, although the Falken tires tend to squeal under the weight (over 2.5 tons) of the battery-equipped midsize SUV.

Photo: Dominic Boucher

We barely felt an ounce of body roll in corners, mind you. The Wagoneer S is a surprisingly dynamic handler. On the flip side, the brake pedal and steering are excessively sensitive and therefore difficult to modulate, resulting in jerky and erratic driving at times. Sport mode makes it even worse as full power is delivered in an instant. This is one of the rare times where we recommend driving a vehicle in Eco mode, which delivers power more progressively.

Visibility is generally good, but limited at the rear due to the imposing size of the D-pillars and the sharp, car-like angle of the rear window devoid of a wiper. Fortunately, a camera positioned in the middle of the rear spoiler comes to the rescue by feeding an image to the digital rear-view mirror. What’s more, blind spots are displayed on the centre screen whenever a turn signal is activated. The only problem with that, of course, is when you want to turn left.

Photo: Dominic Boucher

Off-road capability is limited by the 6.4 inches (162 mm) of ground clearance. Selec-Terrain allows you to switch between the various drive modes, such as Sand and Snow, which we didn’t have the opportunity to test. Last but not least, adaptive cruise control operates smoothly in terms of speed and steering adjustments.

What About Range?

The Wagoneer S is based on the STLA Large platform, which houses a 100kWh battery. Its 400V architecture enables it to charge from 20-80 percent in 23 minutes, with a max DC power output of 203 kW. Regenerative braking can be adjusted, even allowing one-pedal driving—at least in theory. In our experience, the vehicle sometimes would not come to a complete stop.

Photo: Dominic Boucher

In San Diego, with temperatures hovering around 19 degrees Celsius, real-world range was fairly impressive. Our tester achieved energy consumption of 18.4 kWh/100 km through 193 km of mixed driving. In other words, travelling over 500 km with a full battery charge would have been possible. For the record, the official range estimate by Natural Resources Canada is 488 km with the standard Falken tires or 435 km with the optional Pirelli tires.

Our Verdict

Jeep’s foray into the EV segment is only beginning, but the new Wagoneer S shows great potential and must be taken seriously by competitors. It certainly has the technology to become a leader. On the other hand, driving dynamics, refinement and fit and finish are not on the same level as the best electric SUVs out there. Jeep still has work to do, but it’s off to a solid start.

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